He went to California in 1856 and then moved to the Colony of Vancouver Island in 1858, where he established himself as a professional architect and builder in Nanaimo.

He served as "government" member, supporting Premier George Anthony Walkem.

[1] Gordon ran as a Liberal-Conservative candidate in the federal election just two months following his provincial defeat in 1878.

He was unable to unseat incumbent Liberal Arthur Bunster in the Vancouver (Island) district.

[2] Gordon was married twice: to Emma Elizabeth Robb in 1864 and to Statira Catherine Shepard in 1886.