Born near Boston in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Gordon graduated from Harvard College in 1779, studied law with Joshua Atherton, admitted to the bar in 1787 and commenced practice in Amherst, New Hampshire.
[1] Gordon was appointed register of probate in 1793 and was a member of the New Hampshire Senate for the seventh district in 1794 and 1795.
He was one of the impeachment managers appointed by the House of Representatives in 1798 to conduct the impeachment proceedings against William Blount, a United States Senator from Tennessee.
He resigned to accept the office of New Hampshire Attorney General, which he held until his death.
Gordon died in Boston on May 8, 1802 (age 39 years, 26 days).