Thanks for these further suggestions, Gaffy, & Elwyn Soutter, I think, My John Gordon (1791 - 1837) was a weaver and turned Tailor on moving to Newtownards. When? Well his eldest son James Gordon (1813- 1891) was a successful tailor in Newtownards and paid for a headstone for the family grave at Molvilla Cemetery. (see inscription below)
I am still trying to establish when John moved to Newtownards and more about his early life. His other sons also were tailors Arthur Gordon (1819 -1872) moving to Liverpool around 1849 & William Gordon (1815 -1891) moving to Preston, Lancs. around 1855.
Where would 3 sons learn this trade in the early 1800's ? Working in Fathers Tailors shop, perhaps, and then moving away when qualified?
This search has hit the proverbial brick wall and I have no certain knowledge of where my Gordon's lived in the early 1800's
Any help, would be most appreciated......Thank you
Headstone Inscription:
Erected by JAMES GORDON, Tailor, of Newtownards In Memory of his Father JOHN GORDON who died 25th Sept. 1837 Aged 49 years. Also his Mother SARAH GORDON who died 22nd April 1847 Aged 53 years. Also his Son ROBERT JOHN, who died 23rd July 1849 Aged 2 years. Also his Son JOHN McKITTRICK, who died April 28th 1859 Aged 2 years. Also his son ANDREW STRATTON GORDON who died January 23rd 1870 Aged 27 years. Also the above named JAMES GORDON who died 5th May 1891 Aged 78 years. Also ELIZABETH STRATTON, wife of the above named JAMES GORDON, who died 30th August 1894 aged 76 years. Also his son CHARLES NELSON GORDON who died in New York, U.S.A. 15th April 1890 aged 40 years.