INTRODUCTION: James Gordon was born at Manar in 1812. He was educated at Marischal College, Aberdeen, and lived chiefly among his tenants, as a successful farmer with a keen interest in agriculture. He was conservative in his politics and suffered from a weak state of health for many years after succeeding to the estate (indeed, for this reason he retired to Madeira for two years between 1842 and 1844).

FAMILY LIFE: In 1836 he married Elizabeth Lumsden (eldest daughter of Henry Lumsden of Clova and Auchindoir). Once again, the family endured considerable private sadness. Their eldest son Hugh (1838-1858) was killed after the seige of Lucknow. Their next son James (1843-1860) died at the age of 17. Another son died the year after he was born. Their eldest daughter Catherine (born in 1837) died at the age of 11. The next daughter, Elizabeth, died at the age of 16. However, three remaining daughters lived to great old age. Anne and Alice ended their days at Midmar Castle, both dying in 1942 (when Anne was 96). They are still remembered by the family for the Christmas presents they sent each year. The only surviving son (and heir) in the family was Henry Gordon (1848-1928).

DEATH: James Gordon of Manar died at Manar, where he had been born and lived through his life, on 17th June 1874. He was 61. Like most of his family, he was laid to rest at the Polnair Burial Ground, retained by the Gordon family in perpetuity. His wife Elizabeth lived to be 95, finally dying at Midmar Castle in 1911, before she too was buried at Polnair.