West Family Tree

Back to the Beginning

This collage features Jacob James Gordon, pictured holding his son, John Henry Gordon, in October 1864, as well as death notices for him and his wife from 1903 and 1904, respectively. Photo by Amanda Jacobson
Reunion to celebrate family that dates back to city’s origins
By Amanda Jacobson
Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, July 16, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — Pat Kubik’s family has been here since the beginning – literally.

Going back in time nine generations, she tracked her family’s lineage to the origins of Michigan City in the 1800s.

To promote the rich history and story behind her family, Kubik on July 24 plans to unite her family’s more than 100 living members at Red Mill County Park for a meet-and-greet and reunion.

The parcel of land that formed Michigan City, by the way, was purchased in 1830, 14 years before Indiana declared itself a state.

Kubik’s great-great-great grandparents came to Michigan City in 1834, when they were married. Their marriage was the second performed in Michigan City.

James Gordon was born in South Carolina in 1804 and married Sarah Anne Quick on Nov. 27, 1834. At the time they were married, only three log cabins existed in Michigan City. They had four children, including Jacob James Gordon – Kubik’s great-great-grandfather – born in 1839.

Jacob James enlisted in the army in September 1861 and fought in Indiana’s “Bloody Ninth” infantry during the Civil War. His brother, Galatia Gordon, fought alongside him in the Civil War. Both their names now appear on the Civil War monument in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Galatia’s family started the first Salvation Army band in Michigan City, and his brother’s family worked for Pullman-Standard, the large boxcar manufacturer with locations in Northwest Indiana during the 1870s.

Kubik said most of her family has now spread to Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin, so getting together the distant, extended family was difficult. But she hopes to meet them all later this month.