Joseph B. Gordon

Few men owe their success more to their own efforts than Joseph B. Gordon, junior member of the law firm of Kirkbride & Gordon of San Mateo. His path was not strewn with roses. It was one over which only sheer pluck, courage and perserverance can take the traveler. 

Mr. Gordon had had only a high school education when he aspired to be a lawyer. After preliminary study he became a law clerk with Mr. Charles N. Kirkbride in 1904. While so engaged Mr. Gordon took a four year law course at the San Francisco Law School. Before its completion he was elected city clerk of San Mateo. Still ambitious to acquire a more profound knowledge in his chosen profession, Mr. Gordon enrolled for post graduate work, so for years we find him filling the position of city clerk in a splendid way, acting as law clerk in Mr. Kirkbride’s office and attending law school at night. After completing his law study, he was admitted to the bar and in 1912 with Mr. Charles N. Kirkbride formed the law firm of Kirkbride & Gordon. 

In spite of the demand that Mr. Gordon’s large practice makes on his time, he interests himself in all public movements. He is an active member of the San Mateo Chamber of Commerce and the San Mateo County Development Association. He also belongs to the Elks, the Masons and the Native Sons. 

Joseph B Gordon was born in San Jose, California, July 12, 1887. His parents removed to Santa Cruz County and engaged in ranching. Mr. Gordon received his early education in the schools of that county. Mr. Gordon was married in Watsonville, on July 18, 1914.