Gorton Family Genealogy & History

Sir John Grey Gorton was a prominent Australian politician, serving as the 19th Prime Minister from 1968 to 1971. He was a key figure in the Liberal Party of Australia, known for his roles in the Senate and as a fighter pilot in WWII. Gorton was the only senator to become Prime Minister, later moving to the House of Representatives. His government maintained Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War while supporting the Australian film industry. Despite some controversies, Gorton made significant strides in drug decriminalization and LGBT rights, though his style often alienated colleagues, and his political journey was marked by shifts from hard right to more progressive stances.

John Grey Gorton was born out of wedlock to Alice Sinn and John Rose Gorton. He was the second child in the family, having an older sister named Ruth. Gorton's birth details are somewhat inconsistent, with records showing him born on 9 September 1911, noted in both Wellington, New Zealand, and Prahran, Victoria, Australia, under the incorrect name "John Alga Gordon." His early life was marked by turbulence, which may have influenced his resilient and individualistic political career.

Jeff Gorton, born June 6, 1968, is a renowned American ice hockey executive, currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL. He has held significant roles, including general manager of the New York Rangers (2015–2021) and interim GM of the Boston Bruins (2005–2006). Gorton's notable achievements include orchestrating the 2006 NHL Entry Draft that brought Phil Kessel, Milan Lucic, and Brad Marchand to the Bruins and trading for Tuukka Rask, who later became a Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender. His career is marked by strategic trades and signings, such as acquiring star defenseman Zdeno Chára.

Gorton was born and raised in Melrose, Massachusetts. He resides in Montreal, Quebec, and Somers, New York, with his wife, Cyndi, and their two sons.

Slade Gorton was a prominent American lawyer and Republican politician from Washington State, known for his tenure as a U.S. Senator from 1981 to 1987 and 1989 to 2001. He played a significant role in legal and political circles, especially noted for his efforts to retain Major League Baseball in Seattle by securing the Mariners' franchise. Gorton was recognized for his moderate-conservative voting record and was a part of the influential Senate Armed Services Committee. He also served on the 9/11 Commission, contributing to national security discussions.

Born in Chicago in 1928, Gorton hailed from a family with a rich heritage in the fish supply business. His father, Thomas Slade Gorton, Jr., was descended from the founders of Gorton's of Gloucester and established Slade Gorton & Co. His younger brother, Nathaniel M. Gorton, served as a judge in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Jeffrey Wayne Gorton, born on November 1, 1962, is a notorious American criminal known for his heinous acts of murder and rape. In 2002, he was convicted for the brutal rape and murder of Nancy Ludwig, a flight attendant, at a Hilton hotel in Romulus, Michigan, in 1991. Gorton also pleaded no contest to the rape and murder of Margarette Eby, a professor and provost at the University of Michigan–Flint, in 1986. The connection between these crimes was established through forensic evidence, including DNA and fingerprints, leading to Gorton's life imprisonment without parole. His crimes were featured in television series like Forensic Files and Investigation Discovery's Your Worst Nightmare, highlighting his infamy.