William L. Porter, p. 942

WILLIAM L. PORTER, now retired from active business, is one of the representative men of West Alexander. His grandfather, William Porter, was born and reared in eastern Pennsylvania, and was there married to Mary Lawson, who bore him children as follows: John, William, Mary, Thomas, James, Margaret and Elizabeth. Some time after his marriage Mr. Porter and his family started on the tedious journey to Washington county, Penn., and after several weeks arrived in West Finley township. He purchased and settled on a tract of 225 acres of uncultivated land. Neighbors were few in those days, and the Indians were ofttimes troublesome, but the brave pioneers struggled on until success crowned their efforts. Politically, Mr. Porter was a Whig, and in religion a member of the Seceder Church. He was an energetic man, and took an active interest in the improvement of the vicinity. He and his wife died on the old farm.

Thomas Porter was born in 1789, in West Finley township, Washington county, on the home farm, where he received his education. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of John Neal, of Carlisle, Penn., and they made a permanent home in West Finley township, where the following children were born to them and reared: William L. (subject of our sketch), Mary, John, Thomas, Angeline and Elizabeth. Mr. Porter was a farmer, also conducted a blacksmith shop, employing four men, and he made a success in both vocations. He was an active politician in the Democratic party, and in religion was a member and liberal supporter of the Associate Reformed Church.

William L. Porter was born January 9, 1818, near Pittsburgh, Penn., and worked on the farm, during his boyhood days, receiving a subscription-school education. He was married January 8, 1839, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Kimmons, who bore him four children: Joseph B., M. J. (Mrs. A. J. Post), Harriet A. (Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer) and Lewis. The mother of these children died May 4, 1861, and Mr. Porter was afterward married on February 26, 1863, to Mrs. Elizabeth White. He passed the first twelve years of married life on his father's farm, and then purchased a place east of West Alexander, where he resided twenty-six years. He then sold out, and clerked eight years in a general store at West Alexander. He afterward commenced business for himself, and having won the esteem and confidence of the community, was very successful in this venture. In 1883 ill health compelled him to retire from business, but he is still an active man. Mr. Porter is a very popular citizen, and has many friends, who rejoice with him in the success which he has so well earned. Politically he has always been an active member of the Democratic party, but has never accepted office. In religious connection he is the oldest member of the U. P. Church, with which he is connected, and to which he is a liberal contributor. He is a member of the Session, and has ever been a zealous worker in the cause, encouraging all progressive movements. Since the present edifice has been erected, Mr. Porter has twice served as treasurer, and has taken an active part in the upbuilding of the Society.

Text taken from page 942 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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