BIO: Samuel PORTER, Huntingdon County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ********************************************************** __________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, pages 223-224. __________________________________________________________________ SAMUEL PORTER, Petersburg, Huntingdon county, Pa., was born in Logan township, at that time included in West township, March 24, 1830. He is a son of James and Susan (Borst) Porter. William Porter, his grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania, of Irish and Scotch parentage. In 1765 he bought the farm originally owned by William Maclay, whose deed for the land was signed by William Penn. It was a tract of 220 acres, which Mr. Porter cleared, and on which he built a log house and barn, and resided there until his death. He belonged to the Democratic party. William Porter married in Logan township, and had seven children: Joseph; John; William; James; Rebecca; Nancy; and one whose name has not been preserved. His eldest son, Joseph, and probably also the second, John, took part in the war of 1812. Both grandparents died on the homestead. They were Presbyterians. James Porter, their son, and his father's helper on the farm, was a pupil in the old log school- house nearby, where he learned thoroughly and well the foundation branches of education, reading and writing. After acquiring a good knowledge of farming processes on the homestead, he undertook the cultivation of 50 acres on his own account. He had besides 30 acres of timber land, on which he built a house and a barn. In 1843 he sold out these properties and bought the homestead of 220 acres, the place on which he was born, and on which his son Samuel now resides. Here he erected farm buildings and made other improvements, and devoted the remained of his life to farming and raising stock in that place. James Porter adhered to the Democratic party. He was actively interested in township business. He strongly advocated the introduction of the free school system, and did everything in his power to promote the cause of education. Mr. Porter was a man of large figure, strong and an efficient worker. He had many friends in the township. He was married in West township to Susan, daughter of Bernhart Borst, a German by birth, who settled in West township, in the latter part of the eighteenth century. The children of this marriage are: Mary, deceased, wife of William Stewart, of Logan township; William Y., deceased, resided in Illinois; Jacob, carpenter and farmer, deceased; Sarah, deceased, wife of Jesse Henry, carpenter; Susanna, second wife, and now widow of Jesse Henry; James, deceased; George, deceased; Jane, deceased, wife of Daniel Longenecker, and Samuel. Mrs. Porter died on the homestead in May, 1859, and her husband in February, 1862. Mr. Porter was an elder in the Presbyterian church, always interested in church matters, and ready for any service in his power. Samuel Porter attended the Johnson school, the first public school established in Logan township. He attended during the winter sessions, and learned farming by diligent practice during the summer. For any deficiency in his opportunities for education, he has very largely made up by his own study and reading. He has given his life to the all- important work of tilling the ground. At twenty-two years of age, he rented a farm of 50 acres, to which he removed from the homestead, and which he cultivated for eight years. Then, after spending two more years on the homestead, Mr. Porter, in connection with his brother James, bought a farm of 131 acres, which they improved and cultivated it for fourteen years. During this time, James Porter died, and Samuel Porter relinquished the farm to his brother's children. He now bought the homestead which had been in the Porter family for 131 years, built upon it a pleasant and convenient dwelling, costing about $1,200, and otherwise improved the place. Mr. Porter has given especial attention to the breeding of superior blooded horses and cattle. His politics are Democratic. He has been assessor, supervisor and judge of election for Logan township. For three years he was a school director. He is a friend of the compulsory education law. Samuel Porter was married in September, 1862, in West township, to Peninnah M., daughter of Robert and Hannah (Spencer) Armstrong. Mrs. Porter was born in West township, October 19, 1835; her father is a farmer, and both parents are of Irish descent. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Porter is William M., born September 15, 1863. He was educated in the common schools and at the State College, Centre county, Pa., from which he graduated in civil engineering. In 1888 he assisted in laying out the railroad on Pike's Peak. He is now in Colorado. Samuel Porter is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is on its board of trustees. He is a man of influence, and is genial and companionable.