Biographies
HENRY S. PORTER
HENRY S. PORTER--An honest, worthy and venerable pioneer of Sacramento
County is found in the person of Henry S. Porter, whose residence in the county
dates from 1859, where he followed farming until a few years before his death
on March 31, 1916, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He was born in
County Cavan, Ireland, on October 15, 1831, of
Scottish ancestry. At the age of seventeen he left his native land for the New
World, and after arriving in New York engaged in business there for nine years.
The marriage of Mr. Porter occurred on
October 14, 1857, uniting him with Miss Amelia Brown, also a native of County Cavan, Ireland. Mrs. Porter remained in Ireland until she
reached young womanhood, when she accompanied her sister to America and for
nine years resided in New York, where she practiced her profession as a nurse.
She was still engaged in her chosen vocation when she was married to Mr.
Porter. Soon after their marriage they started to California via Panama, and on
November 18, 1857, arrived in San Francisco. They remained but a short time in
the Bay City, soon setting out to seek a suitable place for their permanent
home. They located on a farm near Folsom, and there they lived for almost half
a century. Eight children were born to this worthy pioneer couple; and of these
three are living: Henry G., residing in San Francisco; Mary J., the wife of E.
C. Bedell, a well-known orchardist
of Placer County, Cal.; and Robert, residing in Roseville, Cal. Five are
deceased: William, Arthur, Ann F., Charles, and Joseph. There are five granchildren and one great-grandchild. For a number of
years Mr. Porter served as a trustee of the Sylvan School District. He was
independent in his political affiliations. Both he and his wife were formerly members
of the Roseville Grange, and he also was a member of the Roseville Lodge, No.
203, I. O. O. F., in which he had filled many of the important offices.
Mrs. Porter passed away on May 23, 1918, in San Francisco, being more than
eighty-nine years old. Mr. Porter was identified with all public enterprises to
the limit of his time and strength, and was ever ready to lend a helping hand
to anyone in need.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Reed, G.
Walter, History of Sacramento County,
California With Biographical Sketches, Pages 287-288. Historic Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.