San Francisco County
Biographies
WILLIAM H. PORTER
WILLIAM H. PORTER was a prominent business man and an
honored citizen of San Francisco
for thirty nine years. His ancestors were from the Southern States, and
from them he inherited a high sense of honor, which was one of his leading
characteristics. He was born in the State of Maryland
in 1832, and received his education in the public schools of Philadelphia. After
leaving school he went to sea and led a sailor’s life for several
years. He finally came back to the land and learned the carpenter and
joiner’s trade. In 1852 he was caught in the tide of western emigration
and came to California, where he
followed his calling for a number of years.
In
1870 he formed a partnership with George A. Lockhart and took up the business
of undertaking and embalming. In this vocation he achieved marked
distinction, and gained a wide popularity as a leader in the profession. In
the process of embalming he made some advance which was recognized not only in
this country but by scientific men in Paris. Possessed
of that gentle tact and ready sympathy which wins lasting friends,
he was greatly beloved by thousands of patrons to whom he had ministered.
Mr.
Porter was married in 1870 to Miss Margaret C. Castle, a member of one of the
prominent families of San Jose. One
child has been born of this union, H. C. Porter. Mr. Porter was an honored
member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery; also to the I.O.O.F., the Druids, the
Foresters, Chosen Friends, Good Templars, the A. O.
U. W., and the Knights of Pythias. He was one of
the oldest members of the Howard Street Methodist Episcopal Church, but did not confine his labors to his own
denomination. In 1880 Mr. Lockhart retired from the firm, and Mr. Porter
succeeded to the business, which he continued to the time of his death, which
occurred after a brief illness, February 3, 1891. He was deeply mourned by
a wide circle of acquaintances. H. C. Porter, the surviving son, succeeded
to the business of his father, having been associated with him since leaving
school. He was born in San Francisco,
January 26, 1870 and was reared and educated there. He is a young man of
good business ability, and although he has had a short practical experience, he
bids fair to sustain the reputation so well established by his late lamented
father.
Transcribed 7-7-06
Marilyn R. Pankey.
Source: "The Bay of San
Francisco," Vol. 2, Page
421, Lewis Publishing Co,
1892.
©
2006 Marilyn R. Pankey.
California Biography Project
San Francisco County
California Statewide
Golden Nugget Library