My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM T. PORTER is a merchant and farmer of Maury County, Tenn., and was born in Williamsport in 1836, son of Dr. Samuel and Catherine (Todd) Porter, born in South Carolina and Virginia, respectively. The father was a successful practitioner of Williamsport for forty years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in 1873. His widow draws a pension from the Government in compensation for his services. William T. was a school teacher for thirteen years, and was married, September 11, 1866, to Mary Jane Russell, daughter of M. M. Russell, a prominent citizen of the county. Eight sons were born to them: Otey J., Madison R., Samuel S., Walter J., Hugh V., Joseph. F., Henry A. and one deceased. In 1862 Mr. Porter enlisted in Company C, Ninth Battalion Tennessee Cavalry. He served as hospital steward for four months previous to his enlistment, and soon after that time was made quartermaster-sergeant, and served in this capacity throughout the war. Mr. Porter is a warm Democrat, and has represented his county two years in the State Legislature, and while there introduced a bill to repeal the corporation charter of Williamsport. His motive was to banish whisky from the town. The bill was hotly contested by both sides, but was passed. Mr. Porter is a Mason of the third degree, and he and wife are worthy members of the Methodist Church.