STEUBEN REPUBLICAN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. 1902, page 1, column 6

REV. JOSEPH PORTER, 26 May 1819 - 11 Sep 1902

   Joseph Porter was born in Summit county, Ohio, May 26, 1819, and died a 
the home of his son James in Metz, Sept. 11, 1902, aged 83 years, 3 months 
and 16 days.
   In 1839 deceased was married to Huldah Buck, who died Dec. 27, 1869.  
They were the parents of nine children, four of whom, Samuel, Riley, John 
and James, survive him.  In 1874, he was married to Mrs. Amanda Bridge, 
who died Sept. 18, 1885, and in the year 1888, he was again married to 
Mrs. Mary Stacher, who departed this life Dec. 21, 1897, since which time 
he has lived with his children.
   His early life was spent in Medina county, Ohio, where on Jan. 2, 1844, 
he was licensed to preach in the M. E. church.  Later he united with the 
U. B. church, and for thirty-two years has been a member of the North Ohio 
conference.  In Nov. 1861, he enlisted as a private in Co. G, 68th O. V. 
I., where he served until Aug. 1863, when he was appointed chaplain of the 
61st U. S. colored infantry, in which capacity he served until he was 
mustered out in Dec. 1865, making four years and two months continuous 
service. One of the sad duties he was called on to perform while in field, 
camp and hospital was writing letters to the friends of the sick and dead, 
and among his papers are many touching extracts in answer to such letters.
   No man in Steuben county was ever more highly honored and respected 
than Father Porter, whose life has been a benediction and inspiration to 
hundreds of people.  For many years he has been closely identified with 
the Sunday school work in our county, and was known and spoken of by the 
children, as well as older people, as a good and noble man.  In spite of 
the years that counted him old, he was young in spirit and strong in 
mental vigor.  A worthy man in Israel has fallen.  May God perpetuate his 
example.
   Funeral services were held in the U. B. church in Metz, Saturday, Sept. 
18, by Rev. G. W. Crawford, assisted by Rev's. Clark, Young and Ritter.
(Picture included with obituary)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

   Joseph Porter, 26 May 1819 - 11 Sep 1902, married Huldah (Buck) Porter, 
03 Sep 1816 - 27 Dec 1869.
CHILDREN:
   Samuel D. Porter, 16 Apr 1843 - 1906, on 26 Nov 1863, married Mary Jane 
(Judd) Porter, 06 Apr 1841 - 1902, daughter of Elihu and Eliza Ann Judd.  
Samuel and Mary Jane are buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Steuben County, 
Indiana.
   John W. Porter, 08 Mar 1855 (1854 in History) - 1933, on 05 Oct 1879, 
married Josephine (Wood) Porter, 16 Mar 1856 - 1933.  They are buried at 
Circle Hill Cemetery, Angola, Steuben County, Indiana.
   James W. Porter, 1858 - 1935, married Sarah Medora (Smith) Porter, 1857 
- 1931.  They are buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Steuben County, 
Indiana.
   C_rdyn Porter, died 06 Jan 186_, age 5 years, 3 months, __ days.
Joseph married 2nd on 27 Feb 1873 in Henry, Ohio, Amanda (_______) Bridge 
Porter.  She is buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
   Joseph married 3rd in 1888, Mary S. (_______) Stecher/Stacher, 28 Dec 
1826 - 21 Dec 1897.  She is buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Steuben County, 
Indiana, with her 1st husband, Eli Stecher, who died 22 Apr 1872 at the age 
of 47 years, 11 months and 17 days.
Submitted by:  Mona Hilden-Beckwith
e-mail:  hilbeck123@att.net