Nathaniel was the son of Capt. Francis "Frank" and Sarah "Sally" Carson Porter. He married twice first to Martha "Patsy" Ann Chapman, October 1826, daughter of Alexander and Ann Dixon Champman they had two children: Francis A. and Sarah Ann. Second he married Sarah Elizabeth Helm, February 10, 1836, daughter of Moses and Nancy Owen Helm, they had nine children: Mary Thomas, John Marion, Infant Porter, Nancy Virginia, James Avlette, Martha Culllie, Elizabeth Margaret Alice, Nathaniel Anthony, and William Edward. See also, http://www.cumberland.org/hfcpc/minister/PorterN.htm

My own dear father Rev. Nathaniel PORTER was born in Prince Edward County Virginia, February 8th. A.D. 1797. His father removed from that County to Kentucky about the year 1800, and settled on the waters of Little Muddy Creek, as I have said on page --, the same place on which my brother Frank lives, at this date, 1872. Here my father was raised, and here he grew to manhood. My information is that my grand father's family and perhaps most, if not all the connections were in their religious views, Presbyterians. My grand father and grand mother Porter were both members of that Church. About the time of my father's arrival at mature years the great revival of religion called the revival of 1800 was sweeping over the Western Country--Kentucky and Tennessee being then Western States truly; for beyond them in the West emigration had not gone to any extent. This revival although begun perhaps in 1800 continued for some years. In the year 1810 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church took its origin and my grand father's family favored that Church, but did not, I think, unite with it for prudential reasons likely, which cannot now be known.

They, the second generation, however were friendly to the revival party and my information is several of their children professed religion, and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church -- Pa was one of the number, he having professed religion at Mount Moriah Church in Logan Co. Kentucky in the year 1819, under the preaching of Rev. Robert Donnell. In the year 1820 he preached himself under care of Logan Presbytery, as a Candidate for the Ministry. This was at Red River Church in Logan County Kentucky. He was licensed to preach at Little Muddy in 1823, and ordained at the same place in 1829. Thus it will be seen he was more than fifty years a minister of the gospel of the Son of God.

About the year 1844, Pa began mechanizing at his residence, Sugar Grove. This is about as far back as I can remember. He caused to be built in his yard, a store house, which still stands and for a long time, till 1856 sold goods in it, and was successful at the business. In 1855 and 1856 he built a new dwelling at Sugar Grove, and about the same time he in connection with brother Frank and Uncle Owen Helm, built the new store house, at a cost I think of about $1,800. They did business together for some years, until the war came on. After the war had begun, they were unable, on account of being Southern in their sentiments to obtain goods by purchase, in as much as most merchants before being allowed to buy goods were required to make proof of loyalty and obtain permits to do so. After the war was over, goods were sold at Sugar Grove either by Pa. alone or by a firm of which he was a member, up to his death.

His ministry began as I have said in the year 1820, and continued to the close of his life in 1871, for more than fifty years. The first years of his ministry were devoted to a great extent to riding, what was called a "Circuit". This work embraced several counties, such as Ohio, Daviess, Breckenridge, Grayson, Hancock, and others bordering on the Ohio river. He also preached extensively in the counties of upper Green River. He was for a long time the stated preacher at Little Muddy, Old Union in Warren County, Concord, Harmony, Red River Logan Co., Mt. Olivet, Morgantown, Point Pleasant, and perhaps other churches at different times, and we have reason to believe, and know that his labors resulted in great good to the Honor and glory of God. His preaching contained the purity of the Gospel delivered in its simplicity such a gospel as reached the Wants of the people. Some "diarys" kept by him during the early years of his ministry are very interesting, containing the text from which he preached, and in some instances an epitome of his sermons.

My father was punctual in attending the Judications of the Church, such as Presbyteries, Synods, and upon several occasions the General Assembly.--- Sometimes as a delegate from Logan Presbytery, and sometimes as a mere visitor. He loved the Church meetings.

He attended the meeting of Logan Presbytery at Pleasant Hill Warren County, Kentucky in August 1871, and went home unwell. He was soon after taken seriously sick, and died on Monday morning October 9th. 1871, about 10 o'clock. He died of inflammation of the stomach and bowels. He suffered a great deal in his sickness, yet bore it with Christian fortitude, and died in possession of his faculties unimpaired, almost Seventy-five years old. There never was a better father, nor better man and Christian. He was medium stature, about 5 feet 10 inches high. And weighed 130 pounds when in health. He was Kind to his servants, to the poor and suffering, and to all. He was successful in business, and but for his liberality would have been in possession of a handsome estate. He left what is far better than worldly wealth, namely a good name. He owned a large body of land embracing near 1200 acres at and around Sugar Grove, the name given by himself to his homestead many years before his death.

[Source: "The History of Our Family Connection", John M Porter, (Capt., CSA) 1872]