HISTORY: "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY," Vol. I. Brant & Fuller, 1890.
JOHN PORTER, one of the most substantial and energetic business men of New Cumberland, W. Va., was born at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, August 7, 1838. His father, Moses Porter, was born in Ireland, and came to America when about fifteen years of age. He resided in Wheeling, W. Va., and at different places in Pennsylvania, and followed the business of manufacturing brick. In about 1836, he came to Hancock county, W. Va., and began the manufacture of fire-brick, which he continued until his death, in March, 1845. Mr. Porter's mother is still living, at New Cumberland. After the death of his father Mr. Porter made his home with his uncle, James Porter. He received his education in the common schools of Hancock county, and obtained the greater part of his instruction in the old time log school houses. He was married in 1869 to Carrie A. Mahan, who was born in this county, daughter of John L. and Barbara (Brenneman) Mahan, the former of whom was born in Baltimore, Md., September 17, 1814 and came to this county about the year 1830, and has since been one of the prominent citizens, and is a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Porter's mother is a granddaughter of Jacob Nessley, one of the earliest settlers of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Porter are the parents of six children, of whom Lea Virginia, Frederick G., James B. and Jacob Nessley are living, and John C. and William K. are dead. He and family are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. Porter is an ardent republican, but his extensive business interests have occupied his attention to such an extent that he has had but little time to devote to politics. Although Mr. Porter was left when young to make his own way in the world, he is now one of the leading manufacturers of the upper Ohio valley. His first work for himself was keel boating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, carrying the products of the fire-clay industries of this section to western and southern markets. He soon became interested in the manufacture of fire-brick, and in 1859 became part owner of a fleet of keel boats, and as his business increased, the keel boats were replaced by tow boats, several of which he owned and operated for a number of years. Since 1881 Mr. Porter has devoted his entire attention to manufacturing. He is now sole owner of the Aetna, Eagle and Union Fire-brick works of this place, and is largely interested in the Sligo, Clifton and Enterprise Brick works, and the Black Horse Sewer-Pipe Terra Cotta works. Besides this he is the principal owner of the Chelsea Iron Stone China and Decorated Ware works, which was recently constructed, and cost more than $100,000. One year ago where this magnificient building now stands was a weed patch, and the rapidity with which this gigantic enterprise was completed and put into operation, illustrates the energy with which Mr. Porter goes into any enterprise. The entire building is constructed of fire-brick, over 1,500,000 having been used. For the foundation 2, 200 perches of stone were required. The lower walls are eighteen inches and the upper walls thirteen inches thick. Eight kilns sixteen and one-half feet in diameter and fifty feet high are completed. The power is furnished by a 130 horse power Corliss engine. The building contains eighteen different departments, in each of which different parts of the work is done. It covers a full acre of ground, contains 620 windows, and the ventilation is as nearly perfect as possible. Although the works have been in operation but a short time, they are turning out ware of a superior quality and everything indicates a prosperous future for the Chelsea China Company. Most men who succed as well in business as Mr. Porter has done are somewhat too conscious of the fact, but he is as modest and unassuming as he is energetic and successful and the greater part of the facts in this sketch were obtained from his neighbors and friends. The following from the Hancock county Independent shows the estimation in which he is held by those who know him best, and proves also that he is ever ready to do what he can for the good of his country: "The citizens of New Cumberland and the manufacturers along the river are indebted to John Porter more than any one else for the completion of the railroad to this place. His untiring energy and push have secured to the people the services of a road that would not have been built, to say the least, for some years to come. There were great discouragements in the way, but Mr. Porter, having determined to get the road, never looked back, and the New Cumberland branch is here today, a monument to his enterprise, perseverance, and untiring energy. Cumberland has reason to be proud that she has such a man to lead her out of the wilderness."
OBITUARY: East Liverpool Evening Review, East Liverpool, Columbiana Co., OH. Wednesday, 08 Feb 1922, pg. 1.
Death Claims Capt. Porter, Paving Brick Plant Founder
Pioneer in Industry, Riverman and Legislator.
Born In Ohio
Funeral Thursday Afternoon From Home in Kenilworth.
Funeral services for the late Captain John Porter, 83, oldest brick manufacturer in the United States, former riverman and ex-sheriff of Hancock county, W. Va., who died at his home in Kenilworth, below Newell, at 5 o'clock last evening following two weeks' illness, will be conducted at the late residence at 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Rev. H. M. Hosack, pastor of the Newell Presbyterian church, of which the deceased was a member, will officiate. Burial will be made in Riverview cemetery, East Liverpool. Captain Porter has the distinction of making the first paving brick ever made in this section. In the late "eighties," he engaged in the business near New Cumberland, when he organized the Globe Brick company. In 1893 he disposed of this plant and erected a factory at Kenilworth, of which company he was president at the time of his death. When Mr. Porter first began the manufacturing business he and his helpers made brick by hand, turning out about 3,500 brick a day and firing about two kilns a week. Today the firm is producing 100,000 brick per day and fires several kilns weekly. Captain Porter's name was on the first paving brick laid in the city of ....in Ohio....which was shipped...from the.....were used in paving a section of Third street, Steubenville, in 1884. In 1910, twenty-six years later, officials at Steubenville wrote Mr. Porter that not one dollar had been spent in repairs to this section of the street since it was laid, excepting when the street was torn up to construct street car lines and lay water mains. Mr. Porter also supplied street paving brick to Cleveland, Columbus, Springfield, Cincinnati, Bellaire, Newark, Dayton and East Liverpool as ....1885. Vitrified brick was shipped from the Porter plant to the iron mills at Pittsburgh before the days of the railroad on the West Virginia side of the river. The brick was loaded in boats, with horses used to tow them. In the same manner wood was shipped to the brick plant to be used in firing the kilns. In early life Captain Porter operated a line of steamboats and barges on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers between Pittsburgh and New Orleans. He was the owner of the steamboat which pore his name that made the meteoric cruise up the Ohio river from Memphis in 1877 with several members of the crew suffering from yellow fever. All along the river, attempts were made to land the sick so that they could secure medical care, but everywhere crowds of people flocked to the wharves, armed with shotguns and prevented the infected craft from making a landing. Late in the summer the boat stopped on the Ohio side of the river near Gallipolis, where the ill fated voyage had its ending. Here the disease raged all winter, six persons, dying from its effect. Capt. Porter was born in Martins Ferry, August 7, 1838, being a son of Moses Porter. He was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Mahon of Arroyo, December 7, 1870, who, with four sons and one daughter, Fred G., J. Bennett, J. Nessly and Sydney C. Porter and Mrs. Fred B. Lawrence, survive. There are also 13 grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Porter celebrated their golden wedding anniversary a little over a year ago. In politics Mr. Porter was a staunch Republican. He was sheriff of Hancock county for one term from 1891-1895. He was also a member of the upper branch of the legislature, being elected to two terms, the first being in 1911. His son, J. Ness Porter, is now a member of the West Virginia senate.
JOHN PORTER, one of the most substantial and energetic business men of New Cumberland, W. Va., was born at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, August 7, 1838. His father, Moses Porter, was born in Ireland, and came to America when about fifteen years of age. He resided in Wheeling, W. Va., and at different places in Pennsylvania, and followed the business of manufacturing brick. In about 1836, he came to Hancock county, W. Va., and began the manufacture of fire-brick, which he continued until his death, in March, 1845. Mr. Porter's mother is still living, at New Cumberland. After the death of his father Mr. Porter made his home with his uncle, James Porter. He received his education in the common schools of Hancock county, and obtained the greater part of his instruction in the old time log school houses. He was married in 1869 to Carrie A. Mahan, who was born in this county, daughter of John L. and Barbara (Brenneman) Mahan, the former of whom was born in Baltimore, Md., September 17, 1814 and came to this county about the year 1830, and has since been one of the prominent citizens, and is a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Porter's mother is a granddaughter of Jacob Nessley, one of the earliest settlers of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Porter are the parents of six children, of whom Lea Virginia, Frederick G., James B. and Jacob Nessley are living, and John C. and William K. are dead. He and family are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. Porter is an ardent republican, but his extensive business interests have occupied his attention to such an extent that he has had but little time to devote to politics. Although Mr. Porter was left when young to make his own way in the world, he is now one of the leading manufacturers of the upper Ohio valley. His first work for himself was keel boating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, carrying the products of the fire-clay industries of this section to western and southern markets. He soon became interested in the manufacture of fire-brick, and in 1859 became part owner of a fleet of keel boats, and as his business increased, the keel boats were replaced by tow boats, several of which he owned and operated for a number of years. Since 1881 Mr. Porter has devoted his entire attention to manufacturing. He is now sole owner of the Aetna, Eagle and Union Fire-brick works of this place, and is largely interested in the Sligo, Clifton and Enterprise Brick works, and the Black Horse Sewer-Pipe Terra Cotta works. Besides this he is the principal owner of the Chelsea Iron Stone China and Decorated Ware works, which was recently constructed, and cost more than $100,000. One year ago where this magnificient building now stands was a weed patch, and the rapidity with which this gigantic enterprise was completed and put into operation, illustrates the energy with which Mr. Porter goes into any enterprise. The entire building is constructed of fire-brick, over 1,500,000 having been used. For the foundation 2, 200 perches of stone were required. The lower walls are eighteen inches and the upper walls thirteen inches thick. Eight kilns sixteen and one-half feet in diameter and fifty feet high are completed. The power is furnished by a 130 horse power Corliss engine. The building contains eighteen different departments, in each of which different parts of the work is done. It covers a full acre of ground, contains 620 windows, and the ventilation is as nearly perfect as possible. Although the works have been in operation but a short time, they are turning out ware of a superior quality and everything indicates a prosperous future for the Chelsea China Company. Most men who succed as well in business as Mr. Porter has done are somewhat too conscious of the fact, but he is as modest and unassuming as he is energetic and successful and the greater part of the facts in this sketch were obtained from his neighbors and friends. The following from the Hancock county Independent shows the estimation in which he is held by those who know him best, and proves also that he is ever ready to do what he can for the good of his country: "The citizens of New Cumberland and the manufacturers along the river are indebted to John Porter more than any one else for the completion of the railroad to this place. His untiring energy and push have secured to the people the services of a road that would not have been built, to say the least, for some years to come. There were great discouragements in the way, but Mr. Porter, having determined to get the road, never looked back, and the New Cumberland branch is here today, a monument to his enterprise, perseverance, and untiring energy. Cumberland has reason to be proud that she has such a man to lead her out of the wilderness."
OBITUARY: East Liverpool Evening Review, East Liverpool, Columbiana Co., OH. Wednesday, 08 Feb 1922, pg. 1.
Death Claims Capt. Porter, Paving Brick Plant Founder
Pioneer in Industry, Riverman and Legislator.
Born In Ohio
Funeral Thursday Afternoon From Home in Kenilworth.
Funeral services for the late Captain John Porter, 83, oldest brick manufacturer in the United States, former riverman and ex-sheriff of Hancock county, W. Va., who died at his home in Kenilworth, below Newell, at 5 o'clock last evening following two weeks' illness, will be conducted at the late residence at 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Rev. H. M. Hosack, pastor of the Newell Presbyterian church, of which the deceased was a member, will officiate. Burial will be made in Riverview cemetery, East Liverpool. Captain Porter has the distinction of making the first paving brick ever made in this section. In the late "eighties," he engaged in the business near New Cumberland, when he organized the Globe Brick company. In 1893 he disposed of this plant and erected a factory at Kenilworth, of which company he was president at the time of his death. When Mr. Porter first began the manufacturing business he and his helpers made brick by hand, turning out about 3,500 brick a day and firing about two kilns a week. Today the firm is producing 100,000 brick per day and fires several kilns weekly. Captain Porter's name was on the first paving brick laid in the city of ....in Ohio....which was shipped...from the.....were used in paving a section of Third street, Steubenville, in 1884. In 1910, twenty-six years later, officials at Steubenville wrote Mr. Porter that not one dollar had been spent in repairs to this section of the street since it was laid, excepting when the street was torn up to construct street car lines and lay water mains. Mr. Porter also supplied street paving brick to Cleveland, Columbus, Springfield, Cincinnati, Bellaire, Newark, Dayton and East Liverpool as ....1885. Vitrified brick was shipped from the Porter plant to the iron mills at Pittsburgh before the days of the railroad on the West Virginia side of the river. The brick was loaded in boats, with horses used to tow them. In the same manner wood was shipped to the brick plant to be used in firing the kilns. In early life Captain Porter operated a line of steamboats and barges on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers between Pittsburgh and New Orleans. He was the owner of the steamboat which pore his name that made the meteoric cruise up the Ohio river from Memphis in 1877 with several members of the crew suffering from yellow fever. All along the river, attempts were made to land the sick so that they could secure medical care, but everywhere crowds of people flocked to the wharves, armed with shotguns and prevented the infected craft from making a landing. Late in the summer the boat stopped on the Ohio side of the river near Gallipolis, where the ill fated voyage had its ending. Here the disease raged all winter, six persons, dying from its effect. Capt. Porter was born in Martins Ferry, August 7, 1838, being a son of Moses Porter. He was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Mahon of Arroyo, December 7, 1870, who, with four sons and one daughter, Fred G., J. Bennett, J. Nessly and Sydney C. Porter and Mrs. Fred B. Lawrence, survive. There are also 13 grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Porter celebrated their golden wedding anniversary a little over a year ago. In politics Mr. Porter was a staunch Republican. He was sheriff of Hancock county for one term from 1891-1895. He was also a member of the upper branch of the legislature, being elected to two terms, the first being in 1911. His son, J. Ness Porter, is now a member of the West Virginia senate.
HISTORY: "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY," Vol. I. Brant & Fuller, 1890.
JOHN PORTER, one of the most substantial and energetic business men of New Cumberland, W. Va., was born at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, August 7, 1838. His father, Moses Porter, was born in Ireland, and came to America when about fifteen years of age. He resided in Wheeling, W. Va., and at different places in Pennsylvania, and followed the business of manufacturing brick. In about 1836, he came to Hancock county, W. Va., and began the manufacture of fire-brick, which he continued until his death, in March, 1845. Mr. Porter's mother is still living, at New Cumberland. After the death of his father Mr. Porter made his home with his uncle, James Porter. He received his education in the common schools of Hancock county, and obtained the greater part of his instruction in the old time log school houses. He was married in 1869 to Carrie A. Mahan, who was born in this county, daughter of John L. and Barbara (Brenneman) Mahan, the former of whom was born in Baltimore, Md., September 17, 1814 and came to this county about the year 1830, and has since been one of the prominent citizens, and is a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Porter's mother is a granddaughter of Jacob Nessley, one of the earliest settlers of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Porter are the parents of six children, of whom Lea Virginia, Frederick G., James B. and Jacob Nessley are living, and John C. and William K. are dead. He and family are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. Porter is an ardent republican, but his extensive business interests have occupied his attention to such an extent that he has had but little time to devote to politics. Although Mr. Porter was left when young to make his own way in the world, he is now one of the leading manufacturers of the upper Ohio valley. His first work for himself was keel boating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, carrying the products of the fire-clay industries of this section to western and southern markets. He soon became interested in the manufacture of fire-brick, and in 1859 became part owner of a fleet of keel boats, and as his business increased, the keel boats were replaced by tow boats, several of which he owned and operated for a number of years. Since 1881 Mr. Porter has devoted his entire attention to manufacturing. He is now sole owner of the Aetna, Eagle and Union Fire-brick works of this place, and is largely interested in the Sligo, Clifton and Enterprise Brick works, and the Black Horse Sewer-Pipe Terra Cotta works. Besides this he is the principal owner of the Chelsea Iron Stone China and Decorated Ware works, which was recently constructed, and cost more than $100,000. One year ago where this magnificient building now stands was a weed patch, and the rapidity with which this gigantic enterprise was completed and put into operation, illustrates the energy with which Mr. Porter goes into any enterprise. The entire building is constructed of fire-brick, over 1,500,000 having been used. For the foundation 2, 200 perches of stone were required. The lower walls are eighteen inches and the upper walls thirteen inches thick. Eight kilns sixteen and one-half feet in diameter and fifty feet high are completed. The power is furnished by a 130 horse power Corliss engine. The building contains eighteen different departments, in each of which different parts of the work is done. It covers a full acre of ground, contains 620 windows, and the ventilation is as nearly perfect as possible. Although the works have been in operation but a short time, they are turning out ware of a superior quality and everything indicates a prosperous future for the Chelsea China Company. Most men who succed as well in business as Mr. Porter has done are somewhat too conscious of the fact, but he is as modest and unassuming as he is energetic and successful and the greater part of the facts in this sketch were obtained from his neighbors and friends. The following from the Hancock county Independent shows the estimation in which he is held by those who know him best, and proves also that he is ever ready to do what he can for the good of his country: "The citizens of New Cumberland and the manufacturers along the river are indebted to John Porter more than any one else for the completion of the railroad to this place. His untiring energy and push have secured to the people the services of a road that would not have been built, to say the least, for some years to come. There were great discouragements in the way, but Mr. Porter, having determined to get the road, never looked back, and the New Cumberland branch is here today, a monument to his enterprise, perseverance, and untiring energy. Cumberland has reason to be proud that she has such a man to lead her out of the wilderness."
OBITUARY: East Liverpool Evening Review, East Liverpool, Columbiana Co., OH. Wednesday, 08 Feb 1922, pg. 1.
Death Claims Capt. Porter, Paving Brick Plant Founder
Pioneer in Industry, Riverman and Legislator.
Born In Ohio
Funeral Thursday Afternoon From Home in Kenilworth.
Funeral services for the late Captain John Porter, 83, oldest brick manufacturer in the United States, former riverman and ex-sheriff of Hancock county, W. Va., who died at his home in Kenilworth, below Newell, at 5 o'clock last evening following two weeks' illness, will be conducted at the late residence at 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Rev. H. M. Hosack, pastor of the Newell Presbyterian church, of which the deceased was a member, will officiate. Burial will be made in Riverview cemetery, East Liverpool. Captain Porter has the distinction of making the first paving brick ever made in this section. In the late "eighties," he engaged in the business near New Cumberland, when he organized the Globe Brick company. In 1893 he disposed of this plant and erected a factory at Kenilworth, of which company he was president at the time of his death. When Mr. Porter first began the manufacturing business he and his helpers made brick by hand, turning out about 3,500 brick a day and firing about two kilns a week. Today the firm is producing 100,000 brick per day and fires several kilns weekly. Captain Porter's name was on the first paving brick laid in the city of ....in Ohio....which was shipped...from the.....were used in paving a section of Third street, Steubenville, in 1884. In 1910, twenty-six years later, officials at Steubenville wrote Mr. Porter that not one dollar had been spent in repairs to this section of the street since it was laid, excepting when the street was torn up to construct street car lines and lay water mains. Mr. Porter also supplied street paving brick to Cleveland, Columbus, Springfield, Cincinnati, Bellaire, Newark, Dayton and East Liverpool as ....1885. Vitrified brick was shipped from the Porter plant to the iron mills at Pittsburgh before the days of the railroad on the West Virginia side of the river. The brick was loaded in boats, with horses used to tow them. In the same manner wood was shipped to the brick plant to be used in firing the kilns. In early life Captain Porter operated a line of steamboats and barges on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers between Pittsburgh and New Orleans. He was the owner of the steamboat which pore his name that made the meteoric cruise up the Ohio river from Memphis in 1877 with several members of the crew suffering from yellow fever. All along the river, attempts were made to land the sick so that they could secure medical care, but everywhere crowds of people flocked to the wharves, armed with shotguns and prevented the infected craft from making a landing. Late in the summer the boat stopped on the Ohio side of the river near Gallipolis, where the ill fated voyage had its ending. Here the disease raged all winter, six persons, dying from its effect. Capt. Porter was born in Martins Ferry, August 7, 1838, being a son of Moses Porter. He was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Mahon of Arroyo, December 7, 1870, who, with four sons and one daughter, Fred G., J. Bennett, J. Nessly and Sydney C. Porter and Mrs. Fred B. Lawrence, survive. There are also 13 grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Porter celebrated their golden wedding anniversary a little over a year ago. In politics Mr. Porter was a staunch Republican. He was sheriff of Hancock county for one term from 1891-1895. He was also a member of the upper branch of the legislature, being elected to two terms, the first being in 1911. His son, J. Ness Porter, is now a member of the West Virginia senate.
JOHN PORTER, one of the most substantial and energetic business men of New Cumberland, W. Va., was born at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, August 7, 1838. His father, Moses Porter, was born in Ireland, and came to America when about fifteen years of age. He resided in Wheeling, W. Va., and at different places in Pennsylvania, and followed the business of manufacturing brick. In about 1836, he came to Hancock county, W. Va., and began the manufacture of fire-brick, which he continued until his death, in March, 1845. Mr. Porter's mother is still living, at New Cumberland. After the death of his father Mr. Porter made his home with his uncle, James Porter. He received his education in the common schools of Hancock county, and obtained the greater part of his instruction in the old time log school houses. He was married in 1869 to Carrie A. Mahan, who was born in this county, daughter of John L. and Barbara (Brenneman) Mahan, the former of whom was born in Baltimore, Md., September 17, 1814 and came to this county about the year 1830, and has since been one of the prominent citizens, and is a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Porter's mother is a granddaughter of Jacob Nessley, one of the earliest settlers of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Porter are the parents of six children, of whom Lea Virginia, Frederick G., James B. and Jacob Nessley are living, and John C. and William K. are dead. He and family are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. Porter is an ardent republican, but his extensive business interests have occupied his attention to such an extent that he has had but little time to devote to politics. Although Mr. Porter was left when young to make his own way in the world, he is now one of the leading manufacturers of the upper Ohio valley. His first work for himself was keel boating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, carrying the products of the fire-clay industries of this section to western and southern markets. He soon became interested in the manufacture of fire-brick, and in 1859 became part owner of a fleet of keel boats, and as his business increased, the keel boats were replaced by tow boats, several of which he owned and operated for a number of years. Since 1881 Mr. Porter has devoted his entire attention to manufacturing. He is now sole owner of the Aetna, Eagle and Union Fire-brick works of this place, and is largely interested in the Sligo, Clifton and Enterprise Brick works, and the Black Horse Sewer-Pipe Terra Cotta works. Besides this he is the principal owner of the Chelsea Iron Stone China and Decorated Ware works, which was recently constructed, and cost more than $100,000. One year ago where this magnificient building now stands was a weed patch, and the rapidity with which this gigantic enterprise was completed and put into operation, illustrates the energy with which Mr. Porter goes into any enterprise. The entire building is constructed of fire-brick, over 1,500,000 having been used. For the foundation 2, 200 perches of stone were required. The lower walls are eighteen inches and the upper walls thirteen inches thick. Eight kilns sixteen and one-half feet in diameter and fifty feet high are completed. The power is furnished by a 130 horse power Corliss engine. The building contains eighteen different departments, in each of which different parts of the work is done. It covers a full acre of ground, contains 620 windows, and the ventilation is as nearly perfect as possible. Although the works have been in operation but a short time, they are turning out ware of a superior quality and everything indicates a prosperous future for the Chelsea China Company. Most men who succed as well in business as Mr. Porter has done are somewhat too conscious of the fact, but he is as modest and unassuming as he is energetic and successful and the greater part of the facts in this sketch were obtained from his neighbors and friends. The following from the Hancock county Independent shows the estimation in which he is held by those who know him best, and proves also that he is ever ready to do what he can for the good of his country: "The citizens of New Cumberland and the manufacturers along the river are indebted to John Porter more than any one else for the completion of the railroad to this place. His untiring energy and push have secured to the people the services of a road that would not have been built, to say the least, for some years to come. There were great discouragements in the way, but Mr. Porter, having determined to get the road, never looked back, and the New Cumberland branch is here today, a monument to his enterprise, perseverance, and untiring energy. Cumberland has reason to be proud that she has such a man to lead her out of the wilderness."
OBITUARY: East Liverpool Evening Review, East Liverpool, Columbiana Co., OH. Wednesday, 08 Feb 1922, pg. 1.
Death Claims Capt. Porter, Paving Brick Plant Founder
Pioneer in Industry, Riverman and Legislator.
Born In Ohio
Funeral Thursday Afternoon From Home in Kenilworth.
Funeral services for the late Captain John Porter, 83, oldest brick manufacturer in the United States, former riverman and ex-sheriff of Hancock county, W. Va., who died at his home in Kenilworth, below Newell, at 5 o'clock last evening following two weeks' illness, will be conducted at the late residence at 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Rev. H. M. Hosack, pastor of the Newell Presbyterian church, of which the deceased was a member, will officiate. Burial will be made in Riverview cemetery, East Liverpool. Captain Porter has the distinction of making the first paving brick ever made in this section. In the late "eighties," he engaged in the business near New Cumberland, when he organized the Globe Brick company. In 1893 he disposed of this plant and erected a factory at Kenilworth, of which company he was president at the time of his death. When Mr. Porter first began the manufacturing business he and his helpers made brick by hand, turning out about 3,500 brick a day and firing about two kilns a week. Today the firm is producing 100,000 brick per day and fires several kilns weekly. Captain Porter's name was on the first paving brick laid in the city of ....in Ohio....which was shipped...from the.....were used in paving a section of Third street, Steubenville, in 1884. In 1910, twenty-six years later, officials at Steubenville wrote Mr. Porter that not one dollar had been spent in repairs to this section of the street since it was laid, excepting when the street was torn up to construct street car lines and lay water mains. Mr. Porter also supplied street paving brick to Cleveland, Columbus, Springfield, Cincinnati, Bellaire, Newark, Dayton and East Liverpool as ....1885. Vitrified brick was shipped from the Porter plant to the iron mills at Pittsburgh before the days of the railroad on the West Virginia side of the river. The brick was loaded in boats, with horses used to tow them. In the same manner wood was shipped to the brick plant to be used in firing the kilns. In early life Captain Porter operated a line of steamboats and barges on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers between Pittsburgh and New Orleans. He was the owner of the steamboat which pore his name that made the meteoric cruise up the Ohio river from Memphis in 1877 with several members of the crew suffering from yellow fever. All along the river, attempts were made to land the sick so that they could secure medical care, but everywhere crowds of people flocked to the wharves, armed with shotguns and prevented the infected craft from making a landing. Late in the summer the boat stopped on the Ohio side of the river near Gallipolis, where the ill fated voyage had its ending. Here the disease raged all winter, six persons, dying from its effect. Capt. Porter was born in Martins Ferry, August 7, 1838, being a son of Moses Porter. He was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Mahon of Arroyo, December 7, 1870, who, with four sons and one daughter, Fred G., J. Bennett, J. Nessly and Sydney C. Porter and Mrs. Fred B. Lawrence, survive. There are also 13 grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Porter celebrated their golden wedding anniversary a little over a year ago. In politics Mr. Porter was a staunch Republican. He was sheriff of Hancock county for one term from 1891-1895. He was also a member of the upper branch of the legislature, being elected to two terms, the first being in 1911. His son, J. Ness Porter, is now a member of the West Virginia senate.
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