John Richey Porter (1807-1877), along with his wife Amanda Hampton Porter (1821-1891) moved from Pennsylvania to Muskingum County, Ohio to start a family. Like the Armstrongs with whom they were friendly, they supported themselves in the area by harvesting wool. They are the parents of George Washington Porter, Francis Pamela Porter, and Huldah Jane Porter (all represented in the Harvey Collection), among others. In late 1862, the Porter family relocated to Clinton in DeWitt County, Illinois. John remained in contact with the Armstrong family, asking after Thomas and Jacob and inviting William to consider a move out west.
-
Letter from John Porter to William Armstrong
John Porter
August 26, 1863; Clinton, ILJohn Porter, father of the Porter family, reports to William Armstrong of his success farming in Clinton and asks after Thomas.
-
Letter from John Porter to Jacob G. Armstrong
John Porter
November 09, 1863; Clinton, ILJohn Porter offers his sympathies for Jacob's misfortunes in Lawrence, speaks of farming in Clinton, and asks about correspondence with Thomas in prison.
-
Letter from John Porter to Francis P. Porter
John Porter
August 04, 1866; Clinton, ILJohn Porter updates Francis on the family and asks how she is enjoying Ohio. He says he will attempt to help Thomas get a job at the Clinton School if he wishes to teach there. George and his partner Grace are in Clinton at this time.