THOMAS PORTER, a pioneer of Cairo. Ill., was born on the 11th day of April, 1820, in Stokes County, N. C. His father, whose name was also Thomas, was born in the same county, and married Miss Elizabeth Brand, by whom he had two children — Thomas Porter, of Cairo, and James Porter. The parents died in North Carolina while Thomas was yet a child, and he removed with an uncle to Tennessee when twelve years old. There he grew to manhood, and married in 1848 to Miss Martha Ely, of Kentucky. She died in Cairo in 1859, leaving a family of four children, three of whom are still living. Came to Cairo in January, 1856, and has been a resident ever since. His present wife was Mrs. Mesnier Knight, daughter of William and Sarah Knight. She was born in Kentucky, March 26, 1840. Their union has been blest with five children, two of whom are deceased — Henry B. and Edward Porter, are deceased; John W., William E. and Addie D. Porter are living with the parents. Of the first family, there are living Mary, wife of Harry Clifton, of New York City; Julia, wife of Frederick Lawton, of New York City, and Thomas B. Porter. Family residence on corner of Twenty-first street and Commercial avenue, Cairo.
Extracted 31 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 History of Alexander, Union, and Pulaski Counties, Illinois, Part V, page 38.
| Cape Girardeau MO |
Union | |
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Pulaski | |
| Scott MO | Mississippi MO | Ballard KY |
