Porterj
Transcribed from "History of North Washington, an illustrated history
of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan counties", published by Western
Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
JOHN E. PORTER is one of the
leading young men of Chelan county, and the important position as superintendent
of the schools of the county is entrusted to him by the people, and the
fact that he is now serving his second term, being elected with a larger
majority this time than formerly, speaks strongly of his capabilities and
the appreciation of his efforts on the part of a discriminating constituency.
He was born in Port Ludlow, Washington. The date of his birth was
May 5, 1870, and his parents were Dana H. and Sarah R. (Buzby) Porter.
The father was a native of Maine and descended from the famous family of
Porters of New England. He came to the Golden state overland in 1858,
and one year later found his way to Puget Sound. He devoted himself
to spar building and was employed in this and in the inspection of spars
in various ports until his death at Oak Harbor, in 1879. The mother
is a native of Illinois, came to Puget Sound with her parents when nine,
was married at Oak Harbor and now resides in Seattle. Her parents
were early pioneers of Illinois, the father being native of New Jersey,
and the mother born in New York. The father died in Seattle in 1893
and the mother is still living in that city. Our subject was reared
on Whidby Island and lived in the family of his grandfather Buzby after
his father's death. Later he attended the high school in Seattle
and then took the degree of Bachelor of Science from the state university
at the same city, in 1894. Following this Mr. Porter taught at Bay
View and other points on the sound until 1897. Then he returned to
the university for a post graduate course and took a normal diploma.
He taught again on the sound and in 1899 he came to Wenatchee and taught
in the town schools as principal. In 1900 he was chosen to superintend
the schools of the county, and in 1902 he was called again to the same
position.
Mr. Porter has shown excellent ability in
his line of endeavor and his thorough training and resourceful mind amply
fit him for the responsibilities of the position. He owns a good
residence and orchard adjoining the town and also other property.
Mr. Porter is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and has been delegate to the
grand lodge. He has one sister, Alice, teaching in Georgetown, Washington.