Obituaries: PORTER, Isaac Kirk native of Donegal Twp., WASHINGTON CO, PA

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File submitted Aug 13, 2004 

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I.K. PORTER, VETERAN SCHOOL TEACHER, DIES
Succumbs to Stroke of Paralysis at his Home at Coon Island  Was Aged 70 Years 
and Native of Donegal Township.

December 1918, Paper unknown, Milo Porter's scrapbook

Coon Island, Dec. 1  Isaac KIRK PORTER, aged 70 years, a veteran schoolteacher 
of Washington county, died at his home here at noon today following a stroke. 
Mr. Porter had been in poor health for several months and on Saturday suffered a 
stroke of paralysis from which he never recovered.
Mr. Porter was the son of John B. (BROWNLEE)and Ann POTTER PORTER and was born 
in Donegal township October 23, 1848. He received his early education in the 
schools of his native township and at Granville college, Ohio. Practically all 
of his life he followed the profession of teaching and his life, except for a 
few years spent in Washington, was lived in his native township.
He was married in early life to Miss Ella MOUNTS, who died October 16, 1910. He 
was a member of the Claysville Baptist church and in politics was a Democrat. 
Three children survive: Frank, of New York; Mrs. (Lulu)Charles L. FRYE, of 
Bridgeville, Conn. and Robert at home. A brother, (Joseph)Albert PORTER, of 
Claysville, and a sister, Mrs.(Violet) C. L. McCLEARY, of Pleasant Grove, also 
survive. The funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

SECOND OBIT NOTICE

I.K. PORTER, Veteran Teacher Died Suddenly
December 1918, Paper unknown, Milo Porter's scrapbook

The death of Isaac KIRK PORTER occurred at his home at Coon Island at noon, 
Sunday, December 1, 1918, of paralysis, with kidney trouble contributory, aged 
70 years and 38 days. He worked Friday and was taken with a stroke Friday night, 
when he was found lying on the floor of his room. His speech and sight were 
affected, but he recognized voices. The funeral service was held at two o'clock 
Monday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. J. W. COTTRELL, who was assisted by Dr. 
A. MacLOCHLAN. The pallbearers were J. K. MOUNTS, Albert PORTER, Thom. GRIFFITH, 
Frank CRISWELL, James BARBER, and Mr. MILLER, interment in Claysville cemetery.
The deceased was born in Donegal township near West Alexander, on the old CRAIG 
farm, Oct. 23,1843, son of John B. and Ann POTTER PORTER. After securing a 
common school education he attended West Alexander Academy and desiring to enter 
the ministry he entered Granville (O)(illegible-4-5 words).., however caused him 
to change his plans and instead became one of the county's foremost rural 
teachers, one of a class who exerted a strong influence for good by their ill 
paid service in the school room. He began teaching at Byers school at the age 18 
and his last term was about 1908, when his wife's health made it necessary for 
him to retire. Except for the several years he was engaged in the mercantile 
trade in Coon Island when it was a thriving center, he taught school the balance 
of the 40-year period. His father had been a teacher and his daughter, Mrs. Lulu 
FRYE, also taught. He was the recipient of many gifts at school closings, and 
these he always treasured. He was an exceptionally good speller, but in all 
branches was a thorough instructor, and the recognition of this fact, together 
with his genial manner, won the friendship of the hundreds who were under his 
instruction. Other schools taught were Coon Island, Hairs, McMillen, Cleland, 
White in Buffalo, Taylorstown, Claysville, New Alexandria, O., the old Wilson 
school South Strabane, which became the sixth ward school in Washington. He 
resided in Washington while teaching this school. Mr. Porter was an excellent 
historian of his community and possessed an excellent memory. He always 
participated in the biennial reunion of the Coon Island school where three 
generations of his family taught, and collected much of the history of the 
school, dating back near a century.
In his youth, Mr. Porter became a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist church, and 
when the Buffalo Baptist congregation moved from Caldwelltown to Claysville and 
became the Claysville congregation, he united with it and strove to build it up. 
He served the congregation as deacon and as trustee, and the Bible school for 
many years as superintendent. He was faithful to his church. In character he was 
bright. He lived peaceably with his neighbors and could be counted on in times 
of need.
In politics Mr. Porter was a Democrat. He stood for temperance and for the 
administration of public affairs in a business manner.
On Sept. 26,1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella MOUNTS, a native and 
resident of Donegal township. She proved a worthy helpmate, and in returning 
from Florida in a vain endeavor to benefit her health she died on Chesapeake 
Bay, Oct. 16, 1910. Since then he has made his home with his son, Robert, at 
Coon Island. Besides his son, there is one other son and a daughter-Lulu, wife 
of Charles O. Frye, of Bridgeport, Conn., and Frank Porter with the Walk-Over 
Shoe Co., in New York City. He leaves one brother, (Joseph)Albert Porter, 
Claysville, with whom he spent Thanksgiving and a sister, Mrs.(Violet) L. C. 
McCLEARY of Pleasant Grove.