JESSE J. PORTER
Was born in Louisa county, this state, August 26, 1836, a son of James
D. Porter who died in January, 1879, aged 76 years, and Catherine
Porter who died in 1883, aged 77 years. His father was a son of
James Porter of this county, and his mother a daughter of Jesse and
Mary Harris. His wife, whom he married in Hanover county, Dec.
6, 1860, was a daughter of William W. Mallory, who was born and
died in that county. Their union has been blessed with six children,
born in the order named: Birdie, Philip B., Mamie G., Mattie W.,
Harry, and Jemmie. Mr. Porter was educated at Oldfield school; leaving
that institution of learning in '54 he entered the office of the county
clark as an assistant. In May, 1861, he enlisted as corporal in Company
D, 13th Va. Inf. and rose to a lieutenancy in the same company,
was wounded at the Wilderness, and again returned to his command
and was captured at Winchester, September 19, 1864, held at Fort
Delaware until first of June, 1865. He became a candidate for office
of clerk of county and circuit court but declared ineligible on
account of holding a commissioned office. The matter was adjusted
by another man heading the ticket, who was elected, and the subject
of this sketch and Mr. Parsons appointed deputies; he was elected to
the office twice since then; in 1875 elected for a term of six years, and
again in 1881 and 1887, and is still the incumbent of the office. Mr.
Porter's postoffice address is Louisa, Virginia.
