William Grayson Porter
March 11, 1908; Oregonian, p 6  (photo)
"Drove Team to Oregon in 1848"
Philomath, Or., March 10

   William Grayson Porter died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. N. A. Jolly, at Philomath, Thursday, March 5, 1908, aged 88 years, 1 month and 10 days.  Mr. Porter was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, on January 24, 1820.  When about 6 years old with his parents he moved to Zanesville, O., where he lived about two years, moving thence to Todd County, Tennessee, where he resided for only a short time, when he moved to that part of Kentucky then known as "The Barrens," where he resided until he became of age.  He then went to Illinois, and from thence to Missouri, where he was married, March 31, 1846, to Miss Elizabeth Ninkle, from which union there are still living three children, Isaac W. Porter, Mrs. Mary Jane Morriss and Mrs. N. A. Jolly.  He has living 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; also one brother, McCauley Porter, of Corvallis, Or.
   Deceased and wife crossed the plains in 1848, Mr. Porter driving four yoke of oxen all the way, excepting two days.  He arrived in Oregon in September, 1848, and lived on his donation claim near Bellfountain until the Fall of 1884, when he came to Philomath and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. N. A. Jolly.  His wife died May 9, 1888.  Mr. Porter was a great lover of fine horses.  He was a gentleman of the strictest honor and integrity and during his later years was familiarly known as "Uncle Billy."