Multnomah County OR Archives Biographies.....Porter, William D. March 18, 1869 - September 26, 1913
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Ila L. Wakley iwakley@msn.com May 5, 2007, 10:30 am

Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company

     WILLIAM D. PORTER.  For many years William D. Porter was identified with 
mercantile affairs of Portland and although quiet and unassuming, his worth 
was recognized and appreciated by his fellow citizens, who entertained for him 
high regard. He was born March 18, 1869, and represented an old and honored 
family of the city. His father, Robert Porter, a self-made man, was for forty-
four years a leader in business circles of Portland. A native of Ohio, he was 
born in Cadiz, August 3, 1827, and was reared on a farm. At the age of twenty 
he abandoned agricultural pursuits and afterwards followed the carpenter’s 
trade in various parts of Ohio, saving as much as possible from his earnings. 
When a young man of twenty-two he went to California with the ‘49ers, by way 
of the isthmus route, but soon decided that he was not fitted for work in the 
gold fields and the sordid life of mining camps. He met some Oregon men whose 
description of the country made a deep impression upon his mind, and in 1850 
he left California for Portland, where he opened a carpenter shop and his 
craftsmanship soon won recognition. He advanced with the growth of the city 
and decided to enter the field of contracting. The business rapidly expanded 
and eventually he established a large sash and door factory in partnership 
with John Carson. By this means Mr. Porter provided the material for his 
building operations and thus increased his profits. In the execution of 
contracts he was prompt and reliable, adhering to the spirit as well as the 
letter of an agreement, and erected many of Portland’s fine buildings. A 
shrewd business man, gifted with foresight and keen sagacity, he amassed a 
fortune and his commercial transactions always balanced up with the principles 
of truth and honor. Owing to failing health, he disposed of the business and 
removed to Spokane, Washington, but returned to Portland at the end of three 
years and spent the remainder of his life in retirement in this city, whose 
progress was a matter in which he took much personal pride.
     In 1856 Mr. Porter had married Miss Emily Agar, who was born near Dublin, 
Ireland, and was a child of seven when her parents sailed for the United 
States. At an early age she was left an orphan and in 1852 came to Oregon with 
her brother, Thomas Agar. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Porter were five 
children, of whom the two oldest died in infancy and all are now deceased. The 
demise of Mr. Porter occurred in 1894 and his widow long survived him, passing 
away November 9, 1918. They were charter members of the Pioneer Society and 
Mrs. Porter assisted at its first banquet. The first home of the family was at 
Third and Morrison streets, on the corner now occupied by the Alisky building. 
Later Mr. Porter built a large house at Tenth and Main streets but sold it 
soon afterward to Mr. Selling and then erected a mansion on the corner of West 
Park and Morrison streets. For many years this was one of the show places of 
Portland and Mr. Porter also acquired other real estate of value in the city. 
Before his death he disposed of his property to his children, all of whom were 
well provided for, and his widow retained the old home.
     Their son, William D. Porter, was reared in Portland and received a 
public school education. His interest centered in mercantile affairs and for 
many years he was employed in the Lipman & Wolfe department store. He filled a 
responsible position and served the firm with faithfulness and efficiency.
     William D. Porter was married August 11, 1895, to Miss Mary A. Coffey, a 
member of one of the old and prominent families of Oregon. Her parents, James 
and Johanna (Horgan) Coffey, were natives of Ireland and came to the United 
States in childhood. Both crossed the continent and their marriage occurred in 
San Francisco. James Coffey was a soldier in the regular army and about 1852 
came to Oregon with Captain Augur, who was subsequently commissioned brigadier 
general. Mr. Coffey was sent to Fort Hoskins and after he was mustered out of 
the service located in Corvallis. Later he opened a furniture store in Salem 
and successfully conducted the business until he died on December 31, 1888, at 
the age of fifty-two years. He was an enterprising merchant and his integrity 
was above question. His fellow citizens called him to the office of justice of 
the peace, in which he was retained for fourteen years, displaying rare 
qualities as a public servant. Mr. Porter passed away September 26, 1913, at 
the age of forty-four years, and his untimely demise occasioned deep sorrow, 
for his many good qualities had won for him the respect and esteem of all with 
whom he was associated. Mrs. Porter resides at No. 374 Park street, Portland, 
and is the only surviving member of the family. Her heart responds readily to 
the call of the needy and her influence has been a potent force for good in 
the community.


Additional Comments:
History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Pages 238-239

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