Obituaries: PORTER, Isaac Kirk native of Donegal Twp., WASHINGTON CO, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Patty Clark, File submitted Aug 13, 2004 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/washington/ _______________________________________________ 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.