BIO: William S. Porr, York County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/ _______________________________________________ History of York County, Pennsylvania. John Gibson, Historical Editor. Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886. _______________________________________________ Part II, Biographical Sketches, Manchester Township, Pg 142 REV. WILLIAM S. PORR was born in Pottsville, Penn., February 19, 1830. His parents were Lewis and Lydia (Zeigler) Porr, who had four sons and four daughters, of whom subject was the eldest son. His father was a tailor, and William S. worked some at the same trade. When quite a small boy his father moved to Bernville, Berks Co., Penn. In his boyhood he spent much of his time with his grandfather at Reading, where he attended the common schools, and at the age of sixteen went to Stouchesburg Academy, where he remained two years, and thence went to Gettsburgh College, where he spent two years. On account of ill health he left, however, and prosecuted the studfy of theology privately, at Pottsville, under Dr. D. Steck. D. D. In 1854 he was admitted to the snyod and licensed to preach. His first charge was Ashland, Penn., where he remained three years, then Harrisburgh three years; Palmyra, four years; Centre Hall, Centre County, nine years; Lancaster, six years; Steelton, two years; in 1882 he came to Manchester, Penn.; has charge of three churches, and preaches in English and German. His father was German, but his mother was born in Pennsylvania. He was married, July 21, 1855, at Shaefferstown, Penn., to Henrietta, daughter of Tobias Fernsler, of German descent. They had six children, thee of whom are now living: Theodore N., William H. and John Luther. Rev. Porr is an indefatigable worker in the church, and has organized a number of congregations, built and remodeled and beautified a number of churches, and was instrumental in bringing a number of able men into the Gospel ministry, among whom are Revs. J. Harpster, now in Ohio; M. Fernsler and S. G. Shanon.