ELISHAMA PORTER, the son of William Porter was born probably in Middletown ca. 1751 and he died in Town of Hartland 18 Aug. 1825 at the age of 74 (2nd. Cong. Church Record) He married at Hartland, 28 May 1778 Elizabeth Benjamin (West Hartland Cong. Ch. rec. or 2nd. Cong. Ch. record) the widow of Asher Benjamin, who died 2 Jan. 1777, aged 25 years. Elishama and Elizabeth were both of Hartland when they were married. Elizabeth had three children by her previous marriage to Asher Benjamin I. On 4th. July 1784 these children, George, Asher II, and Lois were baptized at the West Hartland Congregational Church. In the 1790 Census Elishama was listed as Elisha Porter with
1 male over 16
0 males under 16
2 females
It would appear from this census that at least the sons Asher and George did not live with them after their marriage. However, in 1791 Elishama Porter took out guardlianship papers for Asher who was about 17 years old.
In the 1800 census Elishama is also listed as Elisha with
2 males under 10
1 male 45 and over
1 female 16-25
1 female 45 and older
In the 1810 Census, Elishima is listed in Hartland, Hartford Co. in the Index, and again in the 1820 Census as Elisha. Elishama died in 1825 and neither the name Elisha or Elishama is found in the 1830 Census. We do not believe Elishama had any children which grew to adulthood, and perhaps no children at all, as his will names no children, only Elizabeth's children. [see text for Will details]
