Person:Joseph Porter (5)

Very remarkably, Joseph Porter (or Pourter in some records) would be 270 years of age were he still alive in the year 2007.

1 Jan 1782, Joseph was paid for services rendered to the militia during Revolutiontary War.

Occupation in 1778: Constable for Wilkes Co, NC

In 1781 he was a soldier in the American Revolutiontary War as a Wagoneer

Joseph Porter was born about 1760 (alternative birth year, although not as likely as 1737 birth). He died in October 1820. It is unknown when or where Joseph was born, but it was probably around 1760 and his relatives were in the counties joining Wilkes. The early records of Wilkes County do not reveal any other family bearing the name "Porter" other than Joseph and some of his children. Joseph served as a constable in 1778 and saw service in the Revolutionary War at Kings Mountain and Ramseur's Mill. On March 3, 1779, Joseph Porter received a land grant of 349 acres on the South Fork of the Yadkin River. In January 1782, he was paid for various services furnished to the militia during the Revolution. His will was written April 1820 and proved during the October term of court of the same year (the month he died). This will referred to three children: Joseph Jr., Molly and Francis. The will was witnessed by John Reynolds and John Rousseau, his "trusty friends." No wife was mentioned which indicates that Sarah had already died.

22:35, 7 September 2007 (EDT)~

Here is his will:

In the name of God, Amen, I Joseph Pourter of the County of Wilkes and State of North Carolina, being of sound & perfect mind & memory Blessed be God, do this twenty-eighth day of April in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred & twenty (1820) make & publish this my Last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say; first I give and Bequeath to my beloved son Joseph Pourter the upper part of my land down as far as Francis Pourters Spring Branch to his Heirs and assigns forever . . . I do give & Bequeath to my Son Francis Fifty Dollars to be raised out of my Estate after my Decease . . . I also Will that my Son Joseph Pourter shall pay all my Just debts that may come against my Estate after my Decease, which money is to be raised of my movable property. I also give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Molly one Feather bed and furniture and the rest of my property to be sold to the highest bidder and the amount to be divided among my Heirs. I do hereby declare this to be my last Will and Testament Revoking all others heretofore made by me . . . I do hereby appoint my trusty friends John Reynolds, Senr. and John Rousseau my Executors to this my last Will and Testament. Sign'd Seal'd & delivered in the Presents of us the day and date above mentioned. Signed: Jos Pourter (SEAL) Wittness: John Rousseau and John Reynolds Wittness: R. Martin, Clk.

22:35, 7 September 2007 (EDT)~

An inventory of the Estate of Joseph Pourter, deceased, follows:

"Six Pewter plates, two pewter dishes, Two Basons, one Earthen Pitcher, two Bottles, 1 tea cannister, one quart Bowl, one coffee pot, one coffee mill, one candlestick, one half pint cup, one lantern, one saddle and flesh fork, one half pint dipper, one pint dipper, one fire shovel, one chopping ax, Two Bells, Three cider Barrels, one pair of candle snuffers, one Walnut Chest, Two Chairs, one half Bushell, one half inch Auger, one inch Auger, one hand saw, Two old Saddles, One Cow, one Nail Hammer, one shoe hammer, Three small cags, Two Ovens & lids, One sand Seive, one pot rack & Hook.

22:35, 7 September 2007 (EDT)~

Joseph Porter's parents are not known and many of his descemdants are working hard to find Joseph's parents. If you have information or just a good lead on Joseph's parents, email me.