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PORTER SMITH

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BIOGRAPHY

History of the Upper Ohio Valley
Brant & Fuller, 1890; Vol. I, pages 438-439.

     Porter Smith ex-chief of police, and present gas inspector of Wheeling, was born at New Castle, Penn., August 6, 1841. He was reared at New Castle, and after obtaining his education he became an apprentice at the age of seventeen, as a blacksmith. In 1857 he came to Wheeling and found employment working at his trade in the shops of the Belmont mill, and later in the Top mill, going from there to New Castle, Penn., where he took charge of a shop. Returning to Wheeling in 1865, he was employed in various mills, while at home, until 1885. At the outbreak of the war in 1861, he was one of the first volunteers for the First Virginia infantry, and was elected fourth sergeant of Company E. After the close of three months'service sickness prevented his re-enlistment. In 1864 he was commissioned by Gov. Pierrepont, captain of Company D, state militia, and upon its reorganization he was elected captain and commissioned by Gov. Boreman. In 1866 was elected and served in council eleven successive years. While the capital was located at Charleston, he was appointed military store-keeper by Gov. Jacobs, and at that time he held the position of captain of Company C, Wheeling Grays. In 1885 Mr. Smith was elected sergeant of police for two years, and was re-elected in January, 1887, filling this position to the general satisfaction. In October, 1889, he was appointed by the board of gas trustees as gas inspector for the term of two years. Mr. Smith is a member of Wheeling lodge, I. O. O. F., Wheeling encampment, Alpha lodge, K. of H., and was first past chancellor, and has been representative of Ivanhoe lodge, K. of P. In 1865 he was married to Mary, only daughter of E. R. Bartleson, formerly editor and proprietor of the 'Wheeling Times and Gazette.' They have two daughters, one being employed as teacher in the public schools.

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