Robert M. Porterfield

 

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: BECK, CAMPBELL, FLEMING, FORSYTH, HUNTER, KENNIE, PORTERFIELD, TOY, WILLIAMS, WILSON

ROBERT M. PORTERFIELD, a prominent hardware merchant of Sidney was born in Armstrong County, Pa., Sept. 23, 1847. His parents were R. G. and Hannah (CAMPBELL) PORTERFIELD. His father was born May 31, 1814, and his mother Jan. 22, 1815. They were reared in Armstrong County, and were married May 16, 1837. In 1867 R. G. and Hannah Porterfield moved from Pennsylvania to Sidney, this county, where the passed the remainder of their lives. The former died Oct. 22, 1872, and his wife Feb. 25, 1879.

Robert M. Porterfield was the sixth in order of birth in a family of ten children, of whom the record is as follows; Nancy became the wife of George FORSYTH, and is now deceased; L. C. married Miss Mary A. TOY, and they live in Sidney Township; Sarah is deceased; S. A. married Miss Lydia WILLIAMS, who is deceased; Malinda, formerly the wife of George WILSON, is also dead; Robert M. is the subject of this sketch; Mary E. is single; J. W. is deceased; Hannah M. is the wife of John KENNIE, and they reside in Sidney Township, and Martha A. is dead.

Robert M. Porterfield was married to Miss Maggie HUNTER, Oct. 31, 1876. She was born Jan. 16, 1853, and is the daughter of Samuel and Margaret (FLEMING) HUNTER. Her father was a prominent merchant, and was born in Armstrong County, Pa., July 21, 1826. Both parents died in Pennsylvania. Their family consisted of four children, of whom Margaret was the third in order of birth. The others were John, William and Tillie. The latter, who is the wife of Samuel BECK, lives in Pennsylvania. Mrs. has become the mother of four interesting children, namely; Ira B., born Oct. 15, 1877; Charles C., Oct. 22, 1880; Frank M., Dec. 30, 1882, and Zula V., Jan. 13, 1885

Mr. Porterfield is the owner of an extensive and highly cultivated farm, being the southeast quarter of section 22, Sidney Township. His farm is excellently managed, and carried on with aid of all the best modern appliances. He also owns three well improved town lots, upon which is erected one of the most elegant frame residences in the place. It is surrounded by an extensive lawn, planted with evergreen shrubbery and the finest hard maple trees in the township. His house and barn are unsurpassed by any in the county, everything within and without bearing witness to the cultured taste of its owner. Mr. Porterfield and his wife are members in high standing of the Methodist Church. His political sympathies are with the Republican party.