Children: Lola D. and Annie J.
(article J. W. Porch from History of Richland Co, OH by Baughman)
For many years this gentleman was actively identified with the business interest of Mansfield. He is one of the most prominent and influential members of the Odd Fellows fraternity in this state, and has taken a very active part in its work.
Mr. Porch was born in Westmoreland county, Pa, in 1834, a son of David and Catherine (Hess) Porch and a grandson of David Hess, all natives of the Keystone state. His grandfather became one of the most prosperous and successful farmers of Knox County, Ohio. On leaving PA, in 1836, his father, with his family, moved to Holmes county, Ohio, in 1844, took up his residence in Knox County, and in 1874 came to Mansfield, where he died in 1893, at the ripe old age of 86. He was a farmer by occupation, and was well known and highly esteemed. The Democratic party found in him an active supporter of its principles, and he efficiently served as justice of the peace in KnoxCounty for many years.
On leaving the home farm, J.W. Porch went in Fredericktown Knox County, where he attended high school, and then learned the joiner's trade at which he worked in that place from 1852 to 1864. In the latter year he came to Mansfield, which has since been his home and from 1868 to 1896 was in the employ of the Aultman-Taylor Company in their wood department, being foreman of the framing department. Since then he has lived retired.
At Fredericktown, Knox County, Mr. Porch was married in 1859, to Miss Mary Jane Baxter, a daughter of David Baxter, a well-known auctioneer of that county. By this union were born two children: Lola D. the wife of J. H. Krause, a grocer; and Annie J., the wife of Milton W. Conley, a druggist, both of Mansfield.
By his ballot Mr. Porch supports the men and measures of the Democratic party. Since 1856 he has affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; served as scribe of the local encampment for a quarter of a century; and was three times elected to office on the state ticket, being grand junior warden in 1872; grand high priest in 1875; and grand patriarch in 1877. The last named is the highest state office in that fraternity. As an officer and representative he attended the grand encampment of the state for about 30 years and by that body was presented with a gold rope chain and jewel as a memento. No man in the state is better posted on the laws of the order, and he has made a splendid record in the lodge. He is widely and favorably known, and those who know him best are numbered among his warmest friends. He also filled the office of township clerk two terms twenty three years ago, for a number of years was a member of the Mansfield board of education, and in April 1899 was elected trustee of Madison township for a term of 3 years.