Week 4 2026 - A Theory in Progress - Porter

My 3x great grandfather Aaron Porter shows up for the first time in my family tree back about 1803 in the Lake George area of New York. Where he came from is still to be determined. A typed 'story' about Aaron and his family was written by a Barrick descendant (his daughter Minerva married Alpheus Barrick) and states that he came from the 'Vermont Porters'. 

Information from Helen Strine via Don Barrick of Oregon

Aaron and his wife Lavina Chapman were married ca 1803 and since Lavina is stated to be from near Lake George, New York it is possible that they were married there.  They had children Exa, John J, Minerva, Sara, Nicholas, and Hosea. Four children were born in New York, and the rest were born in Indiana. The family then went on to Iowa.

Based on loose naming traditions Aaron's first-born son was named John so maybe his father's name was also John.

I find a John Porter in the 1790 US Census for Castleton, Rutland County, Vermont. The census shows one male over 16, five males under 16 and two females. Based on Aaron being born ca1780 he would fit in that young male category. 

In 1800 John Porter is still in Castleton, Vermont with a son under age 20. 

In 1810 John Porter is still in Castleton, Vermont and there is only one male between 26 and 44. So the son has left.

There is no John Porter in Castleton in 1820. 

Did Aaron set out to make his own way in the world? Between 1800 and 1810 the son that is the right age to be Aaron is gone.  But Aaron could be in New York getting married and starting his family.  Aaron and his family are then found in 1820 in Jefferson County, Indiana.

I lean towards this John Porter as timing and areas fit.

BUT - there is also an Aaron Porter who was the son of Increase Porter and his wife Lydia Woodworth. They had nine children: Lucy, Benjamin, Lydia, Aaron (b 26 March 1780), Bela, Asahel, Clarinda, Amelia and Harriet. Every one of the children have birth dates and spouses EXCEPT for Aaron. There is only his birth. He fits perfectly. There is no spouse listed nor any other information. I did find a notation that Aaron Porter born 1780 of Hebron, Connecticut married a Lucy Foote. So, the dates fit, but if this is the correct marriage then that's not the correct Aaron. And they lived in Connecticut not Vermont.

So, I have two men named Aaron Porter who are the correct ages to be my ancestor.   

I sure wish I had a crystal ball.

Barbie




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