William Stephen PORT

Notes:

with grandchildren Stewart and Margaret Paine. believe that they are standing, not sure who child in lap is.
Casselton, North Dakota
A sketch for a W. S. Port, appearing in "The Record, vol. 1, No. 7
(DEC. 1895)" the "sketch" is rather insignificant. It states:
"W. S. Port settled at Casselton in 1880. He came as a laboring man and worked some time on the Dalrymple farm and then opened a bakery, fruit and confectionery store, together with a restaurant, and has prospered in business. He owns his store building and four fine residences, three of which are shown in an accompanying cut. Traveling men belated for breakfast or other meals find fine broiled porterhouse steak and other things to match a good square meal for 25 cents."
(Research):Obituary from Casselton newspaper, retyped from poor original by C. Scott Port. William S. Port is Great-Granduncle of C. Scott Port. May 8, 2008

CASSELTON, NORTH DAKOTA, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13, 1920

DEATH TAKES W.S. PORT

Decease Occurs on Saturday, with Funeral Wednesday Afternoon.

Casselton was deeply shocked Saturday afternoon to hear that Mr. William S. Port, one its very oldest and most respected citizens had passed at 1:35 o'clock, after an illness of about ten days. Deceased had reached an age where a severe illness was attended with more than a chance of fatality, and his condition from day to day was the subject anxious inquiry by all our people. On Friday he had seemed in better condition than for some days, but on Saturday his heart action was alarming, ending as many believed it would, in longer refusing its natural action. Mr. Port realized that the close of life was near and gave specific requests about many matters that his relatives have carefully observed, including the continuous conduct of various businesses in which he was interested for so long.
Funeral Services were deferred until Wednesday of this week in order that Mrs. G.E. Farnsworth of Salem, Ore., a daughter, and a sister, Miss Susan Port of Saskatoon, Can. might reach Casselton.
The remains were transferred by Undertaker S.S. West, who was in charge of them to, K. of P. Hall, and on Tuesday and Wednesday up to the hour of the funeral, were seen by large numbers of people - specially children …….???? …. the departed as one of their most interested friends.
The funeral was probably the largest ever held in Casselton. Deceased was held in such universal respect that there were none who wanted to fail in showing the utmost interest in his passing, or omit any detail of respect to the family. The pall bearers - J.R. Pollock, G.O. Dalrymple, H.F. Strehlow, J.P. Cummins, J.A. McKinnon and Chas. Bunker, and the honorary pall bearers --- Messrs. H.A. Button, S.B. Bartlett, Wm. Strehlow, J.L. Gunkel, John Martin and Franklin Potter - under the direction of Dr. W.T. Sprake in charge of the details, escorted the remains from the hall to St. Stephen's church. The K. of P. members were out in a large body, as were also the members of the fire department. St. Stephen's was filled to its utmost capacity. The burial service was conducted by Rev. A. H. Beer, assisted by Bishop J. Poyntz Tyler and addresses were made by both the clergy, the former speaking most tenderly of the deceased and the latter giving his impressions if the very strong points of intellectuality and honesty in his make-up. The service was a beautiful one, the choir and congregation singing the favorite hymns of the departed as well as those of the service, and the floral remembrances were numerous and most beautiful. At the close of the service a long, long cortege, accompanied the remains to the cemetery, and despite the cold air, and deep snow more than a hundred citizens walked out to witness the burial, a large proportion being young folks who realized they had lost a friend.
William Stephen Port was born at Wellington Barracks, London, on the 11th day of February 1848 - and hence his burial occurred on the 72nd anniversary of his birth. His father was a commissioned officer in the English army and a member of Queen Victoria's bodyguard. They left England and came to Quebec when deceased was 14 years of age. Later he went to New Brunswick, then crossed into Maine, and his next move came to Minnesota and then to Casselton, first laboring on the Dalrymple farm in 1880. So for years 10 years he had lived in Casselton. Mrs. Port, whom he married and lived with for 30 years passed on Jan. 2nd, 1916. Twp daughters, Mrs. Mary Paine of Casselton, and Mrs. Carrie Farnsworth of Salem, Ore., survive. Both were present at the funeral, as were also his brother J.W. Port and family of this city, a sister, Miss. Susan Port of Saskatoon, Can., and one of his stepsons, Mr. William Elder of Minneapolis. Other immediate relatives are a brother Edward of Saskatoon and two married sisters, Mrs. Ward and Mrs. McIntosh of New Brunswick.
Deceased was so long a citizen of Casselton, dealt with so many people in a business way, and interested himself so deeply in the up building of the city and in the direction of municipal affairs that it is hardly necessary for us to enter into the particulars. He was an alderman for several terms, was mayor form 1912 to 1914, was long a member of the school board, and at the time of his death was one of the park commissioners. He was a Mason for many years and his connection with the Knights of Pythias had just passed the quarter of century mark. His was a busy life - a life of some enjoyments but of more burdens than pleasures. He was rigidly honest in all transactions, liberal in his dealings, loyal in his devotion to the city, state and adopted country - and at the end of forty years the community ceased from their activities and unitedly joined in the last expressions of respect to his memory.
The members of the several Port families request the Reporter to express publicly their deep appreciation of all the acts of kindness extended to them at this time, and for the beautiful floral tributes rendered the memory of the departed.

Birth:
Event Description: Wellington Barracks

William married Mary Ann Martin DOWNING in 1877. Mary was born in 1849 in Canada; died on 2 Jan 1916 in Salem, Marion, Oregon, USA; was buried in 1916 in Casselton, Cass, North Dakota, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Willie PORT was born in Feb 1884 in North Dakota, USA.
2. Mary Alice PORT was born on 27 Dec 1887 in North Dakota, USA; died on 12 Jun 1947 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
3. Carrie L PORT was born on 6 Jan 1891 in Carrelton, Cass, North Dakota, USA; died on 31 Jan 1960 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Notes:

Read more about Richard Port and his family HERE

Richard married Ann WISHART on 9 Feb 1844 in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England. Ann was born on 10 Jan 1825 in England, United Kingdom; died on 20 Feb 1855 in Hillingdon, Middlesex, England; was buried in Feb 1855 in Hellidon, Northamptonshire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:

St Mary Magdalene