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PORTER, HARRY C., an energetic young business man of Springfield, member of the firm of Porter & Brisk, was born in Alexis, Warren County, Ill., October 4, 1877, son of James I. and Martha (Dorland) Porter, both natives of Pennsylvania and for the past thirty-five years residents of Alexis. Harry C, Porter is the second of three children and was educated in the common and high schools of his native town, leaving when within two months of graduating from the latter. He had previously been employed during vacations in potteries and on farms, clerking in stores, and in various other occupations.

After leaving school Mr. Porter worked for a railroad, beginning as messenger boy and being promoted through various grades to the position of traveling freight agent. At the end of four year she resigned his position and accepted an agency in Springfield for a large company, and formed a partnership with Mr. Brisk. He is energetic and ambitious in a business way, has a pleasing personality and is popular with his friends. HE is a member of the Presbyterian Church and in politics is a Republican. He is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. and is well known in fraternal circles.