History of Worcester, (Montgomery County) Pennsylvania United States of America

Our on-site database does not include an historic photo for Worcester, (Montgomery County) Pennsylvania, do you have one you would like to contribute? Contact Us!

Andrew Porter, soldier, was born in Worcester, Montgomery county, Pa., Sept. 24, 1743; son of Robert Porter, who emigrated from Londonderry, Ireland, in 1720, and settled in Londonderry, N. H. Andrew conducted an English and mathematical school in Philadelphia, 1767-76. He was appointed captain of marines, and stationed on the frigate Effingham in 1776; transferred to the 4th Pennsylvania artillery; promoted captain, major, March 13, 1782, lieutenant-colonel and colonel, and was engaged in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine and Germantown, being personally commended on the field by General Washington, for his conduct during the last named battle. He was sent to Philadelphia, Pa., to enlist men, and prepare for the siege of Yorktown. He accompanied Gen. John Sullivan's expedition against the Indians, and suggested to Gen. James Clinton the plan of raising the water of Otsego lake by means of a dam, thus allowing the passage of the troops by boat to Tioga point. He refused the chair of mathematics in the University of Pennsylvania, and retired to his farm in 1783. He was a member of the Pennsylvania boundary commission, 1784-87, and gave his aide and advice in the completion of the western end of the Mason and Dixon line. He was commissioned brigadier-general of state militia in 1801, and major-general and surveyor-general, 1809-13. He declined the commission of brigadier-general, U.S.A., and the portfolio of war, tendered by President Monroe in 1812. He died in Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. 16, 1813.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Worcester, (Montgomery County) Pennsylvania

Biographies: