Pike Township Family Stories
JAMES AND LOTTIE PORTER FAMILY
Nichols, Iowa Centennial Book 1884-1984, pages 347-349
By Helene SaleminkLee Ulch, Raymond Porter, Ronald Porter, Mary Jane Porter, Warren Porter, Jeanne Porter, Helene Porter and Jim Porter have always lived in the Nichols community, first on the Herman Lord farm north of Lacey school. They all attended Lacey school and later all graduated from Nichols High school.
Their father was James D. Porter, born 24 September 1874 in Alton, Missouri. He farmed in the Conesville and Nichols areas. He died 15 April 1940 and is buried in the Nichols cemetery.
Their mother was Lottie DeVault Ulch, born 27 February 1894 at Solon, Iowa, a daughter of David DeVault and Delia DeVault. She died 22 November 1976 at Nichols. Lottie worked in several nursing homes as a cook and enjoyed it very much.
After the death of their father, the Porters bought and moved to the farm now owned by Ray Wieskamp. They purchased the dairy cows from Bob Green and managed a dairy for the Nichols community.
In 1941, Ronald Porter was killed in an automobile accident at the farm driveway. Lee Ulch was also injured seriously. The boys were en route to help shock oats for neighbor Thomas Dean at the time. That same summer a tornado struck the Porter farm and destroyed all the buildings except the house and barn.
Lee Ulch and Warren Porter served in the U. S. Navy during World War II.
James Porter joined the U. S. Air Force after high school graduation, making it a career. His family was with him all the time, and they were stationed in Germany, Alaska and New Mexico. He has retired and they now reside in Spokane, Washington. James was married to Geraldine Weeks at the Lutheran church in Muscatine. She is a daughter of Albert Weeks. Children of James and Gerry are Kay Lyn Porter, Ronald Porter and Douglas Porter.
Raymond Porter and Warren Porter managed a feed store known as Porter Feed store in Nichols where the Catfish Place stands. The feed store burned down and they did not replace it.
Warren Porter started working at Oscar Mayer company in Davenport, driving back and forth each day. He is about to retire after working there for 34 years. Warren and Shirley Griffen were married in Muscatine. They live at Wheatland, Iowa, where Warren built their home. They have a daughter, Sandy Porter.
In 1949 the farm was sold to Ray Wieskamp and Lee Ulch bought a fishing resort in International Falls, Minnesota. Lee is a son of Frank Ulch and Lottie DeVault Ulch. Le was married to Louise Polman, and they moved to International Falls, where they lived for about ten years. Then they moved to Gladbrook, Iowa, where they live. Louise is a daughter of Albert Polman and Sophia Van Aken Polman. Their children are Teresa Ulch and Jeff Ulch.
Ardell Ulch was married to Jessie Christofferson. He died 11 February 1940 at age 25. Ardell and Jessie had a son, Larry Ulch. Ardell was also a son of Frank Ulch and Lottie DeVault Ulch.
Raymond Porter married Letha Reynolds in the Nichols Methodist church. They live in the T. B. Nichols home which they purchased and restored. They have four children: Cindy Porter, John Porter, Scott Porter and Lynn Porter.
Mary Jane Porter married Lloyd Simpson in St. Mary’s church in Nichols. They have lived all their married life on a farm northeast of West Liberty. Their children are Ronald Simpson, Lindsey Simpson, Sheri Simpson, Julie Simpson and Marc Simpson.
Jeanne Porter and Francis Maher were married in St. Mary’s church in Nichols. They live in Cedar Rapids where Francis operates a Roto-Rooter system. Their children are Deborah Maher, Randy Maher and Mary Beth Maher.
Helene Porter was married to Jack T. Salemink at St. Mary’s church in Nichols. They live on the farm that belonged to Barney Milder, which they purchased. Helene drives a school bus for the West Liberty Community schools. Their children are Rhonda Salemink, Steven Salemink, Regina Salemink, Reeta Salemink and Renetta Salemink.
JAMES D. PORTER
Nichols, Iowa Centennial Book 1884-1984, page 349Anchorage, Alaska – Master Sergeant James D. Porter, son of Mrs. Lottie Porter of 514 Jackson St., Muscatine, Iowa, receives the U. S. Air Force Commendation Medal at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Sergeant Porter was decorated for meritorious service as a jet engine technician at McGuire AFB, N. J. He was cited for his exemplary ability, diligence and devotion to duty. He is now at Elmendorf in a unit of the Military Airlift Command. The sergeant is a graduate of Nichols (Iowa) High school. His wife, Geraldine, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert E. Weeks of 1019 W. Fulliam Ave., Muscatine. Presenting the award is Colonel James, commander of the 602nd Military Airlift Support Squadron.
Return to Family Stories Index Return to Muscatine Co. IAGenWeb, Index Page
Page created December 31, 2010 by Lynn McCleary