Draft:Johannes 'John' George PORCH

Johannes 'John' George PORCH (Born 1730 York, Pennsylvania - Death 1806) was an early American settler born in 1730 in York, Pennsylvania. His life was marked by the early tragedy of his parents' death, alleged to be at the hands of Native Americans, and his subsequent upbringing among them until he reached young adulthood.

Early Life

Little is known about Porch's early years, except for the account of his parents' death and his rearing by Native Americans. The authenticity of this narrative stems from oral traditions and was referenced in the autobiography of Rev. Francis M.P. Porch, D.D. (1851-1936). According to the tradition, Porch retained the name given by his birth parents and later settled in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

John Porch was catechized, baptized, and confirmed by Rev. Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg, D.D., who was the founder of the Lutheran Church in America and became a member of the

Adult Life and Marriage

As an adult, Porch moved to Lancaster County within the same state, where he established his life and family. In 1776, he married Ursula Zimmerman, an immigrant from Stuttgart, Germany, who had landed in America in 1750 after a tumultuous sea voyage.Porch's religious engagements were significant. He was catechized, baptized, and confirmed by Rev. Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg, D.D., a noted figure in the establishment of the Lutheran Church in America. Porch's involvement with the church was profound as he was elected a member of its council in Lancaster.

Legacy

While no comprehensive records detail Porch's day-to-day life, his legacy extends through his documented children and their contributions to American society. His son, George Porch, settled in Westmoreland County, and his lineage has been traced through subsequent generations.

In Research

In 1983, research conducted by the Historical Society of York County did not reveal a will or marriage records for Porch, indicating he may have died intestate. Land deeds and transactions in his name, however, were recorded, marking his economic activity and presence in the region. A note found in the historical documentation suggests that a "Porch Family Tree" shows his parents as George and Hannah, with the tree owned by a Lewis Porch, possibly indicating a lineage and familial connection to explore further.