William H. Porter
William Henry Porter | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Middlebury, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | November 30, 1926 (aged 65) |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Years active | Late 19th century – early 20th century |
| Known for | President of Chemical National Bank, founder and director of Bankers Trust Company, president of New York Clearing House, partner at J.P. Morgan & Co. |
William Henry Porter (January 8, 1861 – November 30, 1926) was a distinguished figure in the banking sector of New York City. In 1903, he assumed the presidency of Chemical National Bank and played a key role as both founder and director of the Bankers Trust Company in New York. He was chosen as president of the New York Clearing House in 1908 and subsequently became a partner at J.P. Morgan & Co..
Early life
Born on January 8, 1861, in Middlebury, Vermont, Porter was the son of William Trowbridge Porter (1838–1898) and Martha Elizabeth (née Samson) Porter (1837–1917). His education included attendance at Middlebury Academy and Saratoga High School.
Career
Porter's career commenced at the Fifth Avenue Bank of New York, where he served as a junior clerk for eight years. In 1886, he advanced to cashier at the Chase National Bank. After seven years fulfilling the role of vice president there, he transitioned to become vice president of Chemical National Bank in 1898.
Following the passing of George G. Williams in May 1903, Porter succeeded him as president of Chemical National Bank. That year also marked his involvement as co-founder and director of the Bankers Trust Company of New York, alongside his trusteeship at the Guaranty Trust Company of New York.
On October 6, 1908, Porter was appointed president of the New York Clearing House. His leadership extended to serving as treasurer and executive committee member within the Chamber of Commerce.
In 1910, he departed from Chemical National Bank to join J.P. Morgan & Co. as a partner.
Personal life
Porter was married to Esther Jackson (1862–1934), daughter of James Jackson. Their primary residence was a Manhattan townhouse located at 45 East 68th Street, complemented by a country estate in Glen Cove, Long Island. Their offspring included:
- James Jackson Porter (1891–1918), who earned degrees from Princeton and Harvard Law before practicing law with White & Case; he was killed during the Meuse–Argonne offensive in France.
- Helen Porter Pryibil (1897–1969), who first married Richard Leech Davisson and later divorced him before marrying Paul Pryibil in 1928. The couple constructed the Glen Cove mansion known as Bogheid in 1938. Paul Pryibil passed away in 1947.
Porter died on November 30, 1926, while walking with his wife in Brooklyn. His funeral took place at Central Presbyterian Church on Madison Avenue, and he was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. His estate was bequeathed to his wife, daughter, grandchildren, as well as Middlebury College and several churches.
Legacy
Porter played an instrumental role in establishing the Porter Medical Center in Middlebury, Vermont, thereby aiding healthcare advancement within the community.