William A. Porter, one of the earliest members of E. P. Christy’s Minstrels, made his first theatrical appearance as a supernumerary in the old Chatham Theatre, New York, in the fall of 1841.
His debut as a black-face performer occurred in the Spring of 1844 with the Clark Brothers Panorama Show.
Mr. Porter made his first appearance with E. P. Christy’s Minstrels at the Eagle Street Theatre, Buffalo, N. Y., April 5, 1845.
February 15, 1847, he opened with the company at Mechanic’s Hall, New York, and remained there until 1853, after which, in the Fall of that year, he became a member of George Christy and Henry Wood’s Minstrels.
Mr. Porter subsequently went to California and identified himself with Backus’ Minstrels there.
Early in 1855 he rejoined E. P. Christy’s Company in San Francisco, acting as business manager.
In August, same year, he set sail for Australia with Backus’ Minstrels; he remained in that country until 1859, during which period he engaged in mining and mercantile pursuits, as well as following his profession.
Mr. Porter returned to New York about September, 1870, later making his home at Johnsonburg, N. Y., where he died January 18, 1906.
William A. Porter was born in Hartford, Conn., May 4, 1822.
J. W. Raynor (Rea) came to America at the age of ten years.