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- John Porter's first record in this country was a record of land laid out for him in Hingham, MA on 2 Sep 1637. The locations of his first house in now included in the grounds of the Hingham Agricultural and Horticultural Society on East Street (as of 1907). John Porter was an acquisitive landowner and was very active in public affairs. The source cited contains numerous record entries of his activities, including his appointment as surveyor, selectman, Deputy to the General Court (in both Hingham and Salem, MA). John Porter was the friend of Governor Endicott, with whom he built a saw mill on Crane's river. He established the first tannery in New England, and thus founded the hide and leather trade. According to Gen. Howard Porter, the remains of this tanning yard were discovered (circa 1900) by the late John Payne. The Massachusetts records show that he made at least two shipments to the Barbados. He was familiarly called "Farmer Porter," and "Sergeant Porter," and tradition has it that hew was one of Hingham's quota in the Pequot war; he was afterwards on Gov. Endicott's military staff. The colonial records speak of him as "of good report for piety, integrity, and estate." His will is preserved at the Salem Registry of Deeds (as of 1907). His will is listed in full in the source cited.
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