The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1872-02-21
The Death of Major F. J. Porcher.

Charleston has not known more loyal and
courteous gentleman, than him whose sWiit-
coming death is mourned to-day throughout
the length and breadth OF the city. Honor was
hIs heritage: no doubling breath had tarnished
his good name. His seemed to be truly
happy life; rich In love and respect, and richer
still in the peace OF mind far more precious
than the mercantile prosperity so worthily
worn and won. Chivalrous, generous and
hopeful
Amau he seemed Of cheerful yesterdays
And confident to-morrows
Sincerely and tenderly Is his death deplored;
for to few men is 1t given to command, as he
did, the earnest Affection Of those who knew
him we'll, and the sincere regard and unhes.
itati6g confidence of whole community.
Major Francis James Porcher died yesterday
morning at hRltpast two o'clock, at his resi-
dence on South Battery, of Inflammation Of
the stomach, after short and painful illness
Of three days.
Major Porcher was born on the Sd Of May,
1881, at Coosawhatchie, where his father was
then practlcing medicine. When quite child
he came to Charleston, where he was reared
and educated. At an early age he went into
business as a clerk upon the wharVes, and
about the year 1850 became member of the
firm Of WItherspoon q Porcher, cotton and
rice brokers. In 1858, when his partner died,
he took entire charge Of the business, which
he conducted until the breaking out Of the
war. He was member of the convention
which passed the ordinance of secession,
and during the war served successfully as
captain and major upon the stats OF Gene
rails DeSaussure and Walker. Having at
length become disabled for active service
by accidentally breaking his wrist, he return
to Charleston and was put in charge of the
harbor distractions. He was most active IN
removing the garrison from Morris Island on
the night of the evacuation, and was nearly cap
tured with the boat he commanded, In 1854 he
became member of the Legislature, aRd he
was also elected to the first Legislature after
the close Of the war. He formed copartn Ter
ship with Mr.. Henry, under the name OF
Poreher & Henry, at the head Of which firm
he remained until bis death.
In the municipal organizations Mr.. Porcher
was we'll known as the president for many
years of the Phoenix Fire Company, and bis
genial temper and generous promptness will
long be held in remembrance by that spirited
corps He was one of the original founders
of the South Carolina Institute, and continued
to be director Of the society until within the
past eighteen months. he took lively inter-
est in Industrial enterprises, and was presl-
dent of the Atlantic Phosphate Company. he
Was an active member Of the Chamber Of Com
merce, and at the last anniversary was elected
second viee-presldent.
Mr.. Porcher was man ofsterling integrity,
and his kindness and benevolence were known
and appreciated by all who came in contact
with him. The eadness which spread over the
city when his death was announced, was only
poor evidence OF The high esteem In which
he was held.
The funeral will take place at half past four
O'Clock this afternoon, at the Unitarian Church
in Archdale street.