I've been researching the Porter side of my family by tracing back from my dad to his dad to his dad, etc.. and found a ton of information.
You can go all the way back to the 1400's in Gloucester, England.
The John Porter who came to America did so in 1715 because he was a singer and wrote a song unfavorable to King George the III.
Here is a story about Aaron Porter, (who in the lineage is this: My Dad --> Wade --> Samuel --> Amos --> Joseph --> Aaron) from A History of Trumbull & Mahoning Counties, published in 1812.
Aaron Porter was born in Carroll County, Maryland in 1764, son of Moses Porter of Md., grandson of John Porter of Gloucestershire, Eng.
He made his home just across the border at Bedford, Pennsylvania until the late 1700's. He is believed to have lived in Allegheny and Beaver Counties in Pennsylvania as well, until moving with his family to Milton Twp. Trumbull Co., Ohio around 1803. His father and uncle John Porter Jr. served in the Revolutionary War in Captain Paxton's Bedford County Militia. (Pa. Archives, 5th Series, Vol.V.p.116)., and after, helped survey the Mason-Dixon Line. Aaron was a noted bear hunter and one of the early settlers in Milton Twp.
Aaron Porter, said by his sons to have been the second settler in the township, came from Pennsylvania in 1803, and located west of the river on the farm where Henry Winfield now lives, afterwards (in 1812) moving to the farm where his sons, Enoch and Joseph Porter, reside. He brought up a family of twelve children, thrae of whom were born in this township.
Porter was a strong man and of great endurance. He reached the age of ninety-six. The names of the surviving members of his family are : Margaret, wife of John Jones, Medina county; Robin, in Indiana; Nancy, widow of Joseph McKenzie, Huron county ; Enoch and Joseph, Milton township.
A BEAR STORY.
Aaron Porter was a famous hunter, and the history of his experiences and achievements would make an interesting book. Early and late, in every season and all kinds of weather, he busied himself in the pursuit which he so dearly loved. With his moccasins, he never would wear boots while hunting, and his rifle, he could often be seen striding through the forest, either going in quest of adventure or returning victorious after a day's exploits. He was a man of strong limbs and powerful frame, capable of enduring almost any amount of physical exertion. Miles were nothing to him. With an easy, swinging, rapid gait he would traverse the woods hour after hour, apparently with no thought of fatigue or desire for rest. The man who would attempt to follow "Uncle Aaron" all day would have been considered rash indeed.
We will here note one of his many hunting episodes, as told by his son.
One day while Porter and his son Samuel were hunting near the north fork of the Mahoning, while ranging the woods they suddenly came across an old Indian and a young brave who had treed an old she bear and her cubs, and were attempting to secure them. The animals had taken refuge within a large hollow tree and were some distance from the ground. Porter came where the red men were, and at once comprehending the condition of affairs, made signs to the Indians that they should allow him to cut the tree down. The old hunter shook his head, and intimated that the bear would run away. Porter pointed to two dogs which were following him; but the Indian uttered a contemptuous "Ugh !" and declared that the dogs were " too light." As they were only small water spaniels, his reasoning was apparently well founded. The Indians soon lighted a fire at the base of the tree, and as the smoke found its way up the cavity where the bear was, she began to scramble upward in a very lively manner, until she reached an opening just large enough to put her head through. As soon as the black nose was visible to the hunters, and while its owner was in full and complete enjoyment of fresh air the old Indian fired. The bear fell back into the tree and there was much noise and commotion among the cubs. Porter then asked the Indian if he should cut the tree, and, receiving an affirmative reply, set to work and soon the trunk went crackling to the earth; and lo! out rushed the bear which the Indian thought he had killed, and bounded away at a lively rate. Uncle Aaron fired off his gun to excite the dogs, and all started in hot pursuit of the running game except the old Indian, who stopped to secure the cubs, and then followed as fast as his limbs could carry him.
The dogs, which were well trained, and had participated in many a bear hunt before this one, soon brought the animal at bay, by biting her hind legs and otherwise worrying her. Porter, as usual, caught up with the dogs before the other hunters, but he could do nothing, as his gun was empty. Before he had time to reload his son came up, and taking his gun, Uncle Aaron walked up close to the bear's head and shot her. Soon the young Indian arrived, and he, too, poured his rifle's charge into the bear, which Porter's shot had already killed. The old Indian next appeared and took his turn at shooting. By this time the animal was "dead enough to skin;" as all the hunters unanimously agreed, and the Indians, with deft and skillful fingers soon had the hide removed. The old red man then cut off a large piece of the shoulder, which he offered to Porter.
The latter declined it by shaking his head. The Indian, however, insisted, made signs of eating, pointed to the meat and then to his mouth to declare that it was good ; and Porter, to please him, accepted the gift and wrapped it carefully in some bark, that he might carry it home without the inconvenience of being daubed with bear's grease. The young Indian next cut off some of the meat and wrapped it up as Porter had done. The old warrior then took the remainder of the carcass, end-tails and all, put the cubs, which were still alive, into it, wrapped the whole securely in the bear-skin, making a. bundle plenty large and heavy for one to carry, shouldered it and marched toward his wigwam, doubtless well pleased with the result of his hunting, and thankful for the white man's assistance.
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