My Genealogy Hound

J. P. Portis, one of the leading farmers of Lonoke County, was born in Mississippi, February 14, 1849, and is the son of Addison and Harriet (Hill) Portis, natives of Tennessee and Mississippi, respectively. Addison Portis claims Tennessee as his birthplace, was educated there and learned the carpenter’s trade, becoming very proficient in this. His death occurred in 1853, and his wife, who survived him, was married again to Mr. Samuel Graham, to whom were born three children. J. P. Portis was educated in Mississippi, and in 1872 he emigrated to Arkansas, locating at Pine Bluff. After a year’s residence in this place, he moved to Lonoke County, where he has since resided. The sequel of his moving to Arkansas was a marriage, which was consummated in July, 1880, the bride being Miss Mollie C. Clark. To this marriage three children were born, namely: Frank G., James P. and Beulah. He is a farmer by occupation and a very successful one, too, owning 160 acres of splendid land, with about 140 under cultivation. He affiliates with the Masonic Lodge, to which order he has belonged about eight years. He is a member of the Baptist Church and his wife an adherent of the Catholic faith. They are very pleasant, hospitable people, and are very popular in social circles.