James Madison Porter
| James Porter | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 18th United States Secretary of War | |
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In office March 8, 1843 – January 30, 1844 |
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| President | John Tyler |
| Preceded by | John Spencer |
| Succeeded by | William Wilkins |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
January 6, 1793 Norristown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | November 11, 1862 (aged 69) Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse(s) | Eliza Michler |
James Madison Porter (January 6, 1793 – November 11, 1862) served as the 18th United States Secretary of War and founder of Lafayette College.
Porter began his career studying law in 1809 and later became a clerk in the prothonotary's office in an effort to manage a volunteer militia company at Fort Mifflin. Porter was admitted to the bar in 1813 and later appointed to attorney general for Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Throughout his life, Porter filled many roles. He was a professor of jurisprudence and political economy at Lafayette College (1837-1852), a judge of the twelfth judicial district (1839), ad interim Secretary of War under President John Tyler (1843), and was elected as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1849.
James Madison Porter was born on January 6, 1793 in Norristown, Pennsylvania at his father's estate, "Selma". He was the son of General Andrew Porter and Elizabeth Parker Porter, and was the youngest of thirteen children. James and his older brother, Judge Robert Porter, were home schooled during their early years and later attended Norristown Academy to continue their adolescent education.
Porter began his military career in 1809 as an office clerk at the request of his father, who served as the Surveyor General of Pennsylvania at the time. His time spent as an office clerk proved to be beneficial in allowing him to acquire the knowledge that would lead him to enter the law office of John Passmore, Esquire. Porter was settled in Philadelphia in 1813 when rumors spread across the city that the British were coming during the War of 1812. Porter took matters into his own hands and organized militia units along the Delaware River. Although the British never arrived, the people of Philadelphia applauded his efforts. His military service ceased upon his arrival in Easton, Pennsylvania in 1818, but resumed in 1843 when President John Tyler appointed him Secretary of War. President Tyler named Porter his secretary ad interim, hoping that after time, the Senate would approve Porter's nomination. However, Porter served in the Cabinet only eleven months because the Senate did not confirm his nomination. This arose due to President Tyler's troubled relationship with the Senate in previous years. President Tyler had offended the Whigs with his independent nomination and upon hearing of the Senate's action, Porter immediately resigned his commission and returned to Easton.
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