The subject of this caption died at his home at Wacahoota in the extreme northwestern portion of Marion County, Wednesday morning.

He was one of the pioneer settlers of that section, having come to Florida from South Carolina before the war, and during it led a company which he recruited in that portion of Marion and Alachua Counties. He was one of the most prominent influential and highly respected citizens this county has ever known and an eminently successful farmer.

In the campaign of 1884 he was the democratic nominee for the legislature and with George W. Wilson, if we mistake not, as the other democratic nominee and  Col. J. M. Martin for the state senate, but all of the ticket failed of an election.

 Captain J. Porter Smith was well known to the older residents of the county. The children who survive him are Mrs. C. C. Pedrick and Mrs. J. P. Bankwright of Gainsville; C. M. Smith and T. M. Smith of Wacahoota and Mrs. W. M. Hogell of Johnson, South Carolina.

His remains were interred Thursday afternoon, April 3rd, at the Wacahoota Methodist Church burial grounds and a large concourse of neighbors and friends assembled to pay their departed respects to their departed friend.

A man of high character, clear and correct judgment, honest and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow men and whose presence and wise counsel will be greatly missed. He was aged 79 years.

Source: Ocala Evening Star  4-7-1902

Transcribed by Linda Flowers

Family Group Sheet