Stewart's Index or Tillet Porter family main INDEX
During the last ten miles of my Sunday trip to the Porter Family Reunion, I drove only a few miles from the magnificent Broad River. The small homes, yards and industrious farms along the often hilly, forested, meandering and sometimes sparselessly populated country roads between Hickory Grove and Porter Road seemed neatly and proudly maintained.
This more beautiful part of South Carolina, one of the most beautiful states in the world, seems to have remained almost exclusively the homeland of the Germanic and Keltic Indo-Hittites (Aryans) from North Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany and other northwestern European countries which settled it over two hundred years ago. The only Negro I saw on the road seemed favorably disposed. Was this part of Cherokee County, South Carolina less infested by slavery?
How long will the immigration of other ethnic groups looking for jobs in recent industrial developements along Interstate Highway 85 allow such peaceful neighborhoods and relatively secure civilization to survive?
The Porter Family reunion was held on top of a carefully mowed and gently rolling low hill, which provided a beautiful view in all directions and a refreshing breeze despite temperatures in the upper 90's, in the shade of a huge old oak tree in the backyard of the old and small wooden home of cousin James E. Porter.
As one would expect of sane members of a civilized race, every person I met there was most pleasant, easy going, tolerant, naturally graceful and polite, as well as tastefully well dressed and clean. Children of all ages were as remarkably well-behaved, attentive and focused as the adults during speaches, etc.
Their conversations were intelligent and thoughtful. I saw no sign of alcohol, tobacco or other addictive drug consumption. The young adult men I spoke with had good jobs and educations. One was a kind doctor who intends to practice gastro-enterology in Rock Hill, SC. Most said their families had told them they had Indian ancestors, but after so many generations, I was not able to detect much evidence of it in their facial features, etc.
I wish that all families enjoyed the natural love and respect for others (which begins with self) that has brought such grace to this family. An unshakable sense of belonging, loyalty and obligation to this family seems to have permanently rooted itself in my heart. Was there ever a family to be more proud of?
For me the Porter Family Reunion was pleasant in every way.