Henry Kirke Porter

Henry Kirke Porter (November 24, 1840 – April 10, 1921) was an American businessman and politician. Porter served as U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 31st congressional district as an Independent Republican from 1903 to 1905.

Early life and education Porter was born in Concord, New Hampshire on November 24, 1840. In 1860, he graduated from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He also helped found the YMCA that year. He attended the Newton Theological Seminary in Newton Center, Massachusetts.

In 1862, he enlisted in the 45th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and was mustered out in July 1863. He continued his theological training at the Rochester Theological Seminary in Rochester, New York.

Career In 1866, Porter was given a gift of $20,000 by his father, which changed the course of his life. He invested that money with a partner, John Y. Smith, and formed the Smith & Porter Machine works. They opened a small shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which grew to become H.K. Porter, Inc. Porter served as president of the company.

He was President of the Pittsburgh YMCA from 1868 to 1887, and was President of the Western Pennsylvania Institute for the Blind in 1904. He served in the United States House of Representatives in the 58th United States Congress from 1903 to 1905 as an Independent Republican. Porter represented Pennsylvania's 31st congressional district.

Later life and death He was a member of the Jekyll Island Club (aka The millionaires Club) on Jekyll Island, Georgia. He continued as President of H.K. Porter, Inc. until his death at age 80 in Washington, D.C. on April 10, 1921. He was buried in the Allegheny Cemetery in Pittsburgh.