PORTER DEVENDORF
From Cedarville, NY to Schenectady, NY
Contributed by Lisa Slaski Transcribed by Joanne Murray
PORTER DEVENDORF was born in Cedarville, Herkimer County, N.Y., July 7, 1848, but was educated at Grand
Rapids, Michigan, where he lived for some time.
He learned the trade of painter and worked at that business until he came to Schenectady, which was on
January 27, 1884. Here he entered the Jones Car Shops as painter, and remained with them until 1889 after
which he was with the Wagner Sleeping Car Company for one year, after which he was in the Gilbert Car Works
of Troy, N.Y. After leaving the Gilbert Car Works he settled in Schenectady and embarked in business for
himself as a painter and paperhanger. In 1893 he opened up his present business. He gives employment to about
twenty-five people and takes contracts for painting, paperhanging and decorating, and has established a
high reputation as an artistic workman. He also has a carriage painting establishment and has a branch
house in the city of Troy.
In August, 1886, Porter Devendorf married Margarett Bennett, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Turnbull)
Bennett of Schenectady. They have one son, Earl Devendorf.
Mr. Devendorf is a member of St. Paul's Lodge No. 17, I. O. O. F., of the benevolent Protective Order of Elks,
the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Royal Arcanum.
Mr. Devendorf is of Holland descent. His parents were Daniel and Julia (Reed) Devendorf. His father was a
native of Herkimer, and his mother of Michigan.
"Schenectady County, New York, its history to the close of the nineteenth century," by Austin A. Yates.
The New York History Company, 1902. Pages 179-80.
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