Dumfries in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
John Wilmer Porter
Photographed By Kevin W., May 15, 2024
1. John Wilmer Porter Marker
Inscription.
John Wilmer Porter. . Born October 12, 1915, John Wilmer Porter was raised in the Batestown neighborhood of Dumfries. After attending the Cabin Branch School, he was hired at a local car dealership and became skilled in auto body repair. In 1945, after a wartime job with the Navy, and marriage to Mary Glaze, he opened his own shop in Dumfries. Porter Brothers Auto Body Shop thrived for 35 years. In 1962, Wilmer was encouraged to run, was elected, and re-elected 10 times to a Dumfries Town Council seat. He became the first black person voted onto a municipal governing body in Virginia since Reconstruction. He served Dumfries for 19 years with honesty, integrity, and compassion until his retirement in 1980. Wilmer earned the respect of the entire community which continued long after his death on April 24, 2001. On May 15, 2018. the new Dumfries Town Hall was named the John Wilmer Porter Municipal Building in his honor.
Born October 12, 1915, John Wilmer Porter was raised in the Batestown neighborhood of Dumfries. After attending the Cabin Branch School, he was hired at a local car dealership and became skilled in auto body repair. In 1945, after a wartime job with the Navy, and marriage to Mary Glaze, he opened his own shop in Dumfries. Porter Brothers Auto Body Shop thrived for 35 years. In 1962, Wilmer was encouraged
to run, was elected, and re-elected 10 times to a Dumfries Town Council seat. He became the first black person voted onto a municipal governing body in Virginia since Reconstruction. He served Dumfries for 19 years with honesty, integrity, and compassion until his retirement in 1980. Wilmer earned the respect of the entire community which continued long after his death on April 24, 2001. On May 15, 2018. the new Dumfries Town Hall was named the John Wilmer Porter Municipal Building in his honor.
Erected 2021 by Prince William County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1962.
Location. 38° 33.974′ N, 77° 19.82′ W. Marker is in Dumfries, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker is on Batestown Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map.
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Marker is at or near this postal address: 17875 Batestown Rd, Dumfries VA 22026, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 38 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 16, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
