The Vidette-Messenger Indiana Dec. 30, 1938 Porter Man 86, To Hold Open House Albert Lorenzo BANCROFT, who moved to north Porter county 77 years ago, will celebrate his 86th birthday anniversary on New Year's day at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Vettie? BOHRER, in Porter, Open House will be held Sunday and his many friends are cordially invited to call. Mr. BANCROFT was born in New York state on Dec. 29, 1852, the oldest son of William and Mary BANCROFT. With his parents he moved to north Porter county in 1861, where he has since resided with exception of two years spent in Nebraska. On July 22, 1877, he was married to Eliza COLE. To this union were born seven children, four of whom are still living. Mrs. BANCROFT died on April 8, 1931. Since that time he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. BOHRER. When a young man Mr. BANCROFT was employed as a wood chopper and in saw mills throughout the county. Over the long span of his life he has watched the development of the county from mud and plank roads to gravel and concrete highways, the projection of a number of railroads and the construction of industrial projects. He relates many interesting stories of pioneer life, including a turkey drive on foot to Chicago in which he joined with the others. When the participants reached Chicago to market their fowls, the turkeys numbered 5000.