Hi Wayne The Porter's I am researching were in Sampson Co. I have Samuel Porter b. 1810 md Nancy Butler , there son Haywood Porter b.1832, is listed as father on my husband's great-grandfather's (Adolphus Fann b. 1853 Sampson d. 1916 Cumberland) death cert. Have not find out who is father of Samuel, looking at a Matthew Porter that was in 1840 Sampson census living next to Samuel. The only thing I have on Bladen Co. Porter's is a will for Samuel Porter Oct. 1757 Bladen Co. He lists sons, James, John, Hugh, and Samuel (there has to be a connection with all these Samuel's). A will for John Porter 1773 Bladen Co. lists his brothers Hugh and Samuel (don't know what happen to James-died?). This John did not list any children or a wife, so maybe that narrows down your search to Hugh or Samuel as father of your James N. Porter. Hope this info helped some, hope to hear from you. Helen Ennis Williams