I haven't had so much of an unusual obituary, however, I thought I'd share this one as it is one of the most poetic, and heartfelt obits I have ever read... CAPT. PORTER, OLD SHIP MASTER, ENTERS PORT This week a schooner, a representative type of vessels that are fast dissapearing from the chain of lakes, ??ssing before the march of progress as represented by the steam propellers - sailed from Lorain on its last lake trip. Last evening, a represenative of the old school of shipmasters, those daring navigators who sailed, really sailed by sid of wind and sail, ended the long voyage of life and was gathered into the harbor of eternity by the command of the Master of all navigators. Capt. Julian "Dick" Porter, passed away last evening at his home, 1144 West Erie Ave. after an illness of 5 days and after several months of ill health. Gently did the breeze die under the sails of the life craft of Capt. Porter. The craft suddenly reached a calm, the frame quivered and death assumed command. There was no struggle, no shoals, no big seas. The spirit which had once unflinchingly faced storm and disaster was quiet. The daring nature which had driven the "Three Brothers" into numerous harbors under full sail was quietly stilled. Shipped Before Mast Capt. Porter was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel Porter and was born in Lorain on St. Patrick's Day, 1846. He had practically made his residence here continuously although many years of his earthly existence was spent on the waters of the chain of lakes. From boyhood he longed for the life of a sailor. The longing was gratified. He shipped early as a sailor before the mast. Advancement came to him rapidly because of his love for his work. Soon he possessed a master's papers and then came his proudest moment when he sailed in his own vessel the "J. U. Porter", a schooner widely known in its day. Sails from Ships After years of sailing on the "Porter", Capt. Porter became the owner of the "Three Brothers" a schooner that was famous on all the lakes. He and his boat became known in every port. The high masts among the tallest on the lakes, were easily sited rising above the horizon. They knew no obstructions and it was common comment that wires were never to high for Captain Porter to tear down. Clinging to his schooner the deceased sailor would not give up the fight. The modern means of lake transportation drove him from the ports where cargoes were rich. He fought grimly and determinedly against great odds and finally but reluctantly retired five years ago when he was appointed master of the Lorain Harbor by F.J. King, then mayor of the city. He held the position continuously up to the time of death and was ever on watch on the docks and bridges in the performance of duty. Recalls Days of Youth A pathetic incident in Capt. Porter's life came last week when the three masted schooner G.J.Boyce, sailed into Lorain harbor. The harbor master was back in his element again. It seemed as if he had been transplanted into his young manhood. His steps were more sprightly. He visited the Boyce a score of times, inspecting every foot of her. "Here is a real boat." he said. "This captain here is a shipmaster. That fellow on that iron boat over there is a steamboatman. He is not a sailor." Capt Porter was married in 1880 to Miss Elizabeth McCurry of Detroit. He brought his bride to this city and here was born to them a family of five daughters, who with thier mother survive. The daughters are Misses May, Clara, Helen and Irene Porter, and Mrs T. A.Peets. Two brothers, Samuel Porter of Grand Rapids and Alex Porter, 503 Washington Ave Lorain, and two sisters, Mrs. Caroline Miller and Mrs.John McConnell both of Ashland also survive. Mrs. McConnell was a twin sister of the deceased navigator. Capt Porter was identified with the Knights of the Macabees. He was also a member of St. Mary R.C. church. The funeral services will probably be conducted from that church Monday morning at 8:30. The Rev. John J. Johnson will be in charge. The body will be buried in Calvary Cemetery. _______________________________________