Our Background

The Porch Family’s story stretches from the culturally rich heritage of Benin, Nigeria and the people of the Fulani tribe to its roots in America. While our lineage can be traced as far back as Virginia through Thomas and James Porch, our family legacy here is most fully celebrated through Frank Porch (1870s–1950s) and Katherine “Carrie” Hall (1880–c.1913) of Pike County, Georgia. Together they built the foundation of the generations we honor today.

SEE THE TIMELINE OF OUR LEGACY BELOW

Timeline

Pre-Colonization

Benin & Nigeria, Africa (Fulani Tribe)

Our ancestors lived in the land of Benin and among the Fulani tribe, where they served as chiefs, queens, warriors, and healers.
Through the transatlantic slave trade, our family line was carried to America.

1700's

Virgina

1749 – Virginia

James Porch is born in the Colony of Virginia, one of the earliest known Porch ancestors.

1754 – North Carolina

Hugh Hall is born in Ireland; he later marries Mary Reid (b.1761, NC).

1772 – Virginia

Thomas Porch, son of James, is born.

1786 – North Carolina

Alexander Hall, son of Hugh and Mary, is born. He will later migrate to Georgia.

1800's

Georiga

1800 – Georgia

Henley Jones Sammons is born; he later fathers children with Philis Sammons (b.1809), a woman enslaved in Georgia.
Together they raise Violet Sammons.

1801 – Georgia

Elizabeth Brown is born; she will later marry Alexander Hall.

1823 – Georgia

John Thomas Hall, son of Alexander Hall & Elizabeth Brown, is born.

1833 – Virginia

Jerry Porch is born. He later migrates to Georgia and marries Jane Dorsey (b.1836, GA).

1840 – Georgia

Violet Sammons is born to Henley and Philis Sammons.

1846 – Georgia

William “Pop Bill” Hall is born, son of John Thomas Hall & Martha Jones Sammons.

1853 – Georgia

Frank Porch Sr. is born in Monroe County, son of Jerry Porch & Jane Dorsey.

1870s – Georgia

Frank Porch Jr. is born, son of Frank Sr.

1880 – Georgia

Katherine “Carrie” Hall is born, daughter of William “Pop Bill” Hall & Violet Sammons.

Late 1800s–Early 1900s – Pike County, GA

Frank Porch (1870s–1950s) marries Katherine “Carrie” Hall (1880–c.1913).
They raise five children: Mattie, Lucy, Frankie Lee, Alberta, and James.

1900's

Tennessee | Georgia |Texas | Illinois

1900s–Present

Their children establish new branches: the Morelands, Dennises, Hartsfields, Walkers, and the continuing Porch line.
The Porch Family legacy spreads from Georgia into new states and new generations.

2000's

Tennessee | Georgia

|Texas I Illinois

Today

From Benin to Virginia, from Tennessee & Illinois to Georgia, from Frank & Katherine’s porch to ours today—the family story is one of endurance, resilience, and love.