Thomas Porter

(abt. 1756 – May 1, 1800) 

Thomas Porter was a young man living in Boston in his late teens or early twenties. Much of Porter’s life is shrouded in mystery, with little primary accounts detailing his life.

On the night of December 16, 1773, Porter was one of the “party” of men who stormed aboard one of the vessels at Griffin’s Wharf to participate in the “destruction of the tea.” 

In his adult life, Thomas Porter held the occupation of a merchant. By 1784, Porter resided in Alexandria, Virginia, where he eventually served on the town’s Common Council. Following his death, Porter’s wife, Sarah, became the administrator of his estate. 

Thomas Porter died in Alexandria, Virginia, on May 1, 1800, and is buried in the Old Presbyterian Meeting House Cemetery.