History:The condition of this portrait in 1980 was considered to be fair. There is an indication of a repair on the right sleeve. There is no apparent artist signature on the painting.
Notes:James Davis Porter (1828-1912) was the son of a physician. He was born in Paris and graduated from the University of Nashville at age 18. A lawyer, he was elected to the legislature in 1859. When war broke out, he joined the southern cause and helped organize the Provisional Army of Tennessee. He served as circuit judge and from that office was elected governor in 1875. The state debt was the major issue during his administration. He fought for education, and during his term the first black medical school was founded, Meharry Medical College. Temperance legislation known as the "Four Mile Law" was enacted. Porter served two terms, later serving as minister to Chili. He died in 1912. Tennessee Blue Book
