Josias Porter was born in Burt, County Donegal was educated in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and was ordained in 1846. He spent ten years as a missionary in Damascus and recorded his experiences. In 1860 he became a professor in the Presbyterian College, Belfast and in 1875, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church. In 1879 he was appointed President of Queen's College, Belfast. He wrote the Life of Dr Henry Cooke, his father-in-law and predecessor as chaplain of Queen's College.

Born:	15 September 1805
Died:	13 July 1880