Melva Porter was an American woman whose life is preserved through historical records, family documents, and genealogical research. Although she was not a public figure, her story offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday American life during the first half of the twentieth century. Born in rural Utah at the beginning of a new century, she later built a family with her husband, Ronald Harry Foster, and eventually made California her home. Today, descendants, historians, and family researchers continue to explore her life through census records, marriage certificates, and burial records that help preserve her legacy.
Learning about Melva Porter is about more than discovering dates and places. It is also about understanding the experiences of an ordinary American family that lived through periods of enormous change, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the rapid growth of California. While many details of her private life remain unknown, the available records allow us to reconstruct an accurate and meaningful biography.
This article explores Melva Porter’s early years, family background, marriage, children, later life, and lasting legacy. Every section is based on reliable historical and genealogical sources, providing readers with a complete and easy-to-understand overview of her life.
Quick Bio Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Melva Porter |
| Gender | Female |
| Date Of Birth | October 17, 1901 |
| Birthplace | Springville, Utah, Utah County, Utah, United States |
| Date Of Death | May 20, 1968 |
| Age At Death | 66 Years |
| Nationality | American |
| Father | Andrew Leslie Porter Sr. |
| Mother | Julia Ida Boyer |
| Husband | Ronald Harry Foster |
| Marriage Date | June 11, 1927 |
| Marriage Place | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Children | Four |
| Daughters | Melva Foster, Joan Beatrice Foster, Ronna Jean Foster |
| Son | Ronald Andrew Foster |
| Childhood Home | Springville, Utah |
| Later Residence | Los Angeles County, California |
| Burial Place | Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California |
| Known For | Member Of The Porter And Foster Families |
| Historical Records | Census, Marriage, Death, And Burial Records |
Early Life And Childhood Of Melva Porter
Melva Porter was born on October 17, 1901, in Springville, Utah, a growing community in Utah County. At the turn of the twentieth century, Springville was known for its farming traditions, close-knit neighborhoods, and strong family values. Children growing up there often learned the importance of hard work, cooperation, and community from an early age.
Melva entered the world during a period of major change in the United States. New technologies were beginning to transform daily life, transportation was improving, and communities throughout the West were expanding. Even so, many families in Utah continued to live simple lives centered on agriculture, local businesses, schools, and churches.
Historical census records indicate that Melva spent her childhood in Utah alongside her parents and siblings. Like many children of her generation, she likely witnessed dramatic changes as automobiles gradually replaced horse-drawn transportation and modern conveniences slowly reached American households.
Although surviving records reveal little about her personal interests or education, they paint a picture of a young woman who grew up surrounded by family support. Her early experiences in Utah helped shape the foundation for the life she would later build as a wife and mother.
Parents And Family Background
Understanding Melva Porter’s family helps explain the environment in which she was raised. Her father, Andrew Leslie Porter Sr., was born in 1871, while her mother, Julia Ida Boyer, was born in 1876. Together, they raised a large family in Utah during a time when strong family ties were essential to everyday life.
Growing up in a household with several brothers and sisters meant that Melva experienced the joys and responsibilities of belonging to a large family. Historical records identify several of her siblings, including John Leslie Porter, Trysa Porter, Julia Porter, and Eugene Warren Porter, along with several additional brothers and sisters.
Large families were common during the early 1900s, particularly in communities like Springville. Older children often helped care for younger siblings, shared household duties, and contributed to family life. These experiences frequently created lifelong bonds between family members.
The Porter family also lived through both happy and difficult moments. One of Melva’s brothers, John Leslie Porter, died during infancy, a heartbreaking experience that many families of the era unfortunately faced due to limited medical care. Such events remind us of the challenges families encountered in the early twentieth century.
Today, the Porter family’s story survives because of carefully preserved census records, birth records, marriage documents, and family histories. These sources provide valuable insight into Melva Porter’s roots and the generations that came before her.
Education And Early Adult Life
While no surviving public records provide detailed information about Melva Porter’s education, her early adulthood can still be viewed within the historical setting of the time. Children growing up in Utah during the early 1900s generally attended local public schools whenever possible, though educational opportunities varied depending on family circumstances and community resources.
As Melva entered adulthood during the 1920s, America was experiencing significant social and economic change. Cities were growing rapidly, transportation improved, and employment opportunities expanded beyond traditional farming communities. Many young adults left their hometowns seeking new experiences, employment, or marriage.
Genealogical records do not identify Melva’s occupation, and there is no reliable evidence describing her professional career. Because of this, it is important not to make assumptions. Instead, the available records suggest that family life became the central focus documented throughout her adult years.
The absence of detailed personal records is common for many individuals of her generation. Before the digital age, everyday lives were rarely documented unless connected to official records such as censuses, marriages, births, or deaths. Even so, those historical documents remain valuable because they allow modern researchers to reconstruct the lives of ordinary Americans with remarkable accuracy.
Melva’s transition from childhood into adulthood eventually led to one of the most significant milestones of her life—her marriage to Ronald Harry Foster. That new chapter would establish the Foster family and eventually bring her from Utah to California, where she would spend much of her later life.
Marriage To Ronald Harry Foster
One of the defining moments in Melva Porter’s life came on June 11, 1927, when she married Ronald Harry Foster in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their marriage marked the beginning of a new chapter, creating a family that would later grow to include four children.
Ronald Harry Foster, born in 1904, shared many of the same historical experiences as Melva. Together, they began married life during the late 1920s, a period filled with optimism but soon followed by the economic hardships of the Great Depression. Like countless American families, they would have witnessed dramatic national events that shaped everyday life for millions of people.
Historical records show that the couple later established their home in California. Census information places the family in Los Angeles County, reflecting a broader trend of western migration during the twentieth century. California’s growing economy attracted thousands of families searching for new opportunities, and the Foster family became part of that story.
Although surviving records focus mainly on important life events rather than personal memories, Melva and Ronald’s marriage lasted for decades. Their enduring partnership became the foundation of a family whose history continues to be preserved through official records and genealogical research.
Melva Porter And Ronald Harry Foster’s Children
Family was at the heart of Melva Porter’s life. After marrying Ronald Harry Foster, the couple welcomed four children over the course of their marriage. Like many families of the early twentieth century, they experienced both joyful milestones and heartbreaking loss.
Their first child, Melva Foster, was born in 1930. Sadly, she passed away the same year during infancy. Infant mortality was much more common during that period than it is today, and many families faced similar tragedies despite advances in medicine. Although little is known about her brief life, her memory remains an important part of the family’s history.
The couple later welcomed three more children who survived into adulthood. Their daughter Joan Beatrice Foster was born in 1933 and lived until 2003. Another daughter, Ronna Jean Foster, was born in 1935 and passed away in 2006. Their youngest child, Ronald Andrew Foster, was born in 1941 and lived until 2009.
These children became an important part of Melva Porter’s lasting legacy. Through them, the Porter and Foster family lines continued across future generations. While public records provide only limited details about their personal lives, they confirm that Melva devoted much of her adult life to raising a family during a rapidly changing era in American history.
Where Did Melva Porter Live?
The places where Melva Porter lived tell the story of her journey from a small Utah community to one of America’s fastest-growing regions. She was born in Springville, Utah, where she spent her early childhood surrounded by family and familiar surroundings.
According to historical census records, Melva lived in Utah County during her younger years. Springville was known for its agricultural heritage, close-knit neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. It offered a peaceful environment for families at the beginning of the twentieth century.
After her marriage, Melva’s life gradually shifted toward California. By the time of the 1930 United States Census, records place her family in Los Angeles County. During this period, Southern California was attracting thousands of new residents due to expanding industries, improved transportation, and growing employment opportunities.
The move reflected a broader national trend as many American families relocated in search of new opportunities. Although records do not explain the family’s personal reasons for moving, the transition from Utah to California became one of the defining changes in Melva’s adult life.
She eventually settled in Inglewood, a city that experienced remarkable growth throughout the mid-twentieth century. There she spent her later years, becoming part of a community that was evolving alongside the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Later Years And Life In California
The later decades of Melva Porter’s life were spent in California, where she witnessed tremendous social and economic transformation. Los Angeles County expanded rapidly during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, becoming one of the largest urban regions in the United States.
Living through these decades meant experiencing events that shaped modern America. The Great Depression challenged families across the country, followed by World War II and the economic prosperity that came afterward. While there are no surviving personal accounts describing Melva’s experiences during these historic moments, it is clear that she lived through an extraordinary period of change.
During these years, family remained an important part of daily life. As her children grew older, Melva saw them reach adulthood and begin building lives of their own. Like many mothers of her generation, she likely witnessed changing traditions, technological advances, and the growth of new communities throughout California.
One notable aspect of Melva’s biography is the careful documentation of her life through official records. Even without diaries or newspaper interviews, census reports, marriage certificates, and later death records help preserve the outline of her life’s journey.
Today, those records allow descendants and family historians to better understand not only Melva’s story but also the broader experiences of ordinary American families during the twentieth century.
Death And Burial
Melva Porter passed away on May 20, 1968, in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California, at the age of 66. Her death marked the end of a life that stretched across nearly seven decades of remarkable historical change.
She was laid to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. Established in the early twentieth century, the cemetery has become the final resting place for many individuals and families connected to Southern California’s history. Burial records preserved there continue to serve as valuable resources for genealogists and historians.
Death and burial records are among the most reliable sources available when researching family history. They help confirm important information such as dates, locations, and family relationships. In Melva’s case, these records complement earlier census and marriage documents, creating a well-supported timeline of her life.
Although her passing occurred decades ago, her memory continues through her descendants and the historical records that document her journey. Modern genealogical databases have made these records more accessible than ever, allowing researchers around the world to learn about individuals like Melva Porter.
Historical Records That Document Melva Porter’s Life
One reason Melva Porter can still be remembered today is the remarkable collection of historical records that preserve key moments of her life. While many people from the early twentieth century left behind few personal writings, official government and genealogical records provide reliable evidence about their lives.
The United States Census is one of the most valuable sources. Census records document where Melva lived, identify members of her household, and provide snapshots of her family’s circumstances during different periods. These records help researchers trace her movement from Utah to California and better understand her family structure.
Marriage records provide another important source of information. Official documents confirm that Melva married Ronald Harry Foster on June 11, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah. These records establish one of the most significant milestones in her life and connect the Porter and Foster families through documented evidence.
Death and burial records further complete her biography. They verify her date of death, place of death, age, and burial location. Together, these records create a consistent historical timeline supported by official documentation rather than family tradition alone.
Modern genealogy has also benefited from the digitization of historical archives. Today, family researchers can access many of these records online, making it easier to preserve family histories for future generations. While some details of Melva Porter’s personal life remain unknown, the available records provide a dependable foundation for understanding her life and ensuring that her story continues to be remembered.
Melva Porter’s Family Legacy
The story of Melva Porter is ultimately one of family, resilience, and the value of preserving history. While she did not become a public figure, her life continues to matter because it forms part of a much larger family story that spans several generations. Every birth record, census entry, marriage certificate, and burial record helps preserve her place in that history.
Through her marriage to Ronald Harry Foster, Melva became the mother of four children. Although the couple experienced the heartbreaking loss of their first daughter during infancy, their remaining children carried the family’s legacy into future generations. Today, descendants and relatives can trace their family roots through historical records that connect the Porter and Foster families.
Genealogical research demonstrates that every individual has a story worth preserving. Ordinary families helped shape their communities through hard work, dedication, and everyday contributions that rarely appeared in newspapers or history books. Melva’s life is an excellent example of how family history allows modern generations to better understand where they came from.
Her legacy also highlights the importance of preserving historical records. Without official documents, much of her life’s journey would have been forgotten. Instead, researchers can piece together an accurate timeline that honors her memory and provides valuable information for future family historians.
Historical Context: The World During Melva Porter’s Lifetime
Melva Porter lived from 1901 to 1968, a period marked by enormous social, economic, and technological change in the United States. Although historical records do not describe her personal involvement in these events, understanding the era helps readers appreciate the world in which she lived.
During her childhood, Utah was still developing many of the transportation, educational, and agricultural systems that would shape the modern American West. Communities such as Springville remained closely connected through farming, local businesses, and family traditions.
As Melva entered adulthood, the nation experienced the prosperity of the 1920s before facing the hardships of the Great Depression beginning in 1929. Families across America adjusted to financial uncertainty while continuing to build their lives and raise children.
The outbreak of World War II in the 1940s transformed the country once again. California, where Melva later lived, became one of the nation’s most important centers for manufacturing and military production. After the war, Southern California experienced rapid population growth, new housing developments, expanding highways, and increased economic opportunities.
By the time of her passing in 1968, America had entered the Space Age and was experiencing significant cultural and social change. Melva witnessed nearly seven decades of remarkable progress, making her lifetime an interesting window into American history.
Interesting Facts About Melva Porter
One of the most interesting facts about Melva Porter is that her life can be reconstructed almost entirely through historical records. Although very little has been published about her personally, official documents provide a surprisingly detailed outline of her journey from birth to burial.
She was born in Springville, Utah, in 1901, making her part of a generation that experienced the transition from horse-drawn transportation to commercial air travel and the beginning of the space era. Few generations witnessed such dramatic technological advances within a single lifetime.
Melva came from a large family headed by Andrew Leslie Porter Sr. and Julia Ida Boyer. Growing up with multiple siblings was common during the early twentieth century and likely shaped her strong family values.
Her marriage to Ronald Harry Foster lasted for many years and formed the foundation of a family that included four children. Records also document the family’s move from Utah to California, reflecting a migration pattern followed by many Americans seeking new opportunities in the growing West.
Finally, Melva’s story reminds us that historical research is not limited to famous people. Everyday individuals leave behind meaningful records that help future generations understand their heritage, making family history an important part of preserving the past.
Conclusion
Melva Porter may not be a widely recognized historical figure, but her life reflects the experiences of countless American families during the twentieth century. From her birth in Springville, Utah, in 1901 to her later years in Inglewood, California, she lived through a period of extraordinary national change while building a family and creating a lasting legacy.
Although many personal details have been lost over time, reliable historical records—including census records, marriage documents, and death and burial records—allow researchers to reconstruct an accurate picture of her life. These records show a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and member of the Porter and Foster families whose story continues to be preserved through genealogy.
As interest in family history continues to grow in 2026, the story of Melva Porter reminds us that every life has value. Even without widespread public recognition, ordinary individuals contribute to the rich tapestry of history. By preserving and studying these records, future generations can better understand their roots, honor their ancestors, and ensure that stories like Melva Porter’s continue to be remembered for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melva Porter
Who Was Melva Porter?
Melva Porter was an American woman born on October 17, 1901, in Springville, Utah. She is remembered through historical and genealogical records that document her family life, marriage, children, and later years in California.
When And Where Was Melva Porter Born?
Melva Porter was born on October 17, 1901, in Springville, Utah, Utah County, Utah, United States. She spent her early years in Utah before later moving to California with her family.
Who Were Melva Porter’s Parents?
Her parents were Andrew Leslie Porter Sr. and Julia Ida Boyer. They raised a large family in Utah during the early twentieth century, and historical census records identify several of Melva’s brothers and sisters.
Who Was Melva Porter’s Husband?
Melva Porter married Ronald Harry Foster on June 11, 1927, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their marriage lasted for decades, and together they raised four children.
How Many Children Did Melva Porter Have?
Melva Porter and Ronald Harry Foster had four children. Their first daughter, Melva Foster, died during infancy in 1930. Their other children were Joan Beatrice Foster, Ronna Jean Foster, and Ronald Andrew Foster, all of whom lived into adulthood.
Where Did Melva Porter Live?
Melva Porter was born and raised in Springville, Utah, before relocating to Los Angeles County, California. She later lived in Inglewood, where she spent the final years of her life.
When Did Melva Porter Die?
Melva Porter died on May 20, 1968, at the age of 66. Her death was recorded in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California.
Where Is Melva Porter Buried?
Melva Porter was buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Inglewood, California. The cemetery remains an important historical burial ground, and its records help preserve information about many families from Southern California.
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