Elizabeth B. (Gray) Porter Whisman was born July 14, 1879 in Jack County, Texas to James Wilson and Amirintha "Minnie" Clinton (Graves) Gray.  The family moved to Nutrioso, Apache County, Arizona Territory in 1885 in a covered wagon.

Before 1890 the family moved to Phoenix, where her father was listed in the 1890 Great Register.  Elizabeth married Stanley Mark Porter January 5, 1899 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona Territory. Their daughter Vira Maricopa Porter was born September 1899 in Phoenix. 

Elizabeth and family continued to live in Phoenix where Stanley made a living as a farmer.  Their daughter Delphina Marie Porter was born November 1901.  

The family moved to San Diego, California before 1920 and Elizabeth told the census taker she was a widow and she was working as a dressmaker.  Before 1930 Elizabeth married Frank Charles Whisman. Frank and Elizabeth lived in San Diego when the 1930 census was taken and Elizabeth is listed as Hotel Manager.  Frank died April 17, 1936.

Elizabeth moved to Los Angeles and lived with Mrs. Grace Stephenson in 1940’s.  She moved back to San Diego where she died November 8, 1959.  San Diego Union only carried a death notice November 8, 1959: “Whisman, Betty, mother of Mrs. Vera M. Running and Mrs. Deli Kiepier, Sister of Minnie Shartzer, three grandchildren, four great grandchildren. Services Tuesday 11:30 a.m. at Bonham Brothers Mortuary. Cremation Bonham Brothers Company.”

Elizabeth’s mother Amarintha “Minnie” Clinton (Graves) Gray and sisters Minnie Rebecca (Gray) Shartzer and Alice M. (Gray) Smith are also represented in the Territorial Women's Memorial Rose Garden.

Donor: Elaine Christensen, 2014
Photo Location: No Photo Found
Updated 4/22/15, D. Sue Kissel