In 1879, the town was platted with the name of Bethany. The Central Branch Railroad routed through the city and built a station. Later, the railroad was sold to the Missouri Pacific Railroad, becoming the second "Bethany" on their railroad system. To prevent conflicts with Bethany, Missouri, it was decided to change the name of this station. The name was changed to Portis, in honor of the Vice-President of the Missouri Pacific, Thomas Jefferson Portis (born in 1827).William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas - OSBORNE COUNTY, Part 5.
In 1879 the town was platted with the name of Bethany The Central Branch Railroad routed through the city and built a station Later the railroad was sold to the Missouri Pacific Railroad becoming the second "Bethany" on their railroad system To prevent conflicts with Bethany Missouri it was decided to change the name of this station The name was changed to Portis in honor of the Vice-President of the Missouri Pacific Thomas Jefferson Portis (born in 1827)William G Cutler's History of the State of Kansas - OSBORNE COUNTY Part 5