Biographical Sketch of

Pliny Allen Porter

Transcribed by Sandy Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 555 - 556 


Pliny Allen Porter, a general farmer and stock-raiser of Waushara County, who owns 180 acres of fine land 
on section 33, in the town of Mt. Morris, was born in Washington County, N. Y., May 4, 1838, and is a son 
of William and Persis (Crittenden) Porter, who were natives of Massachusetts.  In the Bay State they were 
married, but shortly afterward removed to Washington County, where three children were born unto them.  
Later they settled near Pike Hollow, in Allegany County, where the family circle was completed by the birth 
of five children.  They became residents of St. Joseph County, Mich., in 1852, and the year 1861 witnessed 
their arrival in Waushara County, they making Marian Township their home.  Mr. Porter did not long survive 
his removal, his death occurring in 1862.  In early life he supported the Whig party, and was a great admirer 
of Henry Clay and William Henry Harrison.  Although he took an active interest in political affairs, he never 
sought public office, preferring the quiet of home life to the turmoil of politics.  Both he and his wife 
were members of the United Brethren Church.  As a husband and father, Mr. Porter was kind and loving; as a 
citizen loyal, and as a Christian, true and faithful.  His wife survived him until 1888, when she too passed 
away.
 
Our subject received but limited educational advantages.  He attended the common schools of Allegany County, 
but with that exception his knowledge has been acquired outside of the school room.  Notwithstanding his 
meager opportunities, he is one of the intelligent citizens of the community, for by subsequent reading and 
observation he has obtained a valuable fund of information not furnished by text books.  He is a great reader 
and keeps himself well informed on all the leading issues of the day, political and otherwise.
 
In 1856, Mr. Porter was married in St. Joseph, Mich., the lady of his choice being Miss Maria F. Spaulding, 
daughter of Harvey and Lucy Spaulding.  Their union was blessed with five children; Ida F., wife of Gardner 
Stratton, of Wautoma; Henrietta I., wife of W. C. Marshall, a scene-painter of Minneapolis; Ella L., wife of 
Frank Kentzing, a merchant of New Ulm, Minn.; William II, and Franklin A., who are at home.  The mother of this 
family died in Waushara County in 1877, and Mr. Porter was again married, Miss Eva Jewell, daughter of Dr. B. D. 
and Olive (Trumble) Jewell, of Pine River, becoming his wife; they have two children--Carl S. and Clyde J.  Dr. 
B. D. Jewell, the father of Mrs. Porter, is a native of Vermont, and her mother, Olive Trumble, was born in the 
State of New York.
 
In the year 1865, Mr. Porter enlisted in Company C. 52d Wisconsin Infantry, and was mustered into service at 
Madison.  He was then sent to St. Louis; later did duty at Pilot Knob, Warrensburg and Fort Leavenworth, Kan., 
where he was stationed when the war ended.  He received his discharge in Madison in 1865, and the year following, 
became a resident of Waushara County, where he has since engaged in farming.  He is now the owner of 180 acres 
of land, 130 of which is under a high state of cultivation and finely improved.  He also devotes considerable 
attention to the raising of the best grades of sheep and hogs, and in that branch of his business has been quite 
successful.  Politically, he is a Republican when voting upon matters of national importance, but otherwise is 
liberal.  He has served two terms as Sheriff of the county, having been elected to that office on an independent 
ticket in 1872 and again in 1878.  He proved himself an able and worthy officer, discharging his duties with 
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents.  Socially he is a member of Ed. Saxe Post, No. 
135, G. A. R.  In the esteem of his friends Mr. Porter ranks deservedly high, and his name is enrolled among 
the leading farmers of the county.
 





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