Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Porter, Hon Edwin 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 3, 2007, 4:26 pm

Author: Genealogical/Biographical Publishing Co

HON. EDWIN PORTER, president of the E. Porter Brewing Company and the E. 
Porter & Son's Stone Company, both of Joliet, and sole proprietor of the Gold 
King mine in Cripple Creek, Colo., was born in Granger, Medina County, Ohio, 
April 19, 1828. He was one of the three children forming the family of
Harvey and Harriet (Culbert) Porter, natives of New York. He comes of 
patriotic lineage, for his father was a soldier in the war of 1812 and his 
grandfather Porter served through the entire seven years of the Revolutionary 
struggle. He was educated in common schools and Brooklyn Academy, and for a 
time was connected with a coal business in 1856. The year 1856 found him in 
Joliet, where he started in the malting and brewing business on the Desplaines 
River. At first his business was very small, but, being energetic and 
judicious, he increased it constantly though gradually, and it has now become 
the largest brewery in the city and one of the largest in the state. It has a 
capacity of one hundred and fifty barrels a day, ninety-five per cent of the 
output being beer. Mr. Porter is president of the company and has a most 
efficient co-laborer in Joseph Braun, Jr., secretary and treasurer, in whose 
judgment and experience he reposes the utmost confidence. In 1889 the brewery 
was remodeled and made first-class in every respect. The plant covers two 
blocks and is provided with all modern improvements. Water is furnished from 
two artesian wells and is declared by chemists to be especially adapted for 
the brewing of beer, the wells being in bed rock, where no surface water can 
reach them. On the incorporation of the firm in 1893, tne name was made E. 
Porter Brewing Company, and continues as such to the present. The work of 
brewing is in charge of Henry Leser, who has had experience with some of the 
largest breweries in the country and who has held his present position since 
1886.

It is not always that a man can successfullyconduct two enterprises, different 
in nature and requiring the exercise of different talents. However, Mr. Porter 
has not only been successful as the head of a large brewery, but he has also 
built up an important stone business. In 1883 he became interested in 
quarrying. Two years later E. Porter & Son's Stone Company was incorporated, 
with him as its president. They have since operated quarries in the east part 
of the city, adjoining the limits, from which shipments are made to many 
points. This business is under the management of Harry E. Porter. In 1895 Mr. 
Porter bought the Gold King mine on Gold Hill, in the Cripple Creek district, 
and has since been sole proprietor of the same, taking an active interest in 
its development.

In Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Porter married Miss Almena A. Curtis, who was born in 
that city. They became the parents of three sons, namely: Charles and Joseph 
C., deceased; and Harry, who is manager of the stone business.

The Democratic party usually receives Mr. Porter's support. In 1864 he was 
elected mayor of Joliet and was again elected in 1865 and 1871. Under the new 
city charter he was twice elected to the mayor's office for two years (in 1879 
and 1881) and in 1883 was elected for a term of four years, his entire service 
in this position covering a longer period than that of any other mayor the 
city has had. He is a member of the Business Men's Association. Fraternally he 
is connected with Matteson Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in which he is a past 
officer. In personal characteristics he is conservative, unassuming and 
reserved; deliberate in forming his judgment, but not easily changed when once 
a course of action is decided upon; devoted to his business and finding his 
keenest enjoyment in the management of large financial enterprises; yet 
withal, to those who know him well, a genial companion and warm friend.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present

Biographical Publishing Company; Chicago 1900

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