*****Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. This message MUST appear on all copied files. Commercial copying MUST have permission. ***** Submitted by Cheryl Van Wormer. NEWTON A. PORTER. MRS. NANCY (GREEN) PORTER. (1st wife) MRS. INEZ (WISEMAN) PORTER. (2nd wife) NEWTON A. PORTER, Sheriff of Montcalm County, was born in Stockbridge, Madison County, N. Y., September 6, 1845. His parents, Samuel and Jerusha (Brewer) Porter, were also born in the Empire State. The mother died in New York State, the father came to Michigan a number of years ago and makes his home with his children. The son had but fair educational advantages, but managed by close study and careful application whenever opportunity offered to get a good education. In 1866 he began his personal career as a farmer following the line of life in which his father had walked and making of it a success. That year Mr. Porter located in Maple Valley Township, Montcalm County, on section 20, and during his long residence there was honored by the various offices that were in the gift of the people of the township. In 1888 he was elected Sheriff and proved so efficient that in 1890 he was re-nominated by acclamation in the Republican county convention. Notwithstanding the fact that all the opposition of three combined tickets were centered on him he was again elected. In the course of his official career he has had charge of many noted criminals and it has come to be understood that he is one of the safest officers in the State. The attorney's prisoners as well as the people generally, understand that with Sheriff Porter duty is above all else, and whatever he is called upon to do will be carried out if it is within the bounds of possibility. November 20, 1865, Mr. Porter was married to Miss Nancy Green, the ceremony taking place in Stockbridge, N. Y. The marriage was blest by the birth of a son, Francis N., and a daughter, Ida H. The son is married and has one child and his home is in Montcalm County. The daughter is unmarried and is still living under her father's roof. the wife and mother departed this life June 1, 1886, and in 1888 Mr. Porter made a second marriage, wedding Miss Inez Wireman. As has been indicated in mention of his nomination to office, Mr. Porter is a Republican and we may add that he is a stalwart indeed. He is of a social open-hearted nature, kind in the various relations of life, and enterprising and straightforward in business. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Knights of the Maccabees. This biography is taken from "PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, MICH." Chapman Brothers. Chicago, Illinois. 1891. Pages 262-263.