Bio of PORTER, George W. (b.1852 d.1922), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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Vol II, pg 238-241
GEORGE W. PORTER
The life record of George W. Porter was written in the terms of success-not
alone the success which indicates achievement in the business world but also the
cultivation of those qualities which make for upright manhood and progressive
citizenship. He was for many years an outstanding figure in connection with the
grain trade of the Northwest and also made for himself a creditable place in
financial circles. His entire career awakened the admiration and the respect of
those who knew him.
George W. Porter was born near Belleville, Ontario, Canada, July 24, 1852, his
parents being Russell and Mary (Walker) Porter. During his boyhood days the
family crossed the border and settled at Birmingham, Michigan, in 1864. The
educational opportunities of the son were limited, but in the school of
experience he learned many valuable lessons, possessing ever an observing eye
and retentive memory, while reading added continuously to his knowledge.
The year 1871 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Porter in Minnesota, at which time he
took up his abode at Albert Lea and there engaged in the grain business for
twelve years. In 1883 he came to Minneapolis and was here associated with
Messrs. Pratt and Pillsbury in the Atlantic and Empire Elevator companies, of
both of which he continued president until the death of Mr. Pratt in 1906. Mr.
Porter then organized the Minnekota Elevator Company, which operated a line of
country elevators and did an extensive business that grew year by year. He was
president of this company until his demise and the extent of his activities made
him one of the foremost grain merchants of the state. He was also a director of
the Northwestern National Bank from 1900 and of the Minnesota Loan & Trust
Company from 1910 and served on the executive committee of both corporations.
Mr. Porter was twice married. In 1876 he wedded Miss Adele Field of Decorah,
Iowa, who departed this life in 1880, leaving one son, A. F. Porter, a resident
of Decorah. In 1883 Mr. Porter was married to Miss Minerva Whallon, a daughter
of George and Helen (Pratt) Whallon of Faribault, Minnesota, who were pioneer
settlers of the state.
The death of Mr. Porter occurred August 27, 1922, and was the occasion of deep
regret to his many friends. He belonged to the Minneapolis Club, the Minikahda
Club, the Lafayette Club and the Minneapolis Automobile Club and he also had
membership in the University Club of St. Paul. In politics he voted for the
candidate who in his judgment was best qualified for office. In manner he was
unassuming and unpretentious, but no man displayed greater loyalty to his
friends and few, indeed, have been more liberal to the needy and dependent, yet
his gifts of charity were made in a most unostentatious manner. Those who came
within the circle of his acquaintance recognized the many sterling traits of his
character and had for him the highest esteem and warmest regard. Moreover, his
life record should serve as a stimulus and an inspiration to others, showing
what may be accomplished through persistent and earnest effort, wisely directed.
While he gained success, he at all times felt with Lincoln that "There is
something better than making a living-making a life," and his entire career was
actuated by high purposes and worthy motives. • Such a man is a distinct
addition to the citizenship of any community in which he may cast his lot, and
Minnesota regarded George W. Porter as one of her most substantial citizens,
worthy of all honor and respect.