BIOGRAPHIES:  Gilbert E. PORTER, Eau Claire, Eau Claire County, WI

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GILBERT E. PORTER, who was long and closely identified with the prosperity
of Eau Claire, was born in Freedonia, N. Y., July 6, 1828.  His youth was
passed in Michigan.  In 1857, he came to Eau Claire, where he continued to
reside.  During that year he had charge of Chapman & Thorp's business.  In
1858, he purchased  and took charge of the Free Press, and conducted it with 
ability and success for about sixteen years.  He was a ready writer, fearless
and outspoken in the expression of his convictions.  As senior member of the
firm of Peter Moon & Co., he displayed his peculiar energies in the lumbering
business.  This company was succeeded by the Northwestern Lumber Company, 
and for years he labored with tireless fidelity to its interests, and from
a small beginning built up one of the wealthiest and strongest lumbering
corporations with a high reputation for integrity and fairness.  In politics
he was a Republican and took lively interest in the success of his party.
He was Register of the Land Office here for nine years.  In 1874, he was
chosen Mayor of the city.  He had implicit confidence in the future of his
adopted city, and on account of his being foremost in all enterprises looking
to its prosperity, he was appointed president of the Dells Improvement
Company.  In 1863, Mr. Porter was married to Miss Kate Tewksbury.  They have
had six sons.  The home of the family was a generous, hospitable and
affectionate one.  He was a remarkable man, with the ability to make friends
by his cordial warm-hearted greeting to all.  Eau Claire is deeply indebted
to him for its position as a prosperous and thriving city.  While away from
home he lay several days ill at Hannibal, Mo., where he died Nov. 15, 1880,
in his fifty-second year.  His remains were brought to Eau Claire and he
was tenderly interred with solemn and largely attended funeral rites.


--Taken from "The History of Northern Wisconsin containing an Account of its
Settlement, Growth, Development and Resources; An extensive Sketch of its 
Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages, Their Improvements, Industries, 
Manufacturies; Biographical Sketches, Portraits of Prominent Men and Early
Settlers; Views of County Seats, Etc."  Chicago:  The Western Historical
Company.  A. T. Andreas, Proprietor.  1881.  Page # 312.