Bio: Porter, Gilbert E. (1828 - 1880)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Porter, Tewksbury

----Source: History of Northern Wisconsin (Eau Claire County, Wis.) 1881, page 312

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 l874, 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 warmhearted 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.