From "A History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties"
Provided by The Grant County Museum
GEORGE W. PORTER - Among the progressive and thrifty population of Grant county
that give their attention to the art of agriculture and raising stock are found many of
the most substantial and worthy citizens, and the gentleman of whom we now have the
pleasure of writing is one whose industry, energy and wisdom are manifested to all and
who has wrought with faithfulness in the good work of developing the resources of the county
and advancing its substantial interests, while in his personal demeanor there has ever been
manifested a stanch uprightness and unswerving integrity that are both attractive and
commendable.
Mr. Porter was born in Dixmount, Maine, in 1832, and when but three years of age his mother
died and he spent his childhood and youth in the home of relatives. When he arrived at the age
of twenty his attention and time were turned to teaching school, and for a series of years he was
numbered with the active and progressive educators of his native place. Following this he learned
the wagonmaker's trade and wrought at it for ten years, then turned to farming for a time, and
in 1870 he migrated to this section of the west. For a period he was occupied in farming near to John Day
and then took a homestead in Malheur, but subsequently he bought the place where he now lives two miles
west from John Day. Here he owns and cultivates three hundred and twenty acres of land and is counted one of
the leading stockmen and agriculturists of the county. His place is well improved and an air of neatness and
thrift characterize everything about his premises, and he has added many things that make rural life
attractive and comfortable, while his care and ability as a farmer are manifested in every department.
Mr. Porter also owns the ranch that he secured in Malheur and considerable other property, being a substantial
representative of the property interests of his region. His herds are extensive and his skill in
handling them gives him the best of returns from his investments.
The marriage of Mr. Porter and Miss Caroline Prentice was celebrated in Maine in the year 1856.
To them have been born four children: Francis, Edith, Lesley and Mary, all of whom are married. In
fraternal affiliations Mr. Porter is identified with the Masons, Archon Lodge, in Dixmount, Maine. In politics
he is a stanch Republican and has always been an upholder of their platform. He has a goodly prominence in local
affairs, having served as justice of the peace for two terms in succession, and is always wide awake in matters
that pertain to the welfare of the state and education.
©1998 Roxann Gess Smith
All Rights Reserved
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