ROBERT PORTER

ROBERT PORTER, one of the prominent and extensive farmers of Monroe Township, is an early settler in the neighborhood. He was born in Essex, England, May 19, 1832, and is a son- of James and Susan (Malyan) Porter. He was reared to the life of a farmer, remaining in England until he was twenty-two years of age; he then emigrated to America, hoping to better his fortunes in the new world. He left England in a sailing vessel June 12, 1854, and after a voyage of forty-two days landed in New York City. The vessel Mr. Porter sailed on was the Robert Peel. From New York he proceeded at once to Iowa, and crossed the Mississippi River to Davenport as the sun was going down on the last day of July, 1854. Thence he went to Cedar County; Iowa, his total wealth amounting to $10 when he had completed his journey. He worked by the month for a time, and later rented land; he then bought eighty acres which he farmed for nine years and then sold. A few years after Robert Porter came to America the other members of the family followed him. The father died within five or six weeks after his arrival. The mother is still living at Le Mars, Iowa, at the advanced age of eighty years. She makes her home with her daughter Agnes E. Werling. The other members of the family are William Porter, residing in Shelby County; George Porter, residing in Pottawattamie County; Benjamin Porter, residing in Wayne County, Nebraska; Thomas Porter, residing in Guthrie County,Iowa, and Mary Yule, residing in Cedar County, Iowa.

When Robert Porter came to Shelby County one of his brothers came with him. In 1876 they bought 560 acres of wild land; later he bought his brother's interest, and now owns 560 acres of as good land as can be found in Shelby County. He has a fine, two-story residence, built in modern style, situated in the center of a beautiful lawn, ornamented with evergreens and shrubs. He has one of the best barns in Shelby County, built upon a stone foundation in a very substantial style. It is well arranged for the care and comfort of live-stock. Mr. Porter is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of Galloway cattle. March 20,1864, occurred the marriage of Robert Porter and Mrs. Mary Churchill, widow of W. L. Churchill, and daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Green) Bumgarner. She was born in Knox County, Indiana, and at the age of seven years her parents came to Iowa. Six children have been born of this marriage -- James R., Eliza A., Frank, John G., Nettie M. and Florence M. Mr. Porter affiliates with the Republican party. He is one of the worthy and respected citizens of Monroe Township. Mrs. Porter has one son by her first marriage -- W. H. Churchill-residing in Wayne County, Nebraska.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 618-619. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.