ROYAL WILSON PORTER
Page 31

Mr. Porter was born in 1822, in Gallia county, Ohio. His parents and their ancestors were of the old Virginia stock of Porters. When he was sixteen years old he left home and worked out, going to school when he could, until twenty years of age. So, that, he may truly be considered a self-educated man. Academics and colleges never opened their doors for him, but like many other Western men who reached distinction, he had energy and ambition. In 1858 he came to Illinois, and first stopped in Marion county. He was then without money, taking his first step in a new country towards his ultimate fortune. By wood-chopping, general farm-work, driving team, etc., he made enough to buy a wagon and span of horses. Two years after, or in 1855 he came to Mason county, and stopped in Crane Creek township. Here he made the acquaintance of Miss Martha M., third daughter of Jesse Baker, Esq., and married her. The young couple combined their energies and labor, and succeeded in getting an 80 acre farm in Crane Creek township, one-half of which was improved and the other prairie. The whole was, in course of time, reduced to cultivation and fenced, and Mr. Porter had also accumulated quite a lot of stock. In 1859 he rented the farm, sold his stock and came to Mason City, where he formed a co-partnership with R.A. Hurt and commenced a mercantile business under the firm name of Hurt & Porter. When the guns were turned on Fort Sumter, and the feeling of the Northern people began to manifest itself for the Union, Mr. Porter was among the first to recognize the necessity of making some sacrifice in the cause of his country. His partner, Mr. Hurt, was not able to enter the service and endure the severity of camp life, forced marches and the general irregularity of a soldier's career, so it was agreed that while Mr. Porter went to the field Mr. Hurt should attend to matters at home in the interest of both parties, and Mr. Porter began to turn his mind towards military affairs. He assisted in raising a company for three years' service, and when it was organized on the 7th of August, 1861, R. S. Moore was elected Captain, W. W. Stout 1st Lieutenant, and Mr. Porter 2nd Lieutenant-which company was afterwards designated as Company E, 27th Illinois Infantry. This regiment was commanded by Colonel N.B. Buford, who had received his military education at West Point. The Lieutenant Colonel, Harrington-afterwards killed in battle-was graduate of a Military Institute and a thorough drill-master. Major Hall Wilson was the business man of the regiment, having been at the head of the banking department of the Auditor's office of Illinois. With such men in command, it is not surprising that the 27th Illinois should have attained a reputation among the most worthy regiments of the State. At Cairo they were encamped, and after a few weeks were ordered on the boats for Belmont battle-field, under Grant and McClernand. This was the first engagement that Lieutenant Porter was in, and although the battle is described in Pollard's History of the War (from the Southern standpoint) as a Confederate victory, yet the 27th came out with more captured prisoners than any other regiment, but not without some serious losses. A correspondent for a Havana paper writing from the scene of action, says: "Lieutenant Porter acquitted himself with honor on this occasion." From this time on, the regiment took part in numerous battles in the South-west. August 27, 1862, he was promoted to the 1st Lieutenancy, and W.W. Stout made Captain. Captain Stout was most of the time unable to command the company and consequently, the duty devolved on Lieutenant Porter. He had previously been the principal drill-master of the company, and was their favorite officer-as is attested by many to-day who were privates at that time in the company. Therefore, the command of the company that he accepted in many engagements, was perfectly agreeable to them. While acting as captain of his company, which was the color company of the regiment, and in the center of the brigade at the fearful and bloody battle of Stone River, he made himself so conspicuous for gallantry in action and kind care and attention to his company that they enthusiastically resolved to present him with an elegant sword and belt, appropriately inscribed. This he now retains and holds in affectionate regard in memory of the noble boys who shared with him the dangers of those days. His superior officers also passed compliments upon him. In this terrible battle Lieutenant-Colonel Harrington and many others lost their lives. Clear on to Mission Ridge, never failing to participate in a battle or skirmish where his company was engaged, he went, and was not mustered out until April, 1864, after which he returned to Mason City. Here he bought out his former partner and went into business on Tonica street alone. After three years, or in May, 1867, he associated himself in business with Judge G. H. Campbell, who had been an old citizen of Mason county, though recently removed to Mason City, and the name of the firm was Campbell & Porter. They occupied what is now known as the double mammoth building on Chestnut street. Here they did an extensive banking and exchange business in connection with their regular merchandise. This was the origin of the 1st National Bank of Mason City, which was organized by Messrs. Campbell & Porter in 1871, with Campbell president and Porter vice-president. Soon after they dissolved partnership and Mr. Porter kept on in the regular line of business and subsequently organized the firm of R.W. Porter & Co., whose splendid establishment on Main street is an evidence of the growth of the city and the enterprise of its builder, is still his head-quarters. Mr. Porter's family consists of the following children, named according to their ages, viz: Laura L., Walter Royal, and Jessie, all now living at home. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and also of Mason City Lodge No. 403, A.F. & A. Masons, Chapter 86, and the Commandery of Knights Templar. For what he has done towards improving the town and increasing the business of Mason City, none can say enough. He always has been liberal in charitable movements, kind to his employees, and popular with the public. These facts are asserted after many weeks association with his best acquaintances. In all matters of business he is exceedingly prompt to determine his course, and has what might be called the gift of foresight in many transactions. He now stands at the head of the leading firm in Mason county, and his course and success in life are worthy studies for all aspiring youths.

1874 Atlas Index

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