John Wallace PORTER

PORTER, YOUNG, WOODARD, SMITH, MACHEAK

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:46

John Wallace Porter
25 April 1865 ---- 22 July 1937

Eagle Grove lost its senior businessman in the death of John W. Porter last week Thursday morning.

Mr. Porter came to Eagle Grove from Indiana over 50 years ago. He first engaged in the grocery business, operated a meat market, and then formed a partnership with the late Oscar Young and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. After a few years, Mr. Young withdrew from the firm and Mr. Porter continued the business. He was the first tenant of the downstairs room in the Masonic Temple. Mr. Porter was in the second group to take the state embalmers examination and was at one time an official in the state embalmers association. About 25 years ago, Mr. Port became interest in the development and sales of autos and about 20 years ago sold out the furniture business and devoted his entire time to that business. He developed Buick automobile sales both wholesale and retail in a large territory in this par of the state. He opened up a wholesale branch for Buick sales in Fort Dodge, but always maintained his home here. A few years ago, Mr. Porter retired from the automobile game and supervised his farm interests and about three years ago engaged in the farm implement business. At the time of his death, he was still active in the promotion of the J. I. Case farm implement line in this territory.

During his younger years and when the city was still very small, Mr. Porter was an active, enthusiastic community builder. He served several terms on the city council and was an active member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic Lodges.

John Porter was a good citizen, a man of fine character, interested in his community and always active in an endeavor which he thought was for its betterment. A good man has passed on.

Obituary

John W. Porter, son of David and Mary Jane Porter, was born near Shoals in Martin county, Indiana on April 25, 1865, and passed away at his home in Eagle Grove on July 22, 1937 at that time being 72 years, 2 months, and 27 days of age.

He came to Eagle Grove at the age of 21 and lived here until his death.

On December 25, 1889 he was united in marriage to Sarah Woodard. Four children were born to this union, two sons and two daughters. One son died in infancy.

He was a life member of the Methodist church in which he took an active part, at one time serving as chairman of the board. He served a number of years on the board of education, on the city council, and was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the I.O.O.F. He took a special interest in the affairs of the I.O.O.F. serving them in many ways. These interests, together with his many, many years of active business on the streets of Eagle Grove, will cause him to be greatly missed by his wide circle of business associates and friends.

Besides his widow, he leaves three children, Mrs. Florence Smith of Eagle Grove, Theron Porter of Waco, Texas, and Mrs. Millicent Macheak of Des Moines, besides six grandchildren and one brother, E. M. Porter of Marion, Ohio.

Services were held on Sunday afternoon at the Methodist church with the Rev. W. L. Breaw in charge and burial was made in Rose Hill cemetery. The grave services were in charge of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the services were directed by Art Westre and S. H. Williamson.

Those from out of town who attended Mr. Porter’s funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Thorn and son of Kasson, Minn.; Adrian and Frank Sterling of Algona; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Fisher of Kanawha; Mr. and Mrs. Jelousney of Iowa Falls; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Durien of Fort Dodge; Mr. and Mrs. N. A. Nelson of Fort Dodge; and many other of Mr. Porter’s business associates from out of town.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE ---- Eagle Grove, Iowa
Thursday, July 29, 1937

Source ---- Paul Wilde