Lemuel C. Porter (Winona, MN)
Lemuel C. Porter (April 14, 1823 – May 23, 1908)
Biography
LEMUEL C. PORTER.
Lemuel C. Porter, whose death at Athens, PA, occurred on May 23, (1908) at the age of 86 years, had resided most of the time, for a number of years past, since his retirement from active business, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. William D. Chandler, of Concord, and had gained the respect and esteem of many New Hampshire people as a man of high character and kindly spirit.
Mr. Porter was a native of Scipio. NY, born April 14, 1823 (in nearby Venice, NY). He was engaged for a time in mercantile business In Moravia, NY, but in 1856 removed to the West, finally locating in Winona, Minn., where he engaged In lumber manufacture, but soon erected a large grain warehouse, and finally a large number of storehouses and elevators, in Minnesota and Dakota. In 1874 he erected a steam flouring mill at Winona, where he manufactured the first roller process flour produced in this country, starting at a capacity of 250 barrels per day and increasing till 1,600 barrels per day were produced. The only roller flour exhibited at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, in 1876, was from this establishment.
Mr. Porter was also a pioneer in the banking business in the great Northwest, becoming president of the Bank of Southern Minnesota upon its organization in 1862, and continuing in active direction of its affairs for thirty years, during which time it merged with the National Bank of Winona, he remaining at its head.
Mr. Porter married, March 3, 1852, Miss Adele Horton of Niles, NY, by whom he is survived, with three children - C. Horton Porter of Albany, NY, Adelbert Porter of Winona, Minn., and Mrs. Lillian M. Chandler of Concord, NH.
(The picture of L.C. Porter was included with this article).
Source: The Granite Monthly: A New Hampshire Magazine devoted to History. Volume 40 (1908), p227.
Bank Officer Summary
During his banking career, Lemuel C. Porter was involved with the following bank(s):
- Bank of Southern Minnesota (2nd), Winona, MN: President 1863...1864
- First National Bank, Winona, MN (Charter 550): President 1864-1883
- National Bank/First National Bank, Winona, MN (Charter 3224): President 1884-1893
References
- Banks & Bankers Historical Database (1782-1935), https://bbdata.banknotehistory.com