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SHERIFFS OF MONTCALM COUNTY
1850 to 2006


NEWTON A. PORTER
Sheriff from 1889-1892


Newton A. Porter was born in Stockbridge, Madison County, New York, September 6, 1845 to Samuel and Jerusha Brewer Porter. He married Nancy Green, daughter of Francis and Harriet Green, November 20, 1865 in Stockbridge and in 1866 they moved to Michigan, settling on a farm in Section 20 of Maple Valley Township. He and Nancy were the parents of two children, Francis N. and Ida H. On June 1, 1886 Nancy died and Newton then married Inez Wiseman, daughter of George and Margaret Copeland Wiseman, February 22, 1888 at Maple Valley. Inez passed away March 17, 1895 and he married a third time, Carrie Rich on November 26, 1896 in Oakfield Township, Kent County.

Chapman Brother's in their book Portrait and Biographical Album of Ionia and Montcalm Counties, Michigan had this to say about Mr. Porter, "In 1888 he was elected Sheriff and proved so efficient that in 1890 he was re-nominated by acclamation in the Republican county convention. Notwithstanding the fact that all opposition of three combined tickets was centered on him he was again elected. In the course of his official career he has had charge of many noted criminals and it has come to be understood that he is one of the safest officers in the State. The attorney's prisoners as well as the people generally understand that with Sheriff Porter duty is above all else, and whatever he is called upon to do will be carried out if it is within the bounds of possibility."

Newton also served as supervisor for Maple Valley Township and belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Knights of the Maccabees. By 1900 he and Carrie had moved to a farm in Oakfield Township, Kent County. It is unknown where he died.

(Sources: Ancestry; Family Search; History of Montcalm County, Michigan, by John Dasef; Montcalm County Marriage records; Michigan Sheriffs Association; Chapman Brother's Portrait and Biographical Album of Ionia and Montcalm Counties, Michigan)



SHERIFFS OF MONTCALM COUNTY
compiled by Stanton area resident Judy Hardy

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