One of the oldest living physicians in the county, was born near Zanesville, Ohio, October 6, 1825. He remained on the farm until 18 years of age, then went to Zanesville and began the study of medicine, under Dr. Lyman Little. He remained with him and taught school during the winter months some four or five years, then went to Columbus, Ohio, and attended the Starling Medical College for one term. From there he went to Canton, Iowa, and engaged in practice there for two years. In May, 1853, he came to Blue Grass. He was married here to Hannah Wineman, June 4, 1863. Dr. Porter practiced medicine in Blue Grass until 1871, then moved on the farm in section 5, Buffalo Township. Dr. Porter is a member of the Old Tuscan Lodge, No. 7, A. F. & A. M., at Davenport. He was a member of the I O. O. F., No. 37, at Davenport. He was elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1861 (Ninth General Assembly), and also in the extra session during the war.