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Memorial and Family History of Erie County, New York
Vol. I, Biographical and Genealogical
The Genealogical Publishing Co., Buffalo; 1906-8

   [41-42]

        HON. PETER AUGUSTUS PORTER, son of COL. PETER A. PORTER, is one of
     the leading men of the State, and has long been a central figure in
     the political, industrial and civic affairs of Western New York.
     Mr. PORTER has the incentives to achievement which are the natural
     possession of the descendants of so illustrious a line, and has
     worthily maintained the prestige of the distinguished name he bears.
     Public spirit is one of his salient characteristics, and he is
     signally identified, both as a legislator and a citizen, with the
     development of the power resources of Niagara Palls.
        Mr. PORTER was born at Niagara Falls, N. Y., October 10, 1853. He
     was educated at St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H., and at Yale Col-
     lege, graduating from the latter in 1874. His college course was
     followed by extensive foreign travel. On returning from abroad Mr.
     PORTER actively identified himself with the business and municipal
     interests of Niagara Falls, his enterprise and initiative soon making
     themselves manifest as factors in the upbuilding of that city.
        In 1886 Mr. PORTER was elected a member of the Legislature, and the
     following year was reelected. As Assemblyman he introduced and brought
     about the passage of the celebrated Niagara Tunnel Bill, which gave
     the sanction of the State to the utilization of the cataract for the
     development of electric power. The effect of this legislation has been
     far-reaching, the law and its outcome marking a memorable epoch in the
     industrial world. In the fall of 1906, Mr. PORTER was nominated for
     Congress in the 34th District on an independent Republican ticket,
     being indorsed by the Democrats and the Independence League. His
     adversary was JAMES W. WADSWORTH, who for many successive terms had
     been returned to Congress from the distict, and the normal majority
     which Mr. PORTER would be obliged to overcome was estimated at from
     7,000 to 13,000.  Mr. PORTER was elected by heavy pluralities, the
     result being a significant tribute to him as a leader and a decisive
     indorsement of his policy.
        Mr. PORTER has always taken a deep interest in the wonderful con-
     quest of nature at Niagara Falls. He was a prime mover in the negotia-
     tions incident to the establishment of power plants at the Falls, and
     his tact and counsel materially aided to reconcile conflicting inte-
     rests. As an author he did much to place the project in a correct
     light, to enlist capital and to supply the public with accurate in-
     formation.  Mr. PORTER has been a lifelong student of the antiquities
     of the Niagara Frontier, and is a distinguished contributor to the
     literature of that topic. His library relating to the subject is the
     most extensive of its kind in the country.  Mr. PORTER is a prominent
     member of the Buffalo Historical Society and belongs to many other
     organizations.
        February 3, 1877, Mr. PORTER married ALICE ADELE TAYLOR, daughter
     of VIRGIL CORYDON TAYLOR and HARRIETT C. (DUNLAP).  Mrs. PORTER is of
     an ancient family of English and Puritan lineage, being descended from
     RICHARD TAYLOR, who came from England to Massachusetts Colony in 1648.
     The children of the marriage are PETER A. PORTER, Jr. born November
     16, 1877; CABELL BRECKENRIDGE PORTER, born April 8, 1881, and PRESTON
     BUELL PORTER, born March 13, 1891.


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