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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
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Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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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

   [40-41]

        COL. PETER AUGUSTUS PORTER, son of GEN. PETER BUELL PORTER, in a
     brief but heroic career nobly maintained the traditions of patriotism
     and valor which were his by inheritance, and sealed with his life his
     devotion to his country.
        COL. PORTER was born in 1827 at Black Rock, Erie County, N. Y.
     After a careful preparatory education he graduated from Harvard
     College in 1845, later going to Germany where he studied at the
     universities of Heidelberg and Breslau till 1849. On his return to the
     United States until the beginning of the Civil War, he took an active
     part in the business and social life of Niagara Falls. In 1861 he was
     elected a member of the New York Legislature, and the same year, after
     he had joined the army, was tendered the nomination of his party for
     Secretary of State. A brilliant political career was opening before
     him, but the national crisis was with him a consideration paramount to
     all others, and he declined the civic honors within his grasp.
        The military career of COL. PORTER began in 1861, when he raised a
     regiment which was organized as the 129th New York Volunteer Infantry.
     In 1863 it became the 8th New York Heavy Artillery, of which he was
     commissioned Colonel. At his earnest solicitation he was sent with his
     troops to the front in 1864, the regiment being incorporated with the
     Army of the Potomac, under GENERAL GRANT, and took part in all the
     battles of the Wilderness campaign, and Cold Harbor. In this terrible
     battle COL. PORTER met his death. He fell pierced by six bullets,
     while gallantly leading his regiment up to the rebel entrenchments.
     For two days COL. PORTER'S body lay in front of the enemy's works, and
     could not be recovered. On the second night five brave soldiers of his
     command bore back his remains to the Union lines.
        COL. PORTER was married March 30, 1852, to MARY CABELL PRESTON
     BRECKENRIDGE, daughter of REV. JOHN BRECKENRIDGE, and MARGARET MILLER.
     The issue of the marriage was one son, PETER A. PORTER, born, October
     10, 1853.  Mrs. PORTER died August 4, 1854, and on November 9, 1859,
     COL. PORTER married for his second wife JOSEPHINE M. MORRIS, daughter
     of GEORGE MORRIS, of Charleston, S. C. Their children were LAETITIA H.
     PORTER, born February 16, 1861, died October 17, 1864, and GEORGE M.
     PORTER, born on the 7th of July, 1863.


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