County Official is Active at 84

Deputy clerk and treasurer of Norfolk County and one of the district's best known citizens, Jonathan Porter of Simcoe is celebrating his 84th birthday today.

A native of Norfolk, Mr. Porter was born at Rockford, the son of Thomas and Mary Porter. He was educated at Rockford Public School and Brantford Collegiate Institute, and at the age of 16 years taught school at Rockford.

At this time the legal urge overtook him and he became apprenticed to a Brantford firm, Hardy Wilkes and Jones. Later he moved on to Midland to become assistant in the office of the late Senator W. H. Bennett.

On his 31st birthday, [18 Aug 1894], he entered into partnership with W. E. Kelly, K.C., present Crown Attorney for Norfolk, and this year they are marking the 53rd anniversary of occupying the same office together, although not in partnership all the time.

In 1918 Mr. Porter succeeded the late Roger Crysler as county treasurer and in 1931 succeeded the late Elias Boughner as county clerk. 

In December, 1940, Mr. Porter retired as county clerk and treasurer in favor of his son, Douglas C. Porter, who had been his assistant during the previous four years. Mr. Porter then became deputy clerk and treasurer and still occupies that position.

Has led active life. Mr. Porter has had an active life outside his business and professional career, having filled the following offices from time to time: Chairman of the Simcoe Board of Education;
president of the Norfolk Golf and Country Club;
Worshipful Master of Norfolk Lodge No. 10, A.F. and A.M.;
First Pricipal [sic] of Ezra Chapter, R.A.M.; and
secretary of the Norfolk Liberal Association.

He possesses a Masonic Past Master's Jewel,
a 25-Year Jewel of Ezra Chapter No. 23, R.A.M.; 
an I.O.F. Grand Cross of Merit and an  I.O.F. 30-Year Jewel.

In 1940 he resigned from the executive of the High Court of Foresters of Western Ontario after a term of 37 years. 
He is Past Chief High Ranger for Western Ontario of the Independent Order of Foresters.

In his younger years Mr. Porter was an oustanding [sic] athlete and was acknowledged as one of the finest sprinters in the country. 
He holds the distinction of having broken the amateur hop-step-and-jump record for North America.

He also played considerable football and lacrosse and was a member of the Brantford Lacrosse Club when it won the provincial championship.

He won the Dufferin Medal for rifle shooting in 1884, and the Ontario Medal for the best aggregate score in a two-day competition.

He has always been a keen hockey fan and for more than 35 years was penalty timekeeper for the Simcoe Hockey Club.

His wife is the former Lillian Ethel Cutting, and Douglas C. Porter is their only son.

The Reformer join his many friends in wishing Mr. Porter more pleasant birthdays and continued health and happiness.

 
Copyright 2011-2013 John Cardiff