Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 February 1916 — Anniversary of Birth of First White County Judge. [ARTICLE]

Anniversary of Birth of First White County Judge.

The Monticello Journal of Feb. 22 prints a feature article on John K. Porter, first judge of White county, and the place where he held court. The first court was held Oct. 17, 1834, but Judge Porter was not present, so business was transacted by associate judges, James Barnes and Thomas Wilson. The court was then held in the old George A. Spencer home, which is still standing. Judge Porter was bom at Pittsfield, Mass., Feb. 22, 1796. He graduated from Union college at Schenectady, N. Y., in 1815, and afterward moved to Paoli, Ind., where he was married. The circuit over which he presided is said to have extended from the Ohio river to lake Michigan. White county was added to the circuit in 1834. Judge Porter never lived in White county. He was succeeded in 1838 by Judge Isaac Nay- . 10r*..-.. - —,