Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1858-07-24
Death of VIM. IT. Porter.

The New York papers announce the death
of VIM. T. PORTER, for many years the editor
of the New York Spirit Of the Times, and more
recently of Porter's SPIRIT. This event occur
ed at his residence in New York on last Mon
day morning, after brief illness of chills and
fever. The Tribune thus refers to his personal
history:
''Few men pursuing a quiet literary life
were better known than Mr.. Porter, and few
had more warm personal friends in all parts
of the country; or possessed n more wide
spread popularity. He was born in north
eastern Vermont. When he had completed
his studies he was employed for some time as
a teacher, which profession he discontinued to
become practical printer When he had
learned his business, he came to this city and
was soon promoted to the position of fore
man and proof-reader. At the beginning of
1882, Mr.. Porter in connection with another
young printer, Mr.. James Howe, now of In
diana, began the publication Of The Spirit of
the Times, weekly paper, devoted to sporting
news and literatnre. The paper had for years
no rival, and attained a satisfactory patronage.
He continued in this connection until the year
1856. when, having previously sold out his
interest, he in connection with Mr.. George
Wilkes, began the publication of PoHer's Spi-
ra Of Tie Times, in rivalry with his old journal.
and has continued EIitOr of POrters Spirit
since, till his death.
Mr.. Porter was man of fine personal ap-
pcaEance. Over six feet high, with excellent
proportions, and comely features, his appear
ance was one that would be apt to make an
impression upon all who saw him. He was
generous to fault. polite aud courteous in
his manners, and upon all matters connected
with the turf and sporting subjects. high
~ I,a w a frppii nd
in this regard probably FASTENED his death.
Mr.. Porter was never married"
TIE Express remarks:
.'Soon after his arrival in New York. Mr..
Porter's attention was directed to field sports
in their several varieties. and h. saw the ne.
cessity of journal directed to their interests.
and ofan organ especially devoted to the turf.
He thereupon found d what was known in
this city Ar the Spirit of the Times. paper
devoted not only TO the sports of the turf,
but TO every outdoor manly exercise includ-
ing huntinga ndfishing. with all their kindred
excitements. This journal at once attracted
the attention of men throughout the country
engaged in raising thoroughbred stock. 1t
gave an impetus TO the interest felt in fleet
horses never before known, aud the editorial
rooms of the proprietor in consequence be-
came the favorte resort of leading gentlemen
throughout the country whenever they visit
ed New York during the racingseason. In
the settlement of disputed points between
sporting men, Mr.. Porter's opinion was con
tidently referred to 10y disputants. on either
side, and his Judgment on all controversial
points OF that character was quietly acquiesc-
ed in as conclusive. Up to the time of his
death, he had probably decided more questions
involving money between sporting men than
any other person, and his fiat once given was
considered without appeal