Portus Baxter

Republican Representative of Vermont's 3rd district

Congresses Served

House Terms

December 4, 1806 (61 years old)

Birthday

March 4, 1868

Death

Nineteenth-century banker, farmer, and politician
Served three terms as a U.S. Representative
Attended Norwich Military Academy and entered the University of Vermont, left before completing due to his father’s death
Engaged in agricultural and mercantile pursuits, moved to Derby Line, Vermont
One of the original incorporators of the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad
Served as Assistant Judge of Orleans County
Supported Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott for president
Became a Republican at the party’s founding, was a presidential elector for John Fremont
Chaired the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Navy during the 38th Congress, also served on the Agriculture and Elections Committees
Known as ‘the soldier’s friend’ during the Civil War, supported Vermont soldiers and their families
Died of pneumonia in Washington, D.C., buried in Strafford, Vermont
Baxter General Hospital and Portus Baxter Park named in his honor
Married Ellen Jannette Harris, had eight children, four of whom lived to adulthood, including Jedediah Hyde Baxter, who served as Surgeon General of the United States Army
Close friend of Senator Justin Smith Morrill, patterned his business and political career on Morrill’s