William Porter served as lieutenant colonel of the 50th Enrolled Missouri Militia from November 30, 1863, until he resigned on October 4, 1864.

The Enrolled Missouri Militia was a part-time force whose primary duty was garrison and guard duty, although a number of EMM units participated in actions against Confederate guerrillas and regulars. The presence of the EMM allowed federally funded state militia regiments to conduct more extensive operations against the Confederates.

Carte-de-Visite by J.C. Downing, Jefferson City, Mo.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 31699