Archives: Datelines

Rev. Martin Port, S.J. was born June 8, 1832 and entered the Society of Jesus as a Secular Priest on September 27, 1858 at Gorheim.

In 1861, he taght Rhetoric at Feldkirch and in 1869, assumed the duties of a parish priest while at the same time reviewing his theology degree for the final examination. In 1874, he was appointed Prefect of Studies at Feldkirch and in 1876, came to Buffalo to serve as a teacher at Saint Michael's Church.

On August 8, 1877, he was appointed Vice-Rector of Canisius University and held this office for six years. In 1883, he served as a missionary in Toledo, OH and the following year went to Prairie du Chien where, over a period of nine years, he served as Prefect of Studies, Teacher of Rhetoric and missionary. In 1893, he was transferred to Cleveland as Missionary, the following year to Prairie du Chien in the same capacity and in 1898 became Prefect of Studies in Toledo.  In 1899, he returned to Prairie du Chien as Spiritual Father.

Some interesting notes on his time as President of Canisius:

• 1877 -- 108 students. Frame addition made to the Villa House.
• 1879 -- 176 students.  The first Philosophy classes in the college.
• 1880 -- Additional property bought to the North on Washington Street.
• 1881 -- Easter Monday, first Mass in the new college chapel.

  Old Saint Michael's Church demolished and new unit to the college is built.

  Debating Society organized.

• 1882 -- 238 students in the school.
• 1883 -- January 11 Charter received from the Regents of the University of the State of New York.

In 1908 Father Port served as Operarius at Mankato, MN.  In 1909, he was sent to Cleveland, OH to St. Stanislaus and in 1910, he went to Prairie du Chien.

He died at Florissant October 9, 1914.