The Genesee Valley has counted many brilliant and distinguished men, throughout the years, who were engaged in the legal profession. One of these, widely known for his success, was a prominent and influential citizen of Mount Morris, Reuben Porter Wisner. His life, is the story of a poor boy who came to the Valley as a youth, settled in a busy and fast-growing village, and made good, not only in his profession, but also in his family and community life.

Reuben Porter Wisner was a native of Springport in Cayuga County, born March 1, 1810. His parents were of limited means, and Reuben's formal schooling was meager. He attended school during the winters, and as soon as he was old enough, he did farm work summers. A strong desire for learning was apparent at an early age, and this desire, plus an unusual amount of ambition, native ability, and determination, enabled him to instruct himself, to a large extent, in the languages, rhetoric, logic, and history.

Whenever possible, young Reuben would visit the nearby city of Auburn, and his chief delight was to attend sessions of court there and witness trials conducted by William H. Seward and others. Mr. Seward became interested in the young man, who, he observed, was exceptionally industrious and keen, and he invited him to enter his office in Auburn as a student of law. This offer was accepted, and the counsel and experience gained from his association with Mr. Seward, first as student and later as legal assistant, prepared Reuben for the responsibilities of the profession which he was to practice the rest of his days, in the Valley.

Reuben came to Mount Morris in 1832, and it was here that he opened his first law office, at the age of 22. All the qualities necessary for success in this field, such as energy, firmness of purpose, high reasoning power, self-confidence, and eloquence, were at his command, and within a short time Reuben had won the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens. Before long he entered into partnership with Judge Samuel H. Fitzhugh of Mt. Morris, and this firm became one of the most successful and distinguished in the Valley.

In 1838, Reuben, erected a beautiful and spacious residence on the main street of the village which he had chosen for his home. This house was called, by Reuben, "the dearest and sunniest spot on earth." Reuben and his wife Sarah Clark, resided there with their children, until her death in 1850.  Reuben was later remarried to Ellen Fisk in 1851 and remained in the house as long as they both lived. They were said to be an affectionate family, kindly and generous in nature, and the palatial home of the courtly and gracious Wisner’s was ever open to all people.

In 1841, during the governorship of his friend and former associate, Mr. Seward, Reuben was elected to represent Livingston County in the New York State Legislature, his colleague being Augustus Gibbs of Livonia. Although Reuben enjoyed a notable record in Albany and occupied an important place on the judiciary committee, his chief interests were at home, and he declined to be re-nominated.

Reuben was a great leader in Christian Work in his community. Having united with the Baptist Church of Mount Morris in 1843, he remained a loyal member throughout his life, contributing liberally to its support and serving as superintendent of the Sunday School for over twenty years.

Taking his part in civic affairs, Reuben held the office of town clerk in 1837, village clerk from 1837 to 1839, president of the village in 1847, village collector for a time, and justice of the peace for several years .When the Genesee River Bank was organized in 1853, he was on the first board of directors. He was also a director of the Avon, Geneseo and Mount Morris Railroad as long as it existed and was one of the incorporators of the Mount Morris Cemetery Association in 1859, serving as its president from 1859 to 1863.

As a colonel in the 58th Regiment, New York State National Guard, Reuben was active in the recruitment of volunteers during the Civil War. On many occasions his stirring patriotic speeches were credited with the raising of recruits and contribution’s not only from the village of Mount Morris, but also from Tuscarora, Brooks Grove, and other neighboring settlements. Reuben himself contributed generously to the cause.

Reuben Wisner died October 22, 1872, eight years after his wife, Ellen had passed away. In 1866, he had formed a new partnership with Thomas J. Gamble, native of Groveland, who continued the business after Reuben's death. The burial place of this distinguished Valley citizen and his family is in Mount Morris Cemetery.