I ran across this historic tidbit the other day on James Milton Proctor, the man who built our old farmhouse. I’m reposting it here just in case, but also linking to the source.
J. M. PROCTOR; J. M. Proctor, one of the most prominent and successful business men in his section of country, was born in Macon county, Missouri, February 12th, 1842. He first came to Boone county in 1849, remaining about four years, during which time he was engaged in farming out in the “white oaks.” Returning to Bloomington, Macon county, he learned the tinner’s trade. He remained at Bloomington until I860, when he removed to Mexico, Missouri, where he remained during the war, except for a few weeks spent in campaigning with Col. Porter; was in the fight at Monroe Station, the first battle of the war fought on Missouri soil. He was also at Moore’s Mill and Florida. Mr. Proctor is the son of Dr. William H. and Sophronia (nee Maughs) Proctor. His mother is a sister of Dr. J. M. B. Maughs, of St. Louis, and Mordecai Maughs, of Callaway county. He was married January 20th, 1864, to Miss Eila, daughter of William White, a Methodist minister, of Mexico. They have five children: Finnie, Laura Belle, Willie Patton, John Henry and Edna Clay. After his marriage he removed to Sturgeon, where he has been actively engaged in farming and trading ever since. He is a self-made man, having had no advantages save those he created for himself. He went to school in the woods, the school-house being made of unhewn timber, the fireplace occupying an entire end of the rude cabin. When he returned to Bloomington, he went one term to the High School, finishing his education while learning his trade. After working all day he usually spent about half the night studying. He labored after working hours to procure money to buy books. He read law for two years and was anxious to enter upon the duties of that profession but had not the means to do so. Mr. and Mrs. Proctor, and all their children except one, are members of the Methodist Church South. He was a candidate before the Democratic convention for the State Senate in 1880, but was beaten by Hon. James L. Stephens, of Columbia. He is of Scotch origin, on his father’s side. His mother was of French extraction. He has accumulated considerable property, and is doing a profitable business. He is one of the largest dealers in railroad ties in the State. He is true to his convictions, fair in his dealings, and earnest and sincere in the discharge of duty. Mr. Proctor was nominated at the Democratic primaries in August, 1882, as a candidate for representative, defeating a strong competitor, Capt. J. W. Kneisley, in every voting precinct in the county but one.
{Source: History of Boone County, Missouri; By Author Col. Wm. F. Switzler; Publ. 1882 by Western Historical Company; Transcribed by Andrea Stawski Pack.}
Source: https://genealogytrails.com/mo/macon/bios_p.htm
Also worth noting: The Missouri Secretary of State shows he did serve in the Missouri State House and Senate for a time. The following as part of thier record. The asterisk is references that the Honorable James Proctor resigned during his term as a senator.
Proctor, James M. D Rep. Boone 1882
Proctor, James M. D Sen. 9th 1884**
Source: https://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/history/historicallistings/molegp
Still so much to research and learn…
Photo: Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, circa 1867 –https://www.flickr.com/photos/missouristatearchives/50811908036/in/album-72157627364237196
