PROCTORS IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. Part I - Introduction and Sections 1-4.
Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Donna Bluemink.
bluemink3@home.com
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html table of contents with links to graphics may be found at
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___________________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
Introduction
Section 1 - Family Tree, Six Generations of Proctors
Section 2 - Francis Proctor, Sr.
Section 3 - Thomas Proctor
Section 4 - Francis Proctor, Jr.
Section 5 - Resources and Notes for Thomas Proctor
Section 6 - Sketch of Gen. Thomas Proctor, B. M. Nead, 1880
Section 7 - Journal -
Narrative of the Journey of
Col. Thomas Proctor to the Indians
of the North-west, 1791
Section 8 - Continental Artillery graphics See html Table of Contents.
* * * * * *
INTRODUCTION
September 2001
The purpose of this effort is to connect the prolific and increasingly
accessible records and manuscripts about the first and second generations
of Proctors, which perhaps will dispel some mysteries about our ancestors,
provide answers for descendants new to genealogical research and perhaps
give Proctor descendants a clue as to why we have certain characteristics.
There is material here for all ages and everyone is welcome to enjoy this
learning experience. Readers are invited to write to me to share new
information, corrections or observations. Donna Bluemink
bluemink3@home.com
Researcher's notes: ( ) indicates generation number. [ ] indicates source
number. See Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 for more complete sources.
* * * * * *
SECTION 1
Family Tree, Six Generations of Proctors
DESCENDANTS OF FRANCIS PROCTOR, SR.
Generation No. 1
1. FRANCIS (1) PROCTOR, SR. [1, 2] was born 1704 in Longford County, Ireland [3],
died March 12, 1792. He married BETSEY 1738 [4].
Children of FRANCIS PROCTOR and BETSEY are:
2. i. Thomas (2) Proctor, b. 1739, Longford Co., Ireland; d. March 16, 1806.
3. ii. Francis Proctor, Jr., b. 1746, Halifax, Nova Scotia; d. 1814, Lycoming Co., PA.
Generation No. 2
2. THOMAS (2) PROCTOR (FRANCIS (1)) [5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, also see Section 5]
was born 1739 in Longford Co., Ireland, and died March 16, 1806. He
married (1)) MARY FOX [11] December 31, 1766 in Philadelphia, PA [12]. She
died July 15, 1789. He married (2) SARAH ANN HUSSEY [13] March 3, 1796, in
Philadelphia. She died March 23, 1804, in Philadelphia.
Children of THOMAS PROCTOR and MARY FOX are:
4. i. Anna (3) Proctor, d. January 25, 1858.
5. ii. Thomas Proctor, b. February 11, 1874; d. October 06, 1861.
See "Proctor Family of Upper Bucks County" published by the Bucks
County Historical Society following the family tree and
researcher's note at the end of Section 1.
Child of THOMAS PROCTOR and SARAH ANN HUSSEY is:
6. iii. Mary (3) Proctor, b. 1790; d. 1842. Birth date as indicated by
DAR is in question.
3. FRANCIS (2) PROCTOR, JR. (FRANCIS (1)) [14, 15, 16] was born in the
1750's in Nova Scotia, and died 1814 in Lycoming Co., now Clinton Co., PA.
He married ANN HENDERSON [17] February 19, 1776. She was born 1751, and died 1804.
Children of FRANCIS PROCTOR and ANN HENDERSON are:
7. i. Catherine Ann Proctor, b. 1778, Pittsburgh, PA; d. May 05, 1845;
m. Robert Lyle.
8. ii. Nancy Proctor, b. 1780; d. April 24, 1857; m. John Myers.
iii. Sarah Proctor, b. 1785; d. April 02, 1850.
iv. Thomas
v. Molly
vi. Jane
Generation No. 3.
4. ANNA (3) PROCTOR (THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) [19, 20, 21, 22] died
January 25, 1858. She married HENRY THEODORE VIRCHAUX in Philadelphia, PA.
He was born 1781, and died September 1828 in New Orleans, LA.
Children of ANNA PROCTOR and HENRY VIRCHAUX are:
9. i. Maria Catherine (4) Virchaux, b. 1812, Philadelphia, PA; d. September 25, 1849.
ii. David Parish Virchaux, b. November 1817; d. April 20, 1818.
5. THOMAS (3) PROCTOR (THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) [19, 20, 21, 22] was born
February 11, 1784, and died October 06, 1861. He married CATHERINE
MUSSELMAN [23] Abt. 1815. She was born April 27, 1793, and died June 11, 1870.
Children of THOMAS PROCTOR and CATHERINE MUSSELMAN are:
i. Dinah (4) Proctor, m. Noah Summers.
ii. Anna Proctor, m. Benjamin Mitchell.
10. iii. John M. Proctor, b. August 04, 1819; d. May 04, 1900.
11. iv. Christian Proctor, b. 1823; d. 1897.
v. Samuel Proctor, b. 1826.
vi. Elizabeth Proctor, b. 1830.
vii. Mary Proctor, b. 1832; m. Joseph Ruth.
viii. Joseph M. Proctor, b. 1833; d. 1910; m. Sabina; b. 1830; d. 1892.
6. MARY (3) PROCTOR (THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) [24] was born 1790, and
died 1842. She married DANIEL HARSHBARGER. He was born 1781, and died 1840.
Child of MARY PROCTOR and DANIEL HARSHBARGER is:
12. i. Daniel (4) Harshbarger, Jr., b. 1823; d. 1894.
7. CATHERINE ANN (3) PROCTOR (FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born 1778 in
Pittsburgh, PA, and died May 05, 1845. She married ROBERT LYLE in Williamsport, PA.
Children of CATHERINE PROCTOR and ROBERT LYLE are:
i. Proctor (4) Lyle, b. Abt. 1805.
13. ii. Thomas Proctor Lyle, b. Abt. 1814; d. 1884; m. Ada Francis Smith 1838.
14. iii. Catherine Lyle, b. February 14, 1818, Pittsburgh, PA;
d. December 01, 1907, Ruthven, IA.
15. iv. Sarah Lyle, b. Abt. 1822; m Thomas Hunter.
8. NANCY (3) PROCTOR (FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born 1780, and died
April 24, 1857. She married JOHN MYERS 1812. He was born 1767, and died 1846.
Children of NANCY PROCTOR and JOHN MEYERS are:
16. i. Male Meyers (4).
17. ii. Francis Proctor Meyers, b. 1814; d. December 03, 1897,
Lock Haven, Clinton, Co., PA.
18. iii. Susan Meyers, b. 1822; d. May 11, 1887, Lock Haven, PA.
Generation No. 4
9. MARIA CATHERINE (4) VIRCHAUX (ANNA (3) PROCTOR, THOMAS (2), FRANCIS
(1)) was born 1812 in Philadelphia, PA, and died September 25, 1849. She
married JAMES GRAY HOUSTON September 13, 1832. He was born May 03, 1807,
and died December 31, 1843, in Williamsport, PA.
Children of MARIA VIRCHAUX and JAMES HOUSTON are:
i. Matilda Virchaux (5) Houston.
ii. Isabel Houston, d. March 20, 1836.
19. iii. Hugh Boyle Houston, b. October 25, 1837; d. August 21, 1916.
10. JOHN M. (4) PROCTOR (THOMAS (3), THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) [25,26] was
born August 04, 1819, and died May 04, 1900. He married 1. HANNAH M. KULP [27].
She was born September 04, 1814, and died December 24, 1876. He married
2. SARAH SCHRAUGER September 01, 1877. She was born September 07, 1844.
Children of JOHN PROCTOR and HANNAH KULP are:
i. Catharine K. (5) Proctor, m. David L. Gehman.
ii. Mary Proctor [27], b. December 17, 1845; d. October 04, 1865.
iii. Elizabeth Proctor, b. November 03, 1847; d. August 23, 1880; m.
Isaac G. Overholt, 1867; b. May 18, 1844; d. January 30, 1926.
Child of JOHN PROCTOR and SARAH SCHRAUGER is:
20. iv. Joseph S. (5) Proctor, b. June 27, 1879, Bucks County, PA; d.
December 08, 1958, San Jose, CA.
11. CHRISTIAN (4) PROCTOR (THOMAS (3), THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born
1823, and died 1897. He married ELIZABETH. She was born 1828, and died 1911.
Child of CHRISTIAN PROCTOR and ELIZABETH is:
i. Henry Becker (5) Proctor, b. 1866; d. 1870.
12. DANIEL (4) HARSHBARGER, JR. (MARY (3) PROCTOR, THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1))
was born 1823, and died 1894. He married ANNA AMELIA HOLLIDAY 1847.
She was born 1829, and died 1904.
Children of DANIEL HARSHBARGER and ANNA HOLLIDAY are:
i. H. Lenore (5) Harshbarger [28], b. Cleveland, IN; m. Joe Winder.
21. ii. Harriet Harshbarger, b. 1865, Cleveland, IN.
13. THOMAS PROCTOR (4) LYLE (CATHERINE ANN (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2),
FRANCIS (1)) was born Abt. 1814, and died 1884. He married ADA FRANCIS SMITH
1838 in Williamsport, PA.
Child of THOMAS LYLE and ADA SMITH is:
i. James Cline (5) Lyle.
14. CATHERINE (4) LYLE (CATHERINE ANN (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1))
was born February 14, 1818, in Pittsburgh, PA, and died December 01, 1907,
in Ruthven, IA. She married ADAM HENDERSON GIFT July 23, 1839, in
Lock Haven, Clinton Co., PA. He was born March 12, 1812, in Bedford Co.,
PA [29], and died March 16, 1881, in Prairieburg, IA.
Children of CATHERINE LYLE and ADAM GIFT are:
22. i. John Wilson (5) Gift, b. May 06, 1840, Salona, Centre County, PA;
d. Aft. 1920, in Peoria, IL.
ii. William Hirst Gift, b. September 06, 1842, Williamsport, PA;
d. May 16, 1863, Champions Hill, MS.
iii. Albert Ross Gift, b. December 09, 1844, Williamsport, PA;
d. August 13, 1850, Williamsport, PA.
23. iv. Sarah Francis Gift, b. December 26, 1846, Williamsport, PA;
d. 1932, Missouri Valley, IA.
24. v. Rebecca Jain Gift, b. January 06, 1849; d. 1923.
vi. James Hamlin Gift, b. March 09, 1851, Williamsport, PA;
d. June 30, 1852, Williamsport, PA.
25. vii. Thomas Hunter Gift, b. January 03, 1856, Williamsport, PA;
d. 1912, Portage la Prairie, Canada.
viii. Mary Matilda Gift, b. June 10, 1858.
26. ix. Marjory Ellen Gift, b. November 14, 1860, Iowa; d. 1942, Winthrop, WA.
x. Clara Elizabeth Gift, b. June 20, 1865, Iowa; d. October 23, 1939,
Washington; m. Andrew J. Caine, Aft. 1900.
15. SARAH (4) LYLE (CATHERINE ANN (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1))
was born Abt. 1822. She married THOMAS GILMORE HUNTER.
Children of SARAH LYLE and THOMAS HUNTER are:
i. William Gift (5) Hunter, b. 1856, Lock Haven, PA; m. Ada Burbank.
ii. Robert Lyle Hunter, m. Laura Miller.
iii. Clara Jane Hunter, m. William Hunter.
iv. Anna Mary Hunter, m. Eli Fleck.
v. James Shieed Hunter, m. 1. Rachel Worley; m. 2. Anna Crissman.
vi. Catherine Bell Hunter, m. Harry Tussey.
vii. Ella Dysert Hunter, m. Blair Roller.
16. MALE MEYERS (4) (NANCY (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)). He married
LOUISA. She was born 1810, and died October 19, 1888, in Lock Haven, PA.
Children of ? MEYERS and LOUISA are:
27. i. Albert Ellis (5) Meyers, b. 1847; d. May 29, 1896.
ii. Alfred Meyers, b. 1847.
28. iii. George Meyers, b. 1848.
17. FRANCIS PROCTOR (4) MEYERS (NANCY (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1))
was born 1814, and died December 03, 1897, in Lock Haven, Clinton
Co., PA. He married 1. ELIZABETH GRACE ELLIS GREEN 1838. She was born
1816, and died 1852 in Philadelphia, PA. He married 2. CLEMENTINE ALBRIGHT
1855. She was born 1834, and died 1897. (See Mrs. Edna Florence Myers
Harris DAR Lineage record in Section 2.)
Child of Francis Proctor MEYERS and ELIZABETH GREEN is:
i. Caroline (5) Meyers, m. J. L. Laird.
Children of Francis Proctor MEYERS and CLEMENTINE ALBRIGHT are:
29. ii. Josephine E. (5) Meyers, b. 1855, Lock Haven, Clinton, Co., PA; d. 1897.
30. iii. Charles H. Meyers, b. 1860; d. 1908.
18. SUSAN (4) MEYERS (NANCY (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was
born 1822, and died May 11, 1887, in Lock Haven, PA. She married JOHN
SHEID or SCHEID July 22, 1854. He was born 1831, and died 1895.
Children of SUSAN MEYERS and JOHN SCHEID are:
i. Lizzie Sheid or (5) Scheid, m. unknown first name Blair.
ii. Female Scheid, m. Elijah Myers.
Generation No. 5
19. HUGH BOYLE (5) HOUSTON (MARIA CATHERINE (4) VIRCHAUX, ANNA (3) PROCTOR,
THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born October 25, 1837, and died August 21, 1916.
He married JOSEPHINE WILHELMINA HAVERSTICK.
Children of HUGH HOUSTON and JOSEPHINE HAVERSTICK are:
i. Fanny Haverstick (6) Houston [30], b. PA; m. Walter Alexander Kirkpatrick.
ii. Mary Virchaux Houston [31] b. Philadelphia, PA; m. unknown first name Smith.
20. JOSEPH S. (5) PROCTOR (JOHN M. (4), THOMAS (3), THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) [32]
was born June 27, 1879, in Bucks Co., PA, and died December 08, 1958,
in San Jose, CA. He married Laura A. Ziegenfuss [32] August 21,
1899, in Hilltown Reformed Church. She was born May 18, 1882, in PA, and
died April 30, 1952, in San Jose, CA.
Children of JOSEPH PROCTOR and LAURA ZIEGENFUSS are:
i. Paul (6) Proctor, m. 1. Blanche; m. 2. Mary Edith.
31. ii. Sarah Elizabeth Proctor, b. September 07, 1899; d. October 1975, Pennsylvania.
32. iii. Peter Russell Proctor, b. January 09, 1902; d. April 09, 1991.
33. iv. Marian Estelle Proctor, b. September 18, 1908, Lansdale, PA.
21. HARRIET HARSHBARGER (DANIEL (4), MARY (3) PROCTOR, THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) [33]
was born 1865 in Cleveland, IN. She married SAMUEL E. COOK 1896. He was born 1860.
Child of HARRIET HARSHBARGER and SAMUEL COOK is:
i. Edna (6) Cook [34], b. Huntington, IN.
22. JOHN WILSON (5) GIFT (CATHERINE (4) LYLE, CATHERINE ANN (3) PROCTOR,
FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born May 06, 1840, in Salona, Centre Co.,
PA, and died Aft. 1920 in Peoria, IL. He married 1. SARAH I. MILLER
November 1861 in Delhi, IA. She was born 1839 in Michigan, and died July
09, 1897, in Peoria, IL. He married 2. MAYE H. Aft. 1908.
Children of JOHN GIFT and SARAH MILLER are:
34. i. Frank H. (6) Gift, b. 1864, Iowa.
ii. Charles H. Gift, b. 1868, Missouri.
23. SARAH FRANCIS (5) GIFT (CATHERINE (4) LYLE, CATHERINE ANN (3)
PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born December 26, 1846, in
Williamsport, PA, and died 1932 in Missouri Valley, IA. She married JAMES
A. GREY October 06, 1867. He was born 1841 in Indiana, and died March 1914
in Red Oak, IA.
Children of SARAH GIFT and JAMES GREY are:
35. i. Charles W. (6) Grey, b. 1870; d. 1918, Lincoln, NE.
36. ii. Clara O. Grey.
24. REBECCA JAIN (5) GIFT (CATHERINE (4) LYLE, CATHERINE ANN (3) PROCTOR,
FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born January 06, 1849, and died 1923. She
married JOHN McNARY 1869 in Iowa. He was born in Indiana, and died 1920.
Children of REBECCA GIFT and John McNARY are:
i. Mary (6) McNary, b. 1879.
ii. Frank B. McNary, b. 1883.
iii. Eva McNary, b. 1887; m. unknown first name Manthe.
iv. Martina McNary, b. 1890; m. Merle Messer.
25. THOMAS HUNTER (5) GIFT (CATHERINE (4) LYLE, CATHERINE ANN (3)
PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born January 03, 1856 in
Williamsport, PA, and died 1912 in Portage la Prairie, Canada. He married
EVELIN BARRINGER. She was born October 23, 1863, in Kilbourn, WI, and died
1936 in Oregon City, OR.
Children of THOMAS GIFT and EVELIN BARRINGER are:
37. i. Byron Hunter (6) Gift, b. August 30, 1887, Emmetsburg, IA;
d. April 01, 1959, Lebanon, OR.
ii. Emily Catherine Gift, b. 1890; m. unknown first name Balcom.
26. MARJORY ELLEN (5) GIFT (CATHERINE (4) LYLE, CATHERINE ANN (3)
PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born November 14, 1860, in Iowa,
and died 1942 in Winthrop, WA. She married JOHN J. DELANCEY 1878 in Iowa.
He was born 1852 in Iowa, and died 1922 in Winthrop, WA.
Children of MARJORY GIFT and JOHN DELANCEY are:
i. Abbie M. (6) DeLancey, b. 1881; m. Mose Brinkerhoff.
ii. Duer F. DeLancey, b. 1883.
iii. Carrie P. DeLancey, b. 1884; d. 1965; m. Roma Johnson,
iv. Jessie M. DeLancey, b. 1887, Ruthven, IA; d. 1947;
m. Robert W. Flournay; b. 1870.
27. ALBERT ELLIS (5) MEYERS (? MEYERS (4), NANCY (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS
(2), FRANCIS (1)) was born 1847, and died May 29, 1896. He married
CATHERINE MOODLER September 07, 1872, in Lock Haven, PA. She was born
January 10, 1853, and died July 14, 1925, in Lock Haven, PA.
Children of ALBERT MYERS and CATHERINE MOODLER are:
i. Lizzie (6) Meyers.
ii. Child Meyers.
iii. Daughter Meyers, m. B. F. Driver.
38. iv. Morris Ellis Meyers, b. March 04, 1875, Lock Haven, PA;
d. December 22, 1949.
28. GEORGE (5) MEYERS (? MEYERS (4), NANCY (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2),
FRANCIS (1)) was born 1848. He married Sarah. She was born 1845.
Children of GEORGE MEYERS and SARAH are:
i. Child (6) Meyers.
ii. Henry Meyers, b. 1864.
29. JOSEPHINE E. (5) MEYERS (FRANCIS PROCTOR (4), NANCY (3) PROCTOR,
FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born 1855 in Lock Haven, Clinton Co., PA,
and died 1897. She married MARSHALL REID 1884. He was born 1854, and died 1903.
Child of JOSEPHINE MEYERS and MARSHALL REID is:
i. Helen (6) Reid [36], b. Milton, PA; m. J. Burton Mustin.
30. CHARLES H. (5) MEYERS (F. PROCTOR (4), NANCY (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS
(2), FRANCIS (1)) was born 1860, and died 1908. He married MARY KROM 1887.
She was born 1870.
Child of CHARLES MEYERS and MARY KROM is:
i. Edna Florence (6) Meyers [37], b. Lock Haven, Clinton, Co., PA;
m. Robert B. Harris.
Generation No. 6
31. SARAH ELIZABETH (6) PROCTOR (JOSEPH S. (5), JOHN M. (4), THOMAS (3),
THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born September 07, 1899, and died October
1975 in Pennsylvania. She married 1. CLARENCE SWARTZ. He was born June 13,
1902, in Hilltown, PA, and died May 1974 in Chicago, IL. She married
2. JACOB RAYMOND HORN. He was born October 15, 1897, and died January 09, 1964,
in Arizona.
Children of SARAH PROCTOR and CLARENCE SWARTZ are:
i. Muriel Elizabeth (7) Swartz, b. August 31, 1921; m. Paul Benner Bishop;
b. December 07, 1918, Souderton, PA; d. February 02, 1996, Sellersville, PA.
ii. Claire Alberta Swartz, b. February 18, 1923.
Children of SARAH PROCTOR and JACOB HORN are:
iii. Ethel May (7) Horn, b. May 08, 1927.
iv. Grace Marie Horn, b. November 19, 1929.
v. Mary Jane Horn, b. October 02, 1931.
vi. Jacob Raymond Horn, b. September 21, 1936.
32. PETER RUSSELL (6) PROCTOR (JOSEPH S. (5), JOHN M. (4), THOMAS (3),
THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born January 09, 1902, and died April 09, 1991.
He married 1. MAMIE KRUPP About 1921. He married 2. ELSIE HOSSLI
February 01, 1929. She was born February 08, 1904, in San Francisco, CA,
and died April 20, 1997.
Child of PETER PROCTOR and MAMIE KRUPP is:
i. Doris (7) Proctor.
Children of PETER PROCTOR and ELSIE HOSSLI are:
ii. Phyllis Marlene (7) Proctor, b. June 04, 1931, San Francisco, CA; m.
Roger L. Cairns, September 30, 1951.
iii. Carole Elsie Proctor, b. May 30, 1934.
iv. Gary Peter Proctor, b. August 09, 1941; m. Geraldine Marie Pecsar,
December 28, 1963.
33. MARIAN ESTELLE (6) PROCTOR (JOSEPH S. (5), JOHN M. (4), THOMAS (3),
THOMAS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born September 18, 1908, in Lansdale, PA. She
married ROY CROUTHAMEL. He was born June 24, 1905, in Perkasie, PA.
Children of MARIAN PROCTOR and ROY CROUTHAMEL are:
i. Doris Shirley (7) Crouthamel, b. August 06, 1926; m. Harry Strothers.
ii. Blanche Doreen Crouthamel, b. February 05, 1930;
m. John Carter Connelly, February 05, 1949; b. June 06, 1926.
iii. Robert Francis Crouthamel, b. March 08, 1931; m. 1. Barbara; m. 2. Nancy.
iv. Joan Crouthamel, b. August 31, 1934.
34. FRANK H. (6) GIFT (JOHN WILSON (5), CATHERINE (4) LYLE, CATHERINE ANN
(3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born 1864 in Iowa. He married
MYRTLE A. She was born 1870 in Illinois.
Children of FRANK GIFT and MYRTLE A. are:
i. Lyle H. (7) Gift, b. 1895, Illinois.
ii. Myron F. Gift, b. 1899, Illinois.
35. CHARLES W. (6) GRAY (SARAH FRANCIS (5) GIFT, CATHERINE (4) LYLE,
CATHERINE ANN (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born 1870, and
died 1918 in Lincoln, NE.
Children of CHARLES W. GRAY are:
i. C. E. (7) Gray.
ii. Daughter Gray, m. Leland Gosnell.
iii. Daughter Gray, m. Almon Davis.
36. CLARA O. (6) GRAY (SARAH FRANCIS (5) GIFT, CATHERINE (4) LYLE,
CATHERINE ANN (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)). She married JOHN I. LONG.
Children of CLARA GRAY and JOHN LONG are:
i. Daughter 1 (7) Long, m. B. C. Ward.
ii. Daughter 2 Long, m. Kenneth Ashley.
iii. Mary Long m. Kuhn.
iv. Daughter 4 Long, m. Arthur Gregorson.
v. Daughter 5 Long
vi. John Long, Jr.
37. BYRON HUNTER (6) GIFT (THOMAS HUNTER (5), CATHERINE (4) LYLE,
CATHERINE ANN (3) PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born August 30,
1887, in Emmetsburg, IA, and died April 01, 1959, in Lebanon, OR. He
married MARY BLANCHARD December 30, 1907, in Des Moines, IO. She was born
January 04, 1892, and died January 02, 1959.
Children of BYRON GIFT and MARY BLANCHARD are:
i. Charles Leroy (7) Hunter Gift, b. October 1910; d, July 18, 2000;
m. Margaret Moore.
ii. Evelyn Francis Gift, b. October 19, 1913; d, March 13, 1971; m. Lila Hopkins.
iii. Margaret Helin Gift, b. 1916.
iv. Margaret Isabella Gift, b. 1917.
v. Katherine Esther Gift, b. 1920; m. Kenneth Majors.
vi. Edith Gertrude Gift, b. 1921; m. Lee Dove Slater.
vii. Robert Gift, b. 1923.
viii. Marjorie Ella Mae Gift, b. 1925; m. Sam Brush.
ix. Byron Carl Gift, b. 1926
x. Mary Gift, b. 1928.
xi. Theodore Phillip Gift, b. 1932.
xii. Ethyl Isabella Gift, b. 1934; m. Bruce Ellis.
38. MORRIS ELLIS (6) MEYERS (ALBERT ELLIS (5), MEYERS (4), NANCY (3)
PROCTOR, FRANCIS (2), FRANCIS (1)) was born March 04, 1875, in Lock Haven, PA,
and died December 22, 1949. He married BESSIE MAE STRINGFELLOW September 1909.
Children of MORRIS MEYERS and BESSIE STRINGFELLOW are:
i. Esther (7) Meyers, m. Scott Fike.
ii. Elizabeth Meyers, m. Ralph Weaver.
iii. J. Arlington Meyers, m. Doly.
iv. Reeder King Meyers., m. 1. Evelyn; m. 2. Vera.
v. Albert Meyers, m. Ruth.
vi. William Meyers.
vii. Edna Meyers [37], b. Lock Haven, Clinton Co., PA; m. Burnard Bartley.
viii. Orvis Hayes Meyers, b. December 11, 1916, Orviston, PA;
d. September 28, 1992, Lock Haven, PA; m. Charlotte Helen Williams,
July 18, 1942, Lock Haven, PA; b. September 08, 1913, Lamar, Clinton Co., PA;
d. September 28, 1983.
* * * * * *
Sources for Section 1
1. Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots by Patricia Law Hatcher,
Pioneer Heritage Press, 1988, Page 55.
2. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 149, Page 201, ID # 148652
3. DAR Patriot Index Centennial Edition, Part III, 2376.
4. Pennsylvania Archives, Series 2, Vol. 2, Page 201.
5. Ibid
6. Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots by Patricia Law Hatcher,
Pioneer Heritage press, 1988, Page 59.
7. Washington Papers, Correspondence with the Officers, 1778, March 19,
1778, Vol. 11, Page 578. Thomas Proctor. Artillery Park, Valley Forge. To
George Washington.
8. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 29, Page 308.
9. Irish Settlers in America by Michael J. O'Brien, Pages 353, 503-504.
10. Pictorial Field Book of the American Revolution by Lossing.
11. DAR Patriot Index, Spouses, Vol. I, Page 549.
12. Pennsylvania Archives, Series 2, Vol. 2, Page 201.
13. Colonial & Revolutionary Families of Pennsylvania, Vol. IX, Part 2,
Pages 494-497; DAR Patriot Index, Spouses, Vol. I, Page 549.
14. DAR Patriot Index Centennial Edition, Part III, 2376.
15. Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots by Patricia Law Hatcher,
Pioneer Heritage Press, 1988, Page 17.
16. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 149, Page 201, ID # 148652.
17. DAR Patriot Index, Spouses, Vol. I, Page 549.
18. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 4, Page 293, ID # 3904.
19. Bucks County Tombstone Inscriptions Hilltown Township, Bucks County
Genealogical Society, Doylestown, Page 39.
20. 1850 Census Rol. 758, Page 263.
21. 1820 PA Federal Census Index, Page 072, Bedminster Twn., Bucks Co., PA.
22. 1830 PA Federal Census Index, Page 073, Hilltown Twn., Bucks Co., PA.
23. 1850 Census Roll 758, Page 263.
24. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 29, Page 308, ID #28845.
25. Bucks County Tombstone Inscriptions Hilltown Twp, Bucks County
Genealogical Society, Doylestown, Page 41.
26. 1850 Census Roll 758, Page 263.
27. Ibid
28. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 4, Page 229, ID #151729.
29. Obituary
30. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 4, Page 293, ID # 3904.
31. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 29, Page 308, ID # 28845.
32. California Death Records at Ancestry.com.
33. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 125, Page 296, ID # 124975.
34. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 152, Page 229, ID #151728.
35. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 146. Page 227, ID # 145724.
36. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 149, Page 201, ID #148652.
37. DAR Lineage Books, Vol. 130, Page 253, ID # 129847.
http://awt.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=email&ti=0&f0=1703304
Thank you, George Nolan for sharing your family tree.
* * * * * *
A COLLECTION OF PAPERS READ BEFORE THE
BUCKS COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Published for the Society by Fackenthal Publications
1926
Volume V
Editorial Committee: Henry C. Mercer, Sc. D., Warren S. Ely,
Hon. Harman Yerkes, and Horace M. Mann
B. F. Fackenthal, Jr., Sc. D.
THE PROCTOR FAMILY OF UPPER BUCKS COUNTY
By Prof. William H. Slotter, Doylestown, Pennsylvania (1)
Frequently things unrelated to the work in hand attract our attention
and enlist our interest. Twenty-five years ago I chanced to dine at the home
of John Proctor at Blooming Glen in Hilltown township, who in the course
of conversation, while at the dinner table, gave me a sketch of the
history of the Proctors in that part of Bucks county. He said that they
were all descendants from the same ancestor who was an officer in the
Continental army during the Revolutionary War. He was probably born in
Ireland, but at the outset of the war he and his wife lived in
Philadelphia. I have no record at hand to show when he entered the army,
but in 1777 he was a colonel, and may have fought at the battles of
Brandywine, Chadd's Ford and other places in the vicinity of Philadelphia.
In the fall of that year, when Washington and his army went to winter
quarters at Valley Forge, Colonel Proctor was with a division of the army
that spent the winter at Easton. Colonel Proctor's Christian name was not
given to me. At the time of the battle of Germantown, his wife and child,
a boy about three years old, started to walk to Easton, a distance of
about fifty-five miles, to spend the winter near her husband. John Proctor,
my informant, is a grandson of Colonel Proctor and this brave woman.
He did not know what route they took from Germantown, nor how long they
were on the way, or what hardships they suffered prior to reaching a farm
house, three miles northwest of Piperville, which is the farm now occupied
by the Lucy M. Burd Industrial School, in Bedminster township, where we
are assembled today. He said they arrived at that farm home late one cold
snowy evening where the mother asked for something to eat, and lodging for
herself and her baby boy. They were taken in, warmed and fed and given a
comfortable bed to sleep in. It continued to snow during the greater part
of the night, but by morning the storm had passed. The day was bright and
cold, but the snow was too deep for the woman to continue her journey on
foot. She was, however, anxious to get to Easton, and her hospitable host
therefore offered to take her, presumably on horse back. She gladly
accepted his kind offer. For some unknown reason, it was decided that the
little boy should remain with the farmer's family, until the mother could
return and get him. The details having been arranged, Mrs. Proctor, no
doubt with a heart filled with sorrow at parting with her boy, and with
gratitude as well, now bade good-bye to her hostess, who too had a son
about three years old. Then turning to her baby boy, and without
apparently at least, any premonition that she might never see her child
again, bade him good-bye. Think of the confidence these two women had in
each other. Mrs. Proctor and the farmer then set out for Easton, which
they reached sometime during the day, where Mrs. Proctor joined her
husband, a happy woman who had won the prize of her adventure. The farmer
returned to his home, bearing the latest messages of motherly love to the
little boy in his new home with the farmer and his wife.
The most coveted joys are often the most fleeting. This seems to have
been true in Mrs. Proctor's case. Not many days after her arrival at Easton,
she took sick, and after a brief illness, died. It appears that her death
must have been unexpected, for no parting message came to her child, whom
she had entrusted to strangers at the farm house in Bedminster township.
Children, as a rule, quickly adapt themselves to their environments. This
little fellow found a playmate, of about his own age, in his new home. A
child of three years of age, soon forgets an absent parent and clings to
the people in a home that supply his wants. So this little child could not
have appreciated his loss in the death of his mother, even if word had
come to him. This temporary home became his abiding place till he grew to
manhood, married and founded a home for himself and his family.
If Colonel Proctor visited the boy at any time between the time of his
wife's arrival at Easton in 1777 and the close of the war, my informant
did not say. He did however say that when the boy was about ten years of
age, the father, accompanied by an army friend, came to claim the child as
his own. The son, naturally did not know his father. When the father
explained that he came to take him to his own home, the son began to cry
and refused to go. The more the father tried to get his confidence, the
more excited the child became, bursting out in spasms of crying and
pathetically appealing to the people, who had been the only guardian he
knew, not to allow this stranger to take him away. These earnest appeals
won for himself the sympathies of the father's army friend, who now said
to the father, "Why worry the child? These people seem to be good to him.
He likes them and is happy here. Why not let him remain?" The father
replied, "I want to send him to school and educate him." Well," said the
friend, "wait till the boy is fifteen or sixteen years old and then your
intentions will no doubt appeal to your son." The father, therefore,
reluctantly yielded to the suggestions of his friend and permitted the son
to remain till the time suggested by his friend. The father, however,
never returned; whether death claimed him before the son reached the age
named by the friend is not known. John Proctor, who related this story to
me, was a farmer in his younger years. Joseph, a brother, was a
blacksmith, and Samuel, another brother, was a hotelkeeper at Dublin. If
there were more children in this family, I failed to learn their names.
NOTE BY THE EDITOR
In the PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY, Vol. IV, pp. 454 to 470, there
is a full history of the military services of General Thomas Proctor, who
is probably the Colonel Proctor referred to by Professor Slotter. Thomas
was born in Ireland in 1739, the eldest son of Francis Proctor, who
emigrated with his family to America sometime before the Revolution. On
December 31, 1766, Thomas, who was a carpenter by trade married Mary Fox.
(See Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. 11, p 201.)
On October 27, 1775, he was commissioned as captain of artillery and
recruited a company. He served gallantly through the war, and his services
were so much appreciated that he was given positions of trust in the army.
On February, 20, 1777, he was advanced to the rank of colonel. He took
part in the battles of Trenton, Brandywine, Chadd's Ford and Germantown.
In the winter of 1777-78, he lay with his regiment at Valley Forge. On May 8,
1779, he was commissioned as "Colonel of Artillery in the Army of the
United States," and detailed to do service with General Sullivan in his
campaign against the Six Nations of Indians to punish them for their
atrocities in the Wyoming Valley. He joined General Sullivan at Easton on
May 20, 1779. On December 25, 1782, he was commissioned as Major of
Artillery. After the close of the war, viz, on April 12, 1793, Governor
Mifflin commissioned him as Brigadier General of the Militia of the City
of Philadelphia. He served as sheriff of Philadelphia from 1783 to 1785.
Mary was evidently his first wife and died young, and the Mrs. Proctor
mentioned by Prof. Slotter may have been his second wife, and if so it is
evident that he married three times, as we are informed by POULSON'S DAILY
ADVERTISER, of March 27, 1804, that "Sarah Ann, spouse of General Thomas
Proctor, died March 23, 1804." The same newspaper, issue of March 27,
1806, notes the death of General Proctor on March 16, 1806.
He passed away on Sunday, March 16, 1806, at his home on Arch street,
between Fourth and Fifth, Philadelphia. During the latter part of his
life, he was harassed by financial troubles.
Prof. Slotter's informant (John Proctor, a grandson) says Colonel Proctor
was stationed at Easton during the winter of 1777-78. This must be a
mistake, if in fact Colonel Thomas is the Proctor referred to, as his
movements during the military campaign are a matter of public history. The
statement related by Prof. Slotter, is after all a family tradition, and
the circumstances of Mrs. Proctor's journey might just as well have
referred to the winter of 1779-80. In 1779 General Proctor was 40 years of
age. The son, left at the farm house, according to Prof. Slotter's story
was then but three years old, and was doubtless a child of his second
marriage.
(1) Mr. Slotter was superintendent of public instruction for Bucks county
from June 1887 to June 1902 and was therefore filling that office when
this history was related to him.
* * * * * *
Researcher's Notes: While the above story seems plausible for that day and
time, the dates do not line up easily. If Thomas married Mary in 1766 they
would have been married 18 years when Thomas, Jr., was born and since
there is no date for daughter Anna's birth, comparison is impossible.
Also since wife Mary died in July 1789, Thomas would have had to have
married Sarah immediately, as daughter Mary's birth is reported as 1790 in
DAR Lineage Books. But we find elsewhere that Thomas married Sarah Ann Hussey
March 3, 1796, so in this case daughter Mary's birth must not be 1790.
There are many possibilities for error in recording dates. There is a
possibility for a third wife or child out of wedlock. Orphan Court records
have yet to be examined and tracking down the family Thomas, Jr., lived
with has not been done yet.
* * * * * *
SECTION 2
FRANCIS PROCTOR, SR.
With
DOMESTIC AND MILITARY NOTES AND SOURCES
Francis Proctor, Sr., was born 1705 in Longford County, Ireland, married
Betsey in 1738, and died March 12, 1792. Genealogical sources say Francis
Proctor was born in Ireland but there is no immigration record or a
passenger list to prove this, but son Thomas mentions Ireland in his
"Journal" saying, "This brought to my recollection the manner of attending
wakes in the old country, with the native Irish, where the rich hire old
women to lament the loss of the deceased, and to recount all the valuable
actions of their past life." (April 23rd entry)
Many sources also say Francis traveled via Nova Scotia to America with
wife and son Thomas, born in 1739 in Ireland. A second son, Francis, Jr.,
was born in Nova Scotia. The date of arrival in Pennsylvania and
residence in Philadelphia can be narrowed down to about 1759, a date
Thomas gives in his "Journal" when he says he met the Seneca chief Captain
Joseph Hays thirty-two years before at Fort Pitt. (April 5th entry)
The first record of Francis Proctor, Sr., comes from the "Journal of the
House of Representatives of the United States. 1789-1873, Tuesday, January
20, 1795:"
A petition of Francis Proctor, late captain of a company of artillery
raised by the State of South Carolina, praying that such allowance may be
made him for recruiting a number of soldiers for the Continental Army, and
for hardship and injuries sustained while a prisoner taken by the enemy,
when in the actual service of the United States, during the late war, as
to the wisdom of Congress shall seem meet.
"The Revolutionary War Records, 1775-83," give him the rank of captain (Roll Box 120).
Francis expands a little upon this imprisonment in a letter to the Council
of Safety at Philadelphia for the State of Pennsylvania, January 24, 1777.
I make no doubt you are acquainted with my first unsuccessful attempt to
exert my utmost in defense of the great cause of American liberty in
general, and the State of South Carolina in particular. And therefore,
choose not to trouble you at present, with a narrative of my long
imprisonment, cruel treatment, and other distressing circumstances during
that period, to this time of my enlargement.
But have the honor of acquainting you that I cannot be an idle spectator,
of the present glorious contest, whilst my country want a man, and
therefore takes the liberty of informing you, that I am now going by
desire of General Knox to Headquarters, to take the command of a company
of artillery, in the Continental Service.
And as my long absence from the service, may render me almost a stranger
to many of the principal officers, I humbly request you will be pleased to
give me such recommendation, either to the General, or other officers as
you may think proper. Which will be most gratefully acknowledged.
(Society Collection, Manuscripts, Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
At a meeting of the Committee of Safety, November 29, 1775, Francis
Proctor, Sr., was appointed Lieutenant of the Artillery Company, commanded
by his son Thomas Proctor. (Colonial Records, Vol. 10, page 416). December
5th, of the same year finds Francis and son at odds with the Committee of Safety.
Upon information to this Committee that Capt. Proctor and Lieut. Proctor,
had behaved in a manner unbecoming officers, to Capt. Williams and Lieut.
Watson, of Colo. Bull's Battalion, and this Committee have heard the
parties and their evidences, and upon full consideration, unanimously
agreed that the charge was fully proved, and recommended to the said Capt.
Proctor and Lieut. Proctor, to make a suitable acknowledgment to the parties
injured, which they have peremptorily refused to comply with; It is therefore
Resolved, that the said Capt. Proctor and Lieut. Proctor, be dismissed the
service. (Colonial Records, Vol. 10, page 423)
December 8th, at a Meeting of the Committee of Safety:
Capt. Thomas Proctor and Lieut. Francis Proctor, this day attended the
Board, and agreeable to a Resolve of the 6th ins't, were dismissed the
Service of this Board. (Colonial Records, Vol. 10, 424).
Perhaps the January 24th letter brought about reinstatement with the
Committee of Safety as Francis received a promotion to Captain of the
Continental Artillery in March 3, 1777, first date of commission taken
March 14, 1777, (PA Archives, Series 5, Vol. 3, pages 972-973 and 984 and 986)
"The Biographical Cyclopedia of American Women," Vol. II, page 453, lists
his military history as follows:
Proctor, Francis (Pa) Lieutenant 1st Company Pennsylvania Artillery, 27th October, 1775
Was a prisoner in 1776, when and where taken not stated
Captain 4th Continental Artillery, 3d March, 1777
Dismissed 14th May, 1778.
Francis Proctor, Sr., was involved in a Court of Inquiry, disclosed in
the "Writings of Washington," General Orders, March 14, 1778,
Headquarters, Valley Forge:
At a Court of Inquiry held in the Brigade of Artillery whereof Lieut.
Colo. Strohbogh was President March 11,1778, to examine into a Complaint
exhibited by one John Willson against Captains Rice and Proctor Senior of
Colo. Proctor's Regiment for plundering and taking by force and for
permitting the soldiers to take a quantity of household Furniture and
other Articles from the Complainant. The Court after hearing the Evidence
and Altercations of the Parties are of opinion that the charges exhibited
against Captains Rice and Proctor Senior are groundless, consequently the
Complaint quash'd. (Writings of Washington, Vol. 11, page 84)
Gen. George Washington wrote a letter to Col. Thomas Proctor on March 22,
1778, WOGW, Vol. 11, Page 127 & 128, concerning Francis, Sr., saying:
Sir: I have yours of the 19th. Enclosing sundry papers relating to a
dispute between Major Forest and Colo. Crane founded upon an Arrest of
Captn. Proctor. I had heard of this matter before, as Colo. Crane had laid
before me a letter from Major Forrest to him, which he conceived couched
in very improper terms from an inferior to his commanding officer. I
refused to give any opinion upon the Subject, but desired Colo. Crane to
dissolve the Court whereof Major Forrest was president and arrest him,
that the matter might be impartially determined by a General Court Martial
to the line.
I will just add, that as nothing gives me more pleasure than to determine
any points that are amicably submitted to me by the Gentlemen of the Army,
so nothing gives me more pain than the frequency of complaints that are
made and difference of various kinds that happen among a set of Men
embarked in the same great cause, who ought rather to cultivate harmony
than break out into dissensions upon almost every occasion that offers.
If, as I have hinted above, matters cannot be amicably settled, a Court
Martial is the resort, and it is therefore improper to bring the dispute
before me, because I am ultimately to give my opinion upon a revisal of
the Evidence and allegations of both parties. I am &ca.
Dismissal from the service took place on May 14, 1778. WOGW, Vol. 11,
Page 387
At a Brigade Court Martial in the Artillery, May 9, 1778, Colo. Proctor,
President, Captain Francis Proctor, Sr., tried for scandalous and infamous
behavior unbecoming the Character of a Gentleman and Officer. Also for
breaking his Arrest and threatening Captain Rice's Life in an
ungentlemanlike manner in different Companies, acquitted of the charge of
breaking his Arrest but found guilty of scandalous behavior unbecoming the
Gentleman and Officer being a breach of the 21st Article, 14th, section of
the Articles of War and sentenced to be discharged the service.
The Commander in Chief approves the sentence and orders it to take place
immediately.
Captain Francis Proctor applied for compensation for his services in the
Revolutionary War, and for hardships endured whilst a prisoner to Congress
1 (Session 3), 3 (Session 2), and 4 (Session 1). The claims and resolution
were adopted December 28, 1795. (US House of Representatives Private
Claims, Vol. 3). See Table 1.
The only domestic subject found about Francis Proctor, Sr., concerns
seizure of Hogg Island in the Delaware River by him and others. This
matter dragged out in court over many years and, later, son Thomas pursued
ownership in place of his father.
December 15, 1780, Colonial Records, Vol. 12, Minutes of the Supreme
Executive Council, Page 570 & 571:
Letter received and read, viz:
Complaint having been made to this Board that the following persons had
taken forcible possession of Hogg Island, the property of this State,
viz.: Benjamin Rue, Francis Proctor, Joseph Ogden, William Eckhart, and
Mark McCall; and the said persons being brought before this Board and
examined, touching the said complaint, they acknowledged the taking
possession of the said Island, alleging they have a sufficient title
thereto; Whereupon,
Resolved, That the said Benjamin Rue, Francis Proctor, Joseph Ogden,
William Eckhart, and Mark McCall, do enter into sufficient security for
their appearance at the next Court of General Quarter Sessions to be held
for the county of Chester, to answer the said trespass, which was taken in
the manner following, to wit: Benjamin Rue in £3,000; William Henderson &
Michael Kaner, each in £1,500; Francis Proctor in £3,000; William
Henderson and William Watkins, each in £1,500; Joseph Ogden in £3,000;
Elija Weed and Michael Kaner, each in £1,500; William Eckhart in £3,000;
William Watkins & Michael each in £1,500; Mark McCall in £3,000; William
Henderson and James Thompson, each in £1,500. (Refer to Vol. 15, p. 116).
January 4, 1781, Page, 591
James Mease, Hugh Shiell, and Samuel Caldwell, of the city of
Philadelphia, having purchased, at a late sale of confiscated estates,
one-third part of the Island commonly called Hogg Island, late the estate
of Joseph Galloway, an attainted traitor,
Resolved, That the Sheriff of the county of Chester do give possession to
the same James Mease, Hugh Shiell, and Samuel Caldwell, of the part of
Hogg Island purchased by them as aforesaid, in due form of law, they
paying the incident expenses.
Resolved, That Abraham Kintzing be directed to keep possession of Hogg
Island in behalf of this State, and that in case of necessity, the
Sheriffs of the counties of Chester and Philadelphia do aid or assist him
in holding the possession against all intruders: That the Attorney General
of the State be directed to support the claim of the State against sundry
persons who have lately attempted to take possession under some pretended
rights, and take proper steps to cause the persons who are witnesses to
the late forcible entry, to attend at the next Chester court, in order to
lay the complaint therein before the Grand Jury.
After January, the entries regarding Hogg Island always refer to Thomas
Proctor in the contested ownership. Explanation and resolution of Hogg
Island ownership is given by Charles Burr Ogden in "The Quaker Ogdens in
America:"
Joseph, with others, seized Hogg Island in the Delaware River, alleging
title. They were brought before the Supreme Executive Council of
Pennsylvania, 12 mo. 15, 1780, and bound over to answer at Chester Court.
During the Colonial days the Provincial authorities were careful in disclaiming
jurisdiction over the river, yielding to the Crown all rights and powers therein.
This was acquiesced in as recently as 1775. After the Revolution had ended
it became necessary to allot the islands of the Delaware to Pennsylvania
or New Jersey. Commissioners were appointed in 1783. On September 25,
1786, Hogg Island was annexed to Chester Co. and to "the nearest township
of the said county." In his personal list and description of properties
owned by Joseph, he states that he owned "about one sixth part of Hogg
Island in River Delaware opposite the mouth of Bow Creek, brought from the
heirs of the Boon family, and in possession of Thos. Proctor, Wm. Echart
and myself, viz. Proctor about two thirds, Echart and self one third,
agreeably to a draft and division of said Island in my possession." (The
Quaker Ogdens in America. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Col, 1898.)
Thomas Proctor, Sr., died March 12, 1792, and was buried at St. Paul's
Episcopal Church (now known as Old St. Paul's) in Philadelphia, PA. The
cemetery marker reads thus: : .... also interred here are Francis Proctor,
Sr., ... March 12, 1792, aged 87 years." (See cemetery photos)
* * * * * *
CERTIFIED COPY OF ADMINISTERED WILL OF FRANCIS PROCTOR, SR.
KNOW all men by these presents, That we Thomas Procter of the City of
Philadelphia, Esq., Abraham Morrow of the said City, Gunsmith, Francis
Drake of the said City, Gentleman, are held and firmly bound unto GEORGE
CAMPBELL, Esq., Register for the Probate of Wills, and granting Letters of
Administration, in and for the City and County of Philadelphia, in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the Sum of Five hundred pounds, to be
paid to the said George Campbell, his Successors, Administrators, or
Assigns: To the which Payment well and truly to be made, we bind
ourselves, jointly and severally, for and in the whole, our Heirs,
Executors, and Administrators, firmly by these Presents. Sealed with our
Seals. Dated the sixteenth Day of July in the Year of our Lord One
Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety two.
The Condition of this Obligation is such, That if the above bounder,
Thomas Proctor, Administrator of all and singular the Goods, Chattels, and
Credits of Major Francis Proctor, deceased, do make, or cause to be made,
a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the Goods, Chattels, and
Credits of the said Deceased, which have or shall come to the Hands,
Possession, or Knowledge of him, the said Thomas Proctor, Administrator as
aforesaid, or unto the Hands and Possession of any other person or persons
for his use and the same so made do exhibit, or cause to be exhibited,
into the Register's Office, in the County of Philadelphia, at or before
the sixteenth Day of August, next ensuing; and the same Goods, Chattels,
and Credits, and all other the Goods, Chattels, and Credits of the said
Deceased, at the Time of his Death, which at any TIme after shall come to
the Hands or Possession of the said Thomas Proctor, Administrator as
aforesaid, or unto the Hands and Possession of any other Person or Persons
for him do well and truly administer according to Law. And further do
make; or cause to be made, a true and just Account of his said
Administration, at or before the 16th Day of July, 1792. And all the Rest
and Residue of the said Goods, Chattels, and Credits, which shall be found
remaining upon the said Administrator's Account (the same being first
examined and allowed of by the Orphans Court of the City and County of
Philadelphia) shall deliver and pay unto such Person or Persons
respectively, as the said Orphans' Court by their Decree of Sentence,
pursuant to the true Intent and Meaning of the several Laws now in Force
in this Commonwealth, shall limit and appoint. And if it shall hereafter
appear, that any last Will and Testament was made by the said Deceased,
and the Executor or Executors therein named do exhibit the same into the
said Register's Office, making Request to have it allowed and approved
accordingly: And if then the above bounden Thomas Proctor, Administrator
as aforesaid, being there unto required, do render and deliver the said
Letters of Administration (Approbation of such Testament being first had
and made in the said Register's Office) then this Obligation to be void
and of none Effect, or else to remain in full Force and Virtue.
Sealed and delivered in the Presence of Isaac Wampole
Thomas Proctor
Abraham Morrow
Francis Drake
* * * * * *
The following families claim lineage to Francis Proctor found recorded in
the Daughters of The American Revolution Lineage Books.
Mrs. Edna Florence Myers Harris, DAR ID Number 129847, Vol. 130, page 253
Born in Lock Haven, PA.
Wife of Robert B. Harris.
Descendant of Jonathan Westbrook, Capt. Dirck Westbrook, Francis Leroy,
John Krom, Frederick Houshill, Capt. Francis Proctor, Maj. Francis
Proctor, Jr., and George Moyer, as follows:
1. Charles H. Myers (1860-1908) m. 1887 Mary Krom (b. 1870).
2. Francis Proctor Myers (1814-97) m. 3d 1855 Clementine Albright (1834-97).
3. John Myers (Moyer) (1769-1846) m. 1812 Nancy Proctor (1780-1857).
4. Francis Proctor, Jr., m. 1776 Ann Henderson (1751-1804); George Moyer
m. 1768 Mary ___ (b. 1750).
5. Francis Proctor m. 1738 Betsey.
Francis Proctor commanded a company in the Pennsylvania troops. He was
born in Ireland; died in Philadelphia, PA.
Francis Proctor, Jr., served as lieutenant, captain and major of the
Pennsylvania troops. He was born in Nova Scotia; died, 1814, in Lycoming County
(now Clinton), PA.
George Moyer (1745-1806) served as private under Captain Weiser in the
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania militia. He was born in Lancaster
County; died in Lycoming County, PA.
Mrs. Josephine E. Myers Reid, DAR ID Number 145724, Vol. 146, page 227
Born in Lock Haven, PA.
Wife of Marshall Reid
Descendant of George Moyer, Captain. Francis Proctor, and Maj. Francis
Proctor, Jr. :
1. Francis Proctor Myers (1814097) m. 2d 1838 Elizabeth Grace (1816-52) [Green]
2. John Myers (Moyer) (1769-1846) m. 1812 Nancy Proctor (1780-1857)
3. George Moyer m. 1768 Mary ---- (b. 1750); Francis Proctor, Jr., m. 1776
Ann Henderson (1751-1804)
4. Francis Proctor m. 1738 Betsey ----.
George Moyer served as private under Captain Weiser in the Northumberland
County, Pa. militia. He was born, 1745, in Lancaster County; died in Lycoming County, Pa.
Francis Proctor (1705-92) commanded a company in the Pa. troops. He was
born in Ireland; died in Philadelphia, Pa.
Francis Proctor, Jr., served as lieutenant, captain and major of the Pa.
troops. He was born in Nova Scotia; died, 1814, in Lycomig County, Pa.
Also No. 129847.
Mrs. Helen Reid Mustin DAR ID Number: 148652, Vol. 149, page 201
Born in Milton, Pennsylvania
Wife of J. Burton Mustin.
Descendant of Capt. Francis Proctor, Maj. Francis Proctor, Jr., and George
Moyer, as follows:
1. Marshall Reid (1854-1903) m. 1884 Josephine E. Myers (b. 1855).
2. F. Proctor Myers (1814-97) m. 2d 1838 Elizabeth E. Green (1816-52).
3. John Myers (Moyer) (1767-1846) m. 1812 Nancy Proctor (1780-1857).
4. Francis Proctor, Jr., m. 1776 Ann Henderson (1751-1804); George Moyer
m. 1768 Mary ____ (b. 1750).
5. Francis Proctor m. 1738 Betsey ____.
Francis Proctor (1705-92) commanded a company in the Pennsylvania troops.
He was born in Ireland; died in Philadelphia Pa.
Francis Proctor., Jr., served as lieutenant, captain and major of the
Pennsylvania troops. He was born in Nova Scotia; died, 1814, in Lycoming County, PA.
George Moyer served as private under Captain Weiser in the Northumberland
County, Pennsylvania militia. He was born, 1745, in Lancaster County; died
in Lycoming County, PA.
Also No. 145724.
* * * * * *
Military Notes and Sources section 2
November 29, 1775 At a Meeting of the Committee of Safety, Philadelphia, Colonial
Records, Vol. 10, Page 416
Resolved, That Francis Proctor be appointed Lieutenant of the Artillery
Company Commanded by Thomas Proctor.
February 13, 1777, Council of Safety, Colonial Records, Vol. 11, Page 165
Do of Capt. Francis Proctor's Co., at 20s/week, 3 weeks, £3 0 0.
* * * * * *
SECTION 3
COL. THOMAS PROCTOR
Thomas Proctor was born in Longford County, Ireland, in 1739 of Francis
and Betsey Proctor and traveled with them as a boy by way of Nova Scotia
to America, most likely in the 1750's. Almost nothing is known of his
early life except that he learned the trade of carpentry and we may
conclude that this was his reason for being at Ft. Pitt in 1759, the year
it was built. He states in his journal written in 1791 that he met Captain
Joseph Hays, Indian chief, thirty-two years earlier at Ft. Pitt, which
would have made him twenty years old at the time. More than likely he
spent the next ten to fifteen years as a carpenter in and around
Philadelphia, joining the Carpenter's Association, a trade guild, in 1772
and was a member till his death.
Thomas married twice, maybe three times. There is a record of his
marriage to Mary Fox on December 31, 1776, at Saint Michael's & Zion
Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Philadelphia by license. Some sources
suggest she is also called Anna Maria. They had a daughter Anna. Mary died
July 15, 1789, and was buried at St. Paul's Cemetery. Thomas married Sarah
Ann Hussey at Christ Church, Philadelphia, on March 3, 1796. She also died
young, age 35, two years before Thomas, and was buried in St. Mary's
burial ground. No records have been found yet regarding whether he was
married previous to Mary Fox or who was the mother of Thomas, Jr. Thomas
was 37 when he married Mary Fox and if dates are correct she should be the
mother of Thomas, Jr. DAR records indicate his daughter Mary by Sarah Ann
was born in 1790, but if the records of the churches are correct Mary Fox
died in 1789 and Thomas married Sarah Ann in 1796, the birth date of Mary
probably is wrong. All DAR records found on Thomas Proctor point to Mary
Fox as the mother of his children but if birth records can be found for
the children perhaps this would change things.
Generous to a fault Thomas sponsored a number of immigrants, several of
which he apprenticed in the carpentry trade. Names include:
William Davies, March 27, 1772, term 3 years, was taught carpentry
James Smith, July 1, 1772, term 6 years 1-1/2 month, carpenter's
apprentice, etc.
John Adams, July 19, 1772, term 3 years 9 months, carpenter's apprentice
Jane Proctor, October 16, 1772, term 14 years 5 months, housekeeping
James Magill, October 22, 1772, term 1 year 3 months, various duties
Anna Margaret Konckerlin, December 29, 1772, servant
William Crooke, July 26, 1773, or September 8, 1773, term 5 years,
carpenter's apprentice, etc.
Thomas was thirty-six when the Revolution began and he was ready for a
career change. A letter by his father in Section 2 refers to military
service in South Carolina and the "Revolutionary War Records, 1775-83"
lists Captain Francis Proctor, Sr., Roll Box 120, Colonel Thomas Proctor,
Roll Box 120, and Captain Francis Proctor, Jr., Roll Box 84. Benjamin M.
Nead writes about the military and civil service of Thomas in the "Sketch
of Gen. Proctor," and his career can also be followed in the Pennsylvania
Archives sections on "Pennsylvania Artillery." Briefly Thomas attained
and received rank as follows:
Captain, October 27, 1775, artillery company Ft. Island
Major, August 14, 1776
Colonel, February 6, 1776
Colonel of Continental Army, May 8, 1779
Retired, April 19, 1781
By commission of Congress, Major of Artillery from December 25, 1782 to
October 22, 1783
High Sheriff of Philadelphia, October 1783 to October 1785
Lieutenant of the City of Philadelphia, September 10, 1790, in charge of the
Celebration of Washington's coming through Philadelphia on November 23, 1790.
Major of the Artillery Battalion of Militia of the City and Liberties of Philadelphia,
May 17, 1792 to April 12, 1793
Brigadier General of the Brigade (militia of Philadelphia), April 1793, taking
part in the Whiskey Rebellion August 7, 1794
Major General of the Militia of Philadelphia, June 7, 1796.
Of special interest is a debit entry in George Washington's August-September, 1777,
Revolutionary War Expense Account for 15s that is annotated:
At Valley Forge occurred what is probably the first public recognition of
Washington's birthday. The Daily Expense Account shows that the band of
Colonel Thomas Proctor's 4th Continental Artillery apparently took it upon
itself to serenade the Commander-in-Chief, for we find under date of
February 22, 1778, the following entry: "Cash paid the 22d Inst. to
Proctor band by the G.O. ... 15s." "G.O." being here properly translated,
"by the General's order." (George Washington's Accounts of Expenses While
Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army 1775-1783. With Annotations by
John C. Fitzpatrick, Vol. 1)
Col. Proctor sent a letter of resignation to Gen. Washington whose reply
expressed sympathy for Thomas's "domestic affairs" making it necessary to
quit the service. It is uncertain whether this involved his health or that
of his family, or an uncertain financial situation due to owning and
managing a lot of property, or weariness at his inability to be a good
team player with some of his superiors. It is fair to say that Washington
was more accommodating to Proctor than some others. (See Washington's letter
dated April 20, 1781 in the Section 4 on military notes. Also included
as a graphic on the html table of contents listed on this file header.)
Thomas encountered the common dilemma of acclimating to civilian life at
the end of the war. From the "Memorial History of Philadelphia, from its
first settlement to the year 1895," Vol. II, p. 153:
In the closing years of the Revolution the relations between the military
heroes and the civil authorities were not cordial. The attitude of
Chief-Justice McKean toward Col. Thomas Proctor of the Pennsylvania
Regiment of Artillery illustrate the character of the estrangement. When
Col. Proctor offered his vote at the poll in the Northern Liberties in
October 1781, he was challenged by John Cling, an inspector, who demanded
his certificate of having taken the test. This angered Proctor, who
assaulted Cling, and the inspector prosecuted the soldier. The case was
tried before McKean in September 1782. Proctor admitted the assault in
court and undertook to justify it. "Stop," cried McKean, "you gentlemen of
the army carry your heads too high; but I will teach you how to behave. I
will bring you down; we shall be overrun else." Proctor was fined eight
pounds. This was the beginning of an epoch of bitterness in which many
unoffending soldiers of the Revolution received scant justice from the
civil authorities of the State.
As a member of the Carpenter's Association Thomas Proctor was
"instrumental in obtaining the use of Carpenter's Hall for the meeting of
the Continental Congress," (from "Old Saint Paul's Church, 1760-1898,"
page 22). Thomas was a member of the Sons of Saint Tammany of
Philadelphia, an original member of the Pennsylvania Society of the
Cincinnati, and an active member of the Free Masons, Lodge No. 19, of
which he was Master in 1779. (See "A Masonic Funeral in 1779," at the end
of this section.)
Thomas speaks of a health problem several times in his 1791 journal.
Traveling four weeks in rain, snow and cold weather affected his
rheumatism to the point of lameness. In the April 15th entry:
Being very unwell this morning and overtaken with rheumatism pains, and to
such a degree that I was obliged to have assistance to convey me from my
canoe to the fire, same time being cold and rainy.... I applied to an
Indian doctor, who prepared poultices of roots and herbage, and applied it
to my foot, the power of which over the parts affected, threw it into my
knee, which produced the most exquisite pain; and I perceptibly felt that
it shortened the sinews under my ham, into which I applied it no more;
fearing the consequences might be fatal to me for life.
Thomas died in his home on Arch (between Fourth and Fifth), Philadelphia,
PA, on Sunday, March 16, 1806, and was buried with military honors the
following Tuesday at Old St. Paul's Church cemetery at 225 S. Third Street
in historic Philadelphia. In the biography of Proctor by Mr. Nead, he
mentions that the Carpenter's Association placed the first monument at
Proctor's grave site which can be found in "Old Saint Paul's Church,
1760-1898," page 237:
In memory of Francis Proctor, Sr., who departed this life, March 12, 1792,
aged 87 years; Gen. Thomas Proctor, departed this life March 16, 1806,
aged 67 years; also Anna Marie, wife of Thomas Proctor, departed this life
June 1, 1789; Robert Charlton, departed this life January 31, 1787, aged
36 years.
Later in 1936 the Montgomery Lodge No. 19 placed a plaque on the monument
and another larger plaque on the gates of the church commemorating the
life and achievements of Thomas. The gate plaque notes that he was" twice
Worshipful Master of Military Lodge 19 and became first Worshipful Master
of Lodge No. 19, F. & S. M. of Pennsylvania, now Montgomery Lodge No. 19,
January 13, 1787."
(See church and cemetery photos taken summer 2001)
* * * * * *
Since Thomas Proctor had no will, his estate was administered as follows
(Register of Wills in the County of Philadelphia, PA, in the Matter of the
Estate of Thomas Proctor, ADM 52, year deceased 1806, ADM Certified Copy
of Bond of Administration):
Know all men by these presents, that we Robert Kid of the City of
Philadelphia, Merchant, Martin Dubbs of the said City Merchant and Charles
C. Watson of the City Merchant Taylor - are held and firmly bound unto the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the Sum of Five Thousand Dollars to be
paid to the said Commonwealth: To the which Payment well and truly be
made, we bind ourselves jointly and severally, for an in the whole, our
Heirs, Executors and Administrators, and each and every of them firmly by
these Presents. Sealed with our Seals. Dated the twentieth Day of March in
the Year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Six.
The Condition of this Obligation is such, That if the above bounden Robert
Kid Administrator of all and singular the Goods, Chattels and Credits of
Thomas Proctor, Esq., deceased, do make, or cause to be made, a true and
perfect Inventory of all and singular the Goods, Chattels and Credits of
the said Deceased, which have or shall come to the Hands, Possession or
Knowledge of him the said Robert, Administrator, as aforesaid, or unto the
Hands and Possession of any other Person or Persons for him and the same
so made to exhitib, or cause to be exhibited, into the Register's Office,
in the County of Philadelphia, at or before the 20th Day of April next
ensuing; and the same Goods, Chattels and Credits, and all other the
Goods, Chattels and Credits of the said Deceased at the Time of his Death,
which at any TIme after shall come to the Hands of Possession of the said
Robert, Administrator, as aforesaid, or unto the Hands and Possession of
any other Person or Persons for him do well and truly administer according
to Law. And further do make, or cause to be made, a true and just Account
of his said Administration, at or before the 20th Day of March 1807. And
all the Rest and Residue of the said Goods, Chattels and Credits, which
shall be found remaining upon the said Administration Account (the same
shall be found remaining upon the said Administration Account (the same
being first examined and allowed of by the Orphans' Court by their Decree
of Sentence, pursuant to the true Intent and Meaning of the several Laws n
oe in force in this Commonwealth, shall limit and appoint. And if it shall
hereafter appear that any last Will and Testament was made by the said
Deceased, and the Executor or Executors therein named do exhibit the same
into the said Register's Office, making Request to have it allowed and
approved accordingly: And if then the above bounden Robert Administrator
as aforesaid, being thereunto required, do render and deliver the said
Letters of Administration (Approbation of such Testament being first had
and made in the said Register's Office) then this Obligation to be void
and of non Effect, or else to remain in full Force and Virtue.
Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of
I. Wampole
by
Robert Kid
Martin Dubbs
Charles C. Watson
On the 20th day od March 1806, personally appeared the within named Robert
Kid who being duly sworn do the depose and say, that he believes that
Thomas Proctor died without a will, and that he will and truly administer
all and every the goods of the said deceased, and pay his debts as far as
his goods will extend, and that he will exhibit a true, full and perfect
inventory of the goods of the said deceased, and render a true account of
his administration into the Register's Office, when he shall be thereunto
lawfully required: And also, that that he is a Creditor of the said Thomas
Proctor, deceased, and that the whole of the goods, chattels and credits
he died possessed of, do not in value exceed the sum of Eight hundred
Dollars, to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above said: Robert Kid
Coram I. Wampole
Inventory of the Goods and Chattels belonging to the Estate of Thomas
Proctor, deceased, taken by this Subscriber on the 20th day of March, 1806.
1 mahogany secretary $10.00
1 desk and book case $15.00
1 eight-day clock $25.00
1 silver watch $15.00
35 ---15--- silver a 110 pair ?
1 plated punch strainer $1.50
1 pair epaulets and sword-$2.00
sundries $3.00
1 Masonic medal $6.00
1 ‹ of books $25.00
1 silk coat $2.00
1 cloth coat $2.50
1 surtout coat $3.00 (greatcoat)
1 coat $4.00
1 coat $2.00
Coat $1.00
Pieces clothing $22.00
trunk $1.00
hats $4.00
old trunk $1.50
Total $185.00
Charles C. Watson, aff'd
Robert Zoulk (?) Sworn
Appraisers aff'd and sworn the 9th day of April 1806 before I. Wampole
Deceased 1806
March 20th Expenses at Register's Office 2.70
25 Cash paid Harris, Sexton 7.40
27 Cash paid ? Stratten 14.97
31 Dr. Eastborne Y. Lesley 30.66
Geo A ? 4.00
April 12 Mrs. M Fall 129.62
15 Mrs Reynolds 30.00
28 Benjamin Rue 12.90
June Expenses of sending down to Chester 7.6
9 Fee to Lewis Y. Rasole (?) 200.00
Expenses for going down to Chester 9.50
October 16 Cash Samuel Relf (?) 4.00
1807
January 7 L Poulson 5.??
Charles Turkham 49.50
February 18 Amount of Taxes 49.50
Ditto 165.00
Expenses paid at various time, meeting ?eferees of 7.36
June 2 Fee to L Philips 76.00
November 5 paid for recording deed 2.00
1808
June 2 Jared Ingersoll on account of a judgment 135.00
1809
January 7th To Benjamin Rue 70.20-1/2
Paid Register for examining and paying this account and for copy seal and
Certificate, for issuing notices of intended confirmation of this account by
Orphans' Court, for fees payable to Clerk of Orphans' Court
Compensation to the said account 50.00
Total $1035.17-1/2
The within named Administrator on his solemn oath according to Law Deposes
and says that the within account as it stands stated and settled both as
to the Charge and Discharge thereof is just and true to the best of his
knowledge and belief.
Robert Kid
Sworn and Subscribed the 12th day of April, 1813
$1035.??
Dr. Robert Kid, Administrator to the Estate of Thomas Proctor
April 9th, 1806, By amount of Inventory appraisement of personal estate
delivered into the Register's Office April 8th, 1806 $185.00
March 24, By cash from B. W. Ball through the hands of L Philips $136.40
October 29 By cash through the hands of Thomas Grant 438.69
Total 760.09
To Balance Dur Robert G??, April 12th, 1815 $275.8?
Before Sam Bryan, Register
* * * * * *
The first census of 1790 lists Col. Thomas Proctor with 4 free white
males of 16 years and upward including heads of family, 1 free white male
under 16 years, 5 free white females including heads of families, and 1
slave. It should be mentioned that there is another Thomas Proctor listed
in "Heads of Families, PA, York County, with 4 free males of 16 years and
upward including heads of families, 1 free white male under 16 years of
age, and 1 free white female including heads of families. The latter
should not be confused with Col. Thomas Proctor. The 1783 tax for Bedford
County also lists a Thomas Proctor (see tax records) and it is also
doubtful that this is Col. Thomas Proctor.
* * * * * *
Proctor Descendants According to DAR Lineage Books
Mrs. Fanny Haversitck Kirkpatrick, DAR ID #3904, Vol. 4, page 293
Born in Pennsylvania
Descendant of Col. Thomas Proctor
Daughter of Hugh Boyle Houston and Josephine Wilhelmina Haverstick, his wife.
Granddaughter of James Gray Houston and Maria Catharine Virchaux, his wife.
Great-granddaughter of Henry T. Virchaux and Anna Proctor, his wife
Great-great-granddaughter of Thomas Proctor and Anna Maria Proctor, his wife.
Thomas Proctor, in 1775, was captain of Pennsylvania artillery, and in
1777 colonel of the Fourth Continental artillery. When
Washington accepted his resignation in 1781 he wrote, "It
always gives me pain to part with an officer, but particularly so
with one whose experience and attention has made him useful in his profession."
Mrs. Mary Virchaux Houston Smith, DAR ID # 2884, Vol. 29, page 308
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Descendant of Col. Thomas Proctor, of Pennsylvania
Daughter of Hugh Boyle Houston & Josephine Wilhelmina Haverstick, his wife
Granddaughter of James Gray Houston and Maria Catharine Virchaux, his wife
Great-granddaughter of Henry T. Virchaux and Anna Proctor, his wife.
Great-great-granddaughter of Thomas Proctor and Mary Fox, his wife, m. 1766.
Thomas Proct(er), (1739)-1806), was captain of Pennsylvania artillery,
1775, and in 1777, colonel of Continental artillery. He served
valiantly in many battles and when he resigned 1781, Washington
wrote that he regretted to lose so useful an officer. His bravery
as a soldier and patriotism as a citizen was equaled by his zeal
and activity as a Free Mason. He was born in Ireland; died in
Philadelphia, PA, and was buried with military and masonic honors.
Also No. 3904.
Mrs. Harriet Harshbarger Cook, DAR ID #124975, Vol. 125, page 296
Born in Cleveland, Indiana
Wife of Sam E. Cook
Descendant of Col. Thomas Proctor, as follows:
1. Daniel Harshbarger, Jr. (1823-94), m. 1847 Ann Holliday (1829-1904)
2. Daniel Harshbarger (1781-1840) m. 1811 Mary Proctor (1790-1842)
3. Thomas Proctor m. 1766 Mary (Anna Maria) Fox.
Thomas Proctor (173901806) was captain of Pennsylvania artillery, 1775,
and in 1777 colonel of Continental artillery. He was born in
Ireland; died in Philadelphia, PA. Also 28846.
Miss Edna Cook, DAR ID # 151728, Vol. 152, page 229
Born in Huntington, IN
Descendant of Col. Thomas Proctor, as follows:
1. Samuel E. Cook (b. 1860) m. 1897 Harriet Harshbarger (b. 1865).
2. Daniel Harshbarger, Jr. (1823-94), m. 1847 Ann Holliday (1829-1904)
3. Daniel Harshbarger (1781-1840) m. 1811 Mary Proctor (1790-1842)
4. Thomas Proctor m. 1766 Mary Fox.
Thomas Proctor [1739-1806] was captain of Pennsylvania artillery, 1775,
and in 1777 colonel of Continental artillery. He was born in
Ireland; died in Philadelphia, PA. Also No. 124975.
Mrs. H. Lenonre Harshbarger Winder, DAR ID # 151729, Vol. 152, page 229
Born in Cleveland, IN
Wife of Joe Winder
Descendant of Col. Thomas Proctor, as follows:
1. Daniel Harshbarger, Jr. (1823-94), m. 1847 Ann Holliday (1829-1904)
See No. 151728.
SECTION 4
FRANCIS PROCTOR, JR.
Francis Proctor, Jr., is reported to have been born in Nova Scotia in the
1750's, and emigrated with his parents and brother to Philadelphia area
within the next ten years. The first record found is of his marriage to
Ann Henderson on February 19, 1776, at Swedes' Church (Gloria Dei),
Philadelphia, PA. She was born in 1751. A man of his day and time, he
heard the revolutionary call and wrote the Committee of Safety in
Philadelphia on March 22, 1776:
The Humble request of Francis Proctor, Jr., prayeth that your Honorable
board would be pleased to appoint him to the preferment of Lieut.
Fireworker in the Company of Pennsylvania Artillery, which station your
petitioner believes to be Vacant - and as it is the first degree of
preferment has at this time my ambition to crave it until his experience
and application in gunnery, which at present is his constant practice,
befit him for and a more important task - and as your petitioner is
confident tis of your clemency if he should be appointed, will endeavor to
do honor to his benefactors and in duty bound to God. (From Society
Collection at Historical Society of Pennsylvania)
This letter resulted in an appointment by the Committee of Safety as
Lieutenant Fire Worker to the Artillery Company of the Province with pay
of $13.50 a month. (Colonial Records, Vol. 10, page 620).
The American Biographical Library, The Biographical Cyclopedia of
American Women, Vol. II, Historical Register of Officers of the
Continental Army During the Revolution, Field Officers of Regiments of the
Continental Line, Artillery, Corps of Artillery, page 453, and
Alphabetical List of Officers of the Continental Army, page 15, lists the
ranks of Francis, Jr., thus:
2d Lieutenant of Proctor's Battalion Pennsylvania Artillery, 5th October, 1776
Captain Lieutenant 4th Continental Artillery, 3d March, 1777
Captain, 16th July, 1777
Major, 24th December, 1782, to rank from 1st January, 1782, to 1st
January, 1783 Retired 1st January, 1783.
Francis Proctor was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, listed as
Major of Artillery. "The Boston Transcript" a genealogical newspaper on May
16, 1921, #8743, tells us that Francis, left Philadelphia with his family
after the Revolution to reside on a 700-acre tract of land that was
granted to the Proctors. It is located in Lycoming County, now Clinton
County, "opposite the Great Island in the Susquehanna." It is here that he
died in 1814 and was buried at Dunnstown United Methodist Cemetery, Lock
Haven, PA. His wife Ann Henderson Proctor died June 26, 1804, at 53 years
of age. (Egle's Notes and Queries)
* * * * * *
Military Notes and Sources
1. June 29, 1776, Committee of Safety, Philadelphia. CR, Vol. 10, Page 620
Resolved, That Francis Proctor, Jr., be appointed Lieutenant Fireworker to
the Artillery Company of this Province, and that his pay be $13.50 per month.
2. October 5, 1776, Council of Safety, Philadelphia, CR, Vol. 10, Page 742
Mr. Towers was directed to deliver Major Proctor 26 Blankets, for the use
of the Artillery.
Resolved, That the two Companies of Artillery under the Command of Major
Thomas Proctor, be Officered with One Captain and three Lieutenants for
the present; and that the following Gentlemen be and are hereby appointed
officers in said Companies, viz: ...
Second Company, Thomas Forest, Captain, Francis Proctor, 2nd Lieutenant.
Resolved, That a Detachment be made from the Artillery Companies of the
State, of 50 men, to be sent to Fort Montgomery under the command of Capt.
Strohbogh, Subject to the direction of the Commander-in-Chief, and that
two of the Commissioned Officers in his Company, and Lieut. Proctor, of
Capt. Forrest's company, proceed with the said Detachment, (that they may
have an opportunity of seeing Service) to be relieved at such times as the
board may think proper, and that they shall march as soon as they are
furnished with necessary Camp Equipage. Major Proctor is to see this resolve
carried into Execution.
3. December 10, 1778, Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789
That there is due to Captain Francis Proctor, for subsistence on the same
command, from first of March, to the 14 June, 1778, three hundred and
fifteen dollars.
4. May 22, 1779, Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789
That we have considered the account of Captain Francis Proctor, for
Superintending the Hospital at the Yellow Spring, from the 23rd. of
December last to the 15th instant, is one hundred and forty-four days at
three dollars per day, amounting to four hundred and thirty-two dollars.
This duty he terms extra service. As charges under the head are generally
settled by the Auditors at Camp, and we have never been furnished with any
instruction or Resolves, by which to define what are, and what are not
Extra services; we own we are doubtful whether this comes properly under
that denomination. There is reason to believe that Officers can live as
cheap at a hospital in the country, where there are plenty of good stores,
as any where else. Indeed wherever there are public stores, the expense of
living to them must be the same. We have it from the best authority that
his Excellency General Washington is very cautious in granting warrants
for extra services, and that many of these accounts are rejected, not
without sufficient reasons.
We are therefore inclined to think that officers ordered on services of
this nature should be allowed only for the days they are traveling, to and
from the places they are ordered to, at the rate of three dollars every
twenty miles; and we humbly conceive this distinction to have been the
intention of the Resolution of Congress;
If so, Capt. Proctor is entitled to nine dollars, but we respectfully
submit this to further consideration.
Is it not the duty of an officer to command a guard at a Hospital as well
as at Camp or wherever he may be ordered. Note: This report dated May 21
is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 136, III, folio 329.
Ordered, That the same be paid.
Ordered, That so much of the report as relates to the claims of Captain
Francis Proctor, for superintending the hospital at the Yellow Spring, be
referred to the auditors of accounts at the main army.
5. March 29, 1780, Return of Officers in Pennsylvania State Regiment of
Artillery in Service of the United States, PA Archives, Series 5, Vol. 3, Page 997
Capt. Francis Proctor, Jr., Unit Penn. Regt. Artillery
6. February 9, 1781, Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789
Petitions from Thomas Felten, Benjamin Armitage, Joseph VanDyke, Joseph
Jewell, Elijah Weed, Will Lawrence and Francis Proctor, were laid before
Congress, each praying to be appointed keeper of the state prison in the
room of R. Jewell, deceased. Note: Feltons's petition is in the Papers of
the Continental Congress, No. 42, IV, folio 268; Armitage's is on folio
230, VanDyke's on folio 272; Jewell's on folio 234; Weed's on folio 244;
Lawrence's on folio 274; Proctor's on folio 260. A similar petition, from
Henry Murfits, was also presented; it is in No. 42, V, folio 225.
Ordered, That they be referred to the Board of War.
7. January 1, 1783, Return of the Officers of the Pennsylvania Line who
retired from service the 1st day of January, 1783, for one month's pay.
"Military Accounts" Records of the Comptroller General At D. P. R.
Major Francis Proctor, Unit Artillery.
8. March 28, 1783, Colonial Records, Vol. 10, Page 243
A remonstrance of Francis Proctor, Captain in the Fourth Regiment of
Artillery annexed to the line of Pennsylvania, setting forth his right to
a majority in the said regiment, and praying this Board to take the case
into consideration, and grant him some relief in the premises, was read,
and, Ordered, To lie on the table.
9. July 28, 1783, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Colonial Records,
Vol. 13, Page 631-632
The Comptroller General's reports in favor of the following officers and soldiers,
was read and approved, and an order drawn for the interest due to each on
April 10, 1783, as computed by him, to be paid out of the money arising
from the excise appropriated for the discharge of interest due upon
depreciation certificated, viz:
Capt. Francis Proctor, Jr., of Artillery
Principal 417 7 3-1/2 Interest 25 0 9
10. October 14, 1783, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Colonial
Records, Vol. 13, Page 713
Orders drawn agreeably and settled by Comptroller General
Officers entitled to the benefits of the resolution of Assembly of
September 22, 1783
Major Francis Proctor
Sum drawn by Council 343-67/90
Amount due 343-67/90
11. April 30, 1784, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council, Colonial
Records, Vol. 14, Page 85 & 86
The Comptroller General's reports in favor of the following officer(s)
and soldier(s), were read and approved, and an order drawn for the
interest due to each on the tenth day of April, 1782, as computed by him,
to be paid out of the monies arising from the excises appropriated for the
discharge of interest due upon depreciation certificates, viz:
Francis Proctor, Captain Artillery, Principal 417 7 3-1/2, Interest 25 0 9
12. February 11, 1791, Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789
The petitions of Francis Proctor and John Henderson, respectively praying
compensation for services rendered to the United States, during the late war.
Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to the Secretary of War, with
instruction to examine the same, and report his opinion thereupon to the House.
13. PA Archives, Series 2, Vol. 15, The Pennsylvania Line, page 374
List of General and Field Officers in the late Army of the United States,
who continued in Service to the end of the War, or were deranged in
pursuance of Acts of Congress.
Major Francis Proctor
14. PA Archives, Series 2, Vol. 15, Page 401
General return of the Pennsylvania State Regiments of Artillery, Commanded
by Col. Thomas Proctor, Esq.
Fran's Proctor, Captain, Nova Scotia, July 16, 1777.
End Part I