My Genealogy Hound

James G. Proctor, retired farmer, is a resident of Saline Township, Miller County, Mo., and was born in Tennessee, being the fourth of nine children born to Nathan and Rachel (Downing) Proctor, who were born in Kentucky, and immigrated to Cole County, Mo., in 1836, and entered a tract of land heavily covered with timber, and here spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1860, and the mother in May, 1866. Their son, James G., assisted in tilling the home farm, and was educated in the subscription schools of Kentucky and Missouri. He was married in Cole County, Mo., in 1846, to Jane Enloe, a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of James and Nancy (Simpson) Enloe. They were farmers by occupation, and in 1833 came to Cole County, Mo., and entered government land. The father represented Cole County in the State Legislature in 1842, and after Moniteau County was organized he became a resident of the same, and also represented that county in the Legislature. He died on his farm in October, 1877, having lived a useful life. His wife passed away in 1857. After his marriage Mr. Proctor settled in Cole County, where he entered land and farmed until 1858, then sold out and went to Moniteau County, where he improved a farm and made his home until July, 1864, since which time he has been a resident of Miller County. His farm contains 170 acres, and is one of the most desirable places in the county. The town of Olean is on what was once a portion of his farm, and is one of the best business points on the road. He was formerly a Democrat in politics, but since 1876 has voted with the Labor party. He assisted in organizing the school districts of Cole County, and was school trustee for many years. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and are the parents of nine children, two deceased: Rachel (Mrs. Gilleland), of Spring Garden; Benjamin I., residing in Moniteau County; Nancy, who died in childhood, in 1858; Polly, James, John, Sarah J. (Mrs. Enloe), Abram C., and William, who died in 1864, at the age of four months. Mr. Proctor is practically a self-made man, and has acquired his property by his own industry, but is now living retired from the active duties of life. He has witnessed the complete growth of Jefferson City, and can tell many interesting anecdotes of early pioneer life.