REDFIELD PROCTOR
PROCTOR, REDFIELD, governor of Vermont, 1878-80, United States senator since 1891, and member of President Harrison's cabinet as secretary of war from March, 1889, to 1891, was born June 1, 1831, at Proctorsville, Vermont. His father, Jabez Proctor, through Leonard and Mary (Keep) Proctor was a direct descendant from Robert Proctor, one of the four brothers who came from England to Salem, Massachusetts, in 1635. Senator Proctor's father was a merchant and manufacturer; a member of the governor's council; judge of probate court, and presidential elector, in 1824 and 1836. As described by this son, "His most marked characteristics were business energy, foresight and patriotism."
Betsey Parker was his mother's maiden name, and her influence was strong on him in every way for good. Robert Proctor was the earliest known ancestor in America. His son Leonard moved from the vicinity of Boston to Vermont in 1783, and was the first regular settler in Proctorsville. He served as an officer in the Revolutionary war, in which war Redfield Proctor's maternal grandfather also took part.
His health in childhood was good; and reading, hunting and fishing were his interests in the country villages where his youth was passed. His family circumstances were such that he had no especial difficulties to overcome in acquiring an education. He was graduated from Derby academy, Vermont; and from Dartmouth college (in 1851) receiving the degree of A.B., and in 1854 that of A.M. He took a course of professional study in law at the Albany law school, and was graduated from that institution in 1859, with the degree of LL.B. Some years later he received the degree of LL.D. from the University of Vermont. Farming and business had occupied him in part up to this time; but from 1860-61 he practised law in Boston, beginning there his active career as a lawyer. In 1861 he entered the Union army as a lieutenant, and served as quartermaster of the 3d Vermont regiment. He was promoted major of the 5th Vermont infantry in September, 1861. He was attached as brigade and
