My Genealogy Hound

John F. Proctor was born in Alabama July 8, 1827, and is a son of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Gilliland) Proctor, who were married August 26, 1826. After the father’s death, September 21, 1829, the mother moved to Haywood County, Tenn., about 1832, and was there married the second time, June 26, 1834, to Abram McConnell, who was a native of Virginia, born June 3, 1807. They remained in Tennessee, engaged in farming, until 1836, when they came to Arkansas, and located upon the present farm of our subject, on which place Abram died April 12, 1867. He was a farmer, and also ran a tan-yard, some of the machinery of which is still standing. Mrs. McConnell was born October 27, 1807, has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since girlhood, and is still living and enjoying good health. John F. Proctor is the only offspring of her first marriage, while to her second the following children have been born: Mary E., James G., William, Samantha and Samuel. Of these children but John F. Proctor and Samuel L. McConnell remain. Mr. Proctor continued to live with his mother after the death of his own father, and since coming to Arkansas has resided upon his present farm, which consists of 905 acres, well improved, the ownership of which is shared by his half-brother Samuel L. They have a fine two-story residence, two barns, and their place is one of the prettiest in the county. During the war Mr. Proctor served two and a half years in Maj. Harrell’s battalion, and was confined in the hospital about a year on account of injuries received. He is not married, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and a Royal Arch Mason. Samuel L. McConnell was born May 29, 1849, and is the youngest of five children, and the only survivor. He has passed his entire life upon his birth-place, and is one of the well-known and highly respected citizens. October 28, 1871, he married Nancy J. Hays, who was born in Tennessee in 1848, and came to Arkansas when a child. Her father was John Hays, and is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell have eight children: James F., John W., Annie E., Abram M., Mary E., Samuel W., Ida and Effie. Mrs. McConnell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.