Individual Details
Richard Austin Prouty
(13 Mar 1820 - 17 Sep 1903)
In March of 1840, in his nineteenth year, he married Miss Esther Watkins, the daughter of Matthew and Lucy Alderman Watkins. In 1844 he moved his family to Bond Co., Illinois. Four years later in 1848 they moved again to Wisconsin. During the spring of 1851 his wife Esther Watkins died, leaving three or four children. The youngest baby died that summer. Austin placed his two children, James William and Cecilia, in the care of their mother's brother, William Watkins, of Pocahontas, Illinois. William and his wife Martha did not have any children of their own and agreed to raise them. According to Austin's bio in 1904 there was another son named Mark C., but I have never found any other mention of him.
Austin and his brother Adolphus were early settlers of Story Co., Iowa, Austin arriving in 1854. It was here that he met Miss Esther Marman and they married soon after on May 19, 1855. Austin was active in community affairs serving as postmaster and county clerk. The post office was established in Nevada Twp. in November, 1853, with T. E. Alderman as postmaster, who held the office two years. He was succeeded by Austin Prouty (Allen, 124). Austin was elected Story County Clerk on August 1, 1854 (Allen 342)
Austin ran a general merchandise business in Iowa until sometime between 1858 and 1860 when he moved his family to Harrison Co., Missouri. The stay in Missouri wasn't long, the family returned to Iowa before 1862. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Austin joined the Union Army enlisting as a private in the 23rd Regiment, Iowa Infantry on August 9, 1862. The U.S. army describes Austin as 5' 9" tall with fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. During his three years of service he participated in many battles and skirmishes, including Port Gibson (May 1, 1863), Champion Hill (May 16, 1863), the siege of Vicksburg (May 18-July 4 1863), Fort Esperanza, Texas (Nov. 27-30, 1863), Spanish Fort (Mar 27-Apr 8,1865), and Fort Blakely (April 2-9, 1865) The last two both part of the Mobile Bay Campaign in Alabama. He was promoted to Full 7th Corporal on 1 July 1865 and was mustered out while in Texas by the months end. The following letter was written during his Civil War service to his son James William Prouty.
Camp near New Iberia Louisana
Nov. the 2cd AD 1863
My dear son,
your long looked for letter came to hand at last you stated that you wrote to me from Chicago I received one from you mailed at Chicago giving an account of your being taken prisoner at harpers ferry and I answered it right a way and have wrote two or three since but could here nothing from you so I gave up righting I wrote to Cecillia but could get no word from her I was in the hospital at St Louis one month and wrote three letters to her but could get no answer from her I would ? went out to see her but I had no money and I could get no furlough so I had to return to my regiment without seeing her I suppose you have heard before this of our exployts around Vicksburg I was in three hard fights there the battles of Port Gipson Champun hill and milikins bend I was not in the charge at black River being
sick at the time but I took a hand in the seage at Vicksburg and was there on the forth of July when Pemberton surrenderd and a few dayes after the surrender I took sick and was sent to St Louis to the Lawson hospital I was a way from the regiment two months and while I was a way the regiment was ordered to New Orleans from there they came to Brashure City on Brashure Bay 18 miles from the Gulf of mexico where I found them ninty miles from New Orleans we lay there a few days and then started up this direction not knowing where we were bound for we marched up the Atchapala River we had an idea we were a going through to red river and up it to Schrieves Port and then through texas to galveston we march four days then lay by a few days then we marched on up to Opelousas where we stayed a few days then was orded back to this place which is one hundred and fifty miles from Orleans Opelusas is two hundred miles from
Orleans the opinion is now that we will go back to Orleans and from there no one knows without we go back up the river the governer of texas has been in orleans making speaches in which he offers to bring texas back into the union and rais twelve thousand troops for twelve months to protect that state if banks will not invade that state and it is my opinion that is the cause of our being orded back that the raid into texas is a bandoned we may go up the river and we may go to mobela there is no knowing where yet if the eastern armeys would clean them out as compleat as the western armey has the war would soon close I understand that your uncle William Watkins is rank Copperhead I truly hope that you my dear son have none of the tratorus sentiments in you I want you to be a chip from the old block your grate grand father (my grand father on my mothers side) was seven years in the war of the revelution he fought to gain
our countrys independence your grandfather Prouty (my father) fought in the last war with england to maintain our independence and now your father and your uncle Adolphus Prouty (my only brother) and your self my dear son all of the name that is of sufficient age to be is in the army trying to preserve our glores union now my brave boy be true to your Country be brave but not rash shun all eavle vices be saving of your money but not stingey put your trust in God who rules the destinees nations and of all man kind pray to him continuley to protect you through this fire trial that you may return safe to your friends once more I hope that we may both live and have the pleasure of meating once more on earth I wrote an answer to your letter several day back but for fear it would not get it I concluded to right a nother and it may be that you will get one or both of them
may the lord bless and protect you my son is the prayer of your affectionate father
Austin Prouty
Following the war Austin returned to his growing family in Nevada Co., Iowa. His wife, left pregnant and with three children, had given birth to another son, Jim, during his absence. Back at home, Austin held the office of assessor in Iowa for three terms. But eventually the desire for new land took over. The journey took them to Missouri in 1877, in 1878 to Kansas, and then to Montana. Esther Marman is said to be the first to have a boarding house in Stillwater, Montana, now named Columbus. During the census of 1880 they were at Fort Custer in Montana. Finally in August of 1881 they arrived in Stevens Co. Washington where they immediately took a homestead and devoted their labors since. The Prouty estate lies four miles east of Colville. Austin was considered a prominent citizen of Stevens Co. He held various offices and was a member of the G.A.R. Austin and Esther Marmon had 9 children.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From "The History of North Washington" Published 1904 Transcribed by: Candy Grubb (candyg@theofficenet.com)
------------------------------------------------AUSTIN PROUTY
Austin Prouty is a venerable and prominent citizen of Stevens county, and to him it is with pleasure we accord the representation due to a substantial man, a veteran of the Civil war and a builder of the country where he lives. His estate lies four miles east from Colville and here he has resided since 1881. Austin Prouty was born on March 30, 1820, the son of Squire and Diantha (Howe) Prouty, natives of New York and Virginia, respectively. Later, they settled in Ohio and remained there until their death. The mother's father was a patriot of the Revolution and her brother served in the War of 1812. Austin received a good common school education and when seventeen began farming for himself, also he devoted some time to learning the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop. In 1844 he came to Bond county, Illinois and four years later went to Wisconsin. In 1854 he settled in Story county, Iowa, doing there a general merchandise business until 1860. On August 8, 1862 Mr. Prouty enlisted in the union army, and during his three years of service he participated in many battles and skirmishes, among which may be mentioned Fort Gibson, Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Fort Espranda, Spanish Fort, and Fort Blakely. He was mustered out in August, 1865. He had one son who served four years as bugler and one brother who served three years. Following the war, Mr. Prouty returned to Nevada, Iowa, and in 1878 went to Montana. In August, 1881, he arrived in Stevens county, and immediately took a homestead and has devoted his labors there since. His estate lies four miles east of Colville. In March 1840, Mr. Prouty married Miss Esther Watkins, who died on April 6, 1851, and is buried near Black River, Wisconsin. She left four children: James W., in Dalesville, Mississippi; Louisa, deceased; Cecelia, wife of Clay Fallon; Mark C. In Des Moines, Iowa, on May 19, 1855, Mr. Prouty married Miss Hester, daughter of Peter and Marian (Collyer) Marmon, natives of North Carolina. The following children have been born to this marriage: Nancy J., wife of L.D. Wilber, in Greenwood, British Columbia; Charles H., with his parents; George F., married and living in Colville; James A., living with his parents; Rachel, wife of G.T. Theis, in this county; Mary M., deceased; Sarah N., wife of Fred Ragsdale, in Republic; Poly A., wife of Richard Queener, at Bossburg; Jesse B., in this county. C.H. and J.A. Prouty, the two boys that remain at home, are known as among the most substantial and upright men of the valley. The are both exemplary citizens. Mr. Prouty was assessor in Iowa for three terms and has held various other offices in other places. He is a member of the G.A.R. Since the above was written, Mr. Prouty has been called to pass the river of death. On September 17, 1903, the summons came, and he laid down the burdens of life to enter on the realities of another world. Few men have at the close of life's labors left more sincere mourners. His remains were laid to rest with becoming ceremonies and the community new that a good man had passed away.
Events
Families
Spouse | Esther "Hester" Watkins (1821 - 1851) |
Child | Mark C. Prouty (1840 - ) |
Child | James William "Will" Prouty (1843 - 1915) |
Child | Louisa Prouty (1845 - 1845) |
Child | Cecilia Margaret "Cybil" Prouty (1847 - 1929) |
Child | Martha Elizabeth Prouty (1850 - 1851) |
Spouse | Esther Marmon (1837 - 1911) |
Child | Nancy Jane "Jennie" Prouty (1856 - 1942) |
Child | Charles Henry Prouty (1858 - 1928) |
Child | George Francis Prouty (1860 - 1935) |
Child | James Austin "Jim" Prouty (1863 - 1911) |
Child | Rachel Almira Prouty (1866 - 1913) |
Child | Mary Malinda Prouty (1868 - 1896) |
Child | Sierra Nevada "Sadie" Prouty (1870 - 1951) |
Child | Polly Anna Mae "Annie" Prouty (1874 - 1949) |
Child | Jessie Bert Prouty (1877 - 1962) |
Father | Squire Adolphus Prouty (1777 - 1854) |
Mother | Cynthia Dianthy "Diantha" Howe (1781 - 1862) |
Sibling | Living |
Sibling | Rachel Prouty (1802 - 1872) |
Sibling | Louisa Ann Prouty (1813 - 1887) |
Sibling | Squire Adolphus Prouty (1815 - 1877) |
Notes
Marriage
Prouty & WatkinsI do hereby certify that on the 11th day of March AD 1840, Austin Prouty & Esther Watkins were legally united by me in the bands of wedlock given under my hand this day of April AD 1840 Sheldon Parker M.S.
1840 Mch 2nd
Census (family)
Supposedly went to Wisconsin about 1848 and was "near Black River" Wisconsin in 1851 when his wife, Esther Watkins, died.Property
Patentee: AUSTIN PROUTYState: IOWA
Acres: 160
Metes/Bounds: No
Issue Date: 10/30/1857
Land Office: Fort Des Moines
Cancelled: No
U.S. Reservations: No
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: April 24, 1820: Sale-Cash Entry (3 Stat. 566)
Document Numbers
Document Nr.: 11573
Accession/Serial Nr.: IA0920__.048
Aliquot
Parts Sec./
Block Township Range Fract.
Section Meridian State Counties Survey
Nr.
S½NW 33/ 83-N 22-W No 5th PM IA Story
N½SW 33/ 83-N 22-W No 5th PM IA Story
Census (family)
Austin Prouty, 40 Farmer 300 personal property, OhioHester 20 Michigan
Nancy J. 3 Iowa
Charles H. 2 Iowa
Military
Austin ProutyEnlisted on 9 August 1862 as a Private, age 42, residence Red Oak Iowa.
Mustered on 29 Aug 1862 in Iowa Company F, Regiment 23rd Infantry, Union.
Promoted to 7th Corporal on 1 July 1865
Mustered Out at Harrisburg, TX on 26 July 1865
Source: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of Rebellion
Civil War Pension Index
Austin Prouty
Last Known Residence Place: Coville, Stevens County, Washington
Widow: Esther Prouty
Austin Prouty (First_Last)
Regiment Name 23 Iowa Infantry
Side Union
Company K
Soldier's Rank_In Pvt.
Soldier's Rank_Out Corpl.
Film Number M541 roll 21
Census (family)
1870 PROUTY AUSTIN Shelby County IA 033 Jackson Township Schedule IAProuty, Austin. 50 Farmer, 800 real estate, 772 personal p. Ohio
Esther 38 Keeping house, Michigan
Nancy J. 14 at home, Iowa
Chas H. 12, Farm labor, Iowa
Geo. F. 10, at home, Missouri
James A. 8, at home, Iowa
Rachael A. 5, at home, Iowa
Mary M. 2, at home, Iowa
Property
Patentee: AUSTIN PROUTYState: IOWA
Acres: 160
Metes/Bounds: No
Title Transfer
Issue Date: 1/10/1874
Land Office: Sioux City
Cancelled: No
U.S. Reservations: No
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: May 20, 1862: Homestead EntryOriginal (12 Stat. 392)
Document Numbers
Document Nr.: 766
Misc. Doc. Nr.: 3992
Accession/Serial Nr.: IA2810__.205
Legal Land Description
SW 2/ 97-N 45-W No 5th PM IA Sioux
Census (family)
Michal RYAN Self S Male W 25 IRE Soldier --- ---George SHANLEY Other S Male W 22 CT Soldier CT ---
Eugen WEILEKS Other S Male W 27 CT Soldier CT ---
William HERVEY Other S Male W 24 OH Soldier OH ---
Charls WEID Other S Male W 24 MA Soldier MA ---
William WILLIAMS Other S Male W 22 MA Soldier MA ---
James WILSON Other S Male W 42 SCO Soldier --- ---
John SENATE Other S Male W 27 IRE Laborer IRE IRE
William BROWNLEE Other S Male W 33 SCO Stone Mason SCO SCO
George ALLINGHAM Other M Male W 29 KY Laborer KY KY
Irene ALLINGHAM Other M Female W 28 KY KY KY
Lee GILSON Other S Male W 39 SCO Laborer SCO ---
Hawlay LOWE Other S Male W 24 MO Laborer OH VA
John MILLER Other S Male W 29 GER Domestic GER GER
George PROUTY Other S Male W 19 MO Laborer OH MI
Charls JUDEY Other S Male W 30 OH Laborer OH OH
Zack SMITH Other S Male W 35 KY Laborer KY KY
George BAKER Other S Male W 36 NJ Carpenter IRE IRE
Peter MC DONALD Other S Male W 35 SCO Laborer SCO SCO
John WILKES Other S Male W 33 NY Laborer SCO ENG
Austen PROUTEY Other M Male W 50 OH Domestic OH OH
Ester PROUTEY Other M Female W 45 MI MI MI
James PROUTEY Other S Male W 18 IA OH MI
Rachel PROUTEY Other S Female W 15 IA --- ---
Mary PROUTEY Other S Female W 12 IA --- ---
Sarah PROUTEY Other S Female W 10 IA --- ---
Annie PROUTEY Other S Female W 7 IA --- ---
Bertha PROUTEY Other S Female W 3 IA --- ---
James BAKER Other S Male W 35 OH Domestic --- ---
Thomas REIVAN Other S Male W 35 IRE --- ---
Wilford CLARK Other S Male W 40 NY Soldier --- ---
Edwin ROACH Other S Male W 30 IRE --- ---
Charls STERLEN Other S Male W 22 NV --- ---
Joseph HOPE Other S Male W 35 VA MD ---
John STANLEY Other S Male W 28 NV --- ---
James DAUGHERTY Other S Male W 37 IRE --- ---
John THOMAS Other S Male W 30 NOR NOR ---
Benjaman SAWIN Other S Male W 32 NY Engineer NY VA
John F. CORBETT Other S Male W 32 MA WALES IRE
Henery DEVOE Other M Male W 28 NY FRA FRA
---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
Source Information:
Census Place Fort Custer, Custer, Montana
Family History Library Film 1254742
NA Film Number T9-0742
Page Number 84A
Census (family)
R. A. Prouty 67 MW, Farmer, married born OhioEsther Prouty, 40 FW, married, born Miss
Sarah Prouty, 16 FW, single, Iowa
Ann Prouty 13, FW, single Iowa
J. B. Prouty, 10, MW, single Iowa
Geo. Theis, 26, MW, Farmer, born Ohio
R. D. Theis, 20, FW Iowa
Vilenta Theis, 1 FW, WA
WEB: Washington, Various County Census Records, 1850-1914
Census (family)
Year Surname Given Name (s) County State Page Township or Other Info Record Type Database ID#1890 PROUTY AUSTIN -AKA- Stevens County WA 004 E. D. 10 WA 1890 Veterans Schedule WA1926085
Property
NamesPatentee: RICHARD A PROUTY
Survey
State: WASHINGTON
Acres: 160
Metes/Bounds: No
Title Transfer
Issue Date: 3/5/1891
Land Office: Spokane
Cancelled: No
U.S. Reservations: No
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: May 20, 1862: Homestead EntryOriginal (12 Stat. 392)
Document Numbers
Document Nr.: 2810
Accession/Serial Nr.: WASPAA 016287
BLM Serial Nr.: WASPAA 016287
Legal Land Description
SE 12/ 35-N 39-E No Willamette WA Stevens
Census (family)
J.A. Prouty 28 M IA [James Austin]R.A. Prouty 72 OH, married [Richard Austin]
Esther Prouty 58 F Mich, married
C.H. Prouty 34 M IA [Charles Henry]
J. B. Prouty 14 M IA [Jessie Bertie]
George Theis 31 M, PA
R Theis 28 F, IA [Rachel]
Violet Theis 6 F, Wash
Roy Theis 4 M, Wash
George Theis 1 M, Wash
Richard Queener 29 M, MO
Anna Queener 18 F, IA
Albert A Queener, 1 M, Wash
G F Prouty 32 M, Farmer, MO [George Francis]
L.C. Prouty 16 F, Iowa
Rosa Prouty 3 mos., Wash
Census (family)
Prouty, Richard Head WM, ? 80, Married FarmerHester, Wife WF 9 children born
Charles H, Son WM 42 Single
James A, Son WM 37 single Jan
Queener, Annie E, Daughter WF Married 10 yrs. Sept
Prouty, Jessie B. Son WM 22, Single Aug
Death
Aged 83 years, 6 mon, 4 days.Endnotes
1. South, Richard Wendell., Family history and photographs of the Prouty Family as descended through Cecelia M Prouty Rush. History originally recorded by son of Charles Buchanan, grandson of Jeffrey and Rachel (Prouty) Buchanan. (West Point, Miss: Richard Wendell South, Nov. 2001.).
2. "Ohio Marriages, 1800-1958," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org: accessed 14 December 2013), Austin Prouty and Esther Watkins, 11 Mar 1840.
3. History of North Washington 'An Illustrated History of Stevens, Ferry, Okanogan and Chelan Counties, State of Washington' p.295 - Biography of Austin Prouty. (Western Historical Publishing Company, 1904.).
4. U.S. Census images. Heritage Quest Online. Subscription database through the Sonoma County Public Library. (ProQuest LLC, 2009.), 1860 census.
5. National Park Service, Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System Web Page (http://165.83.221.5/cwss/ Aug 2002).
6. American Civil War Research Database, Alexander Street Press, LLC online [http://asp6new.alexanderstreet.com/cwdb/cwdb.browse.soldiers.aspx], accessed April 2008.
7. U.S. Census images. Heritage Quest Online. Subscription database through the Sonoma County Public Library. (ProQuest LLC, 2009.), 1870 census.
8. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints., Transcription of the United States Federal Population Census - 1880 (http://www.familysearch.org/ Oct. 2002).
9. U.S. Census images. Heritage Quest Online. Subscription database through the Sonoma County Public Library. (ProQuest LLC, 2009.), 1900 > WASHINGTON > STEVENS > WHITE LAKE PCT Series: T623 Roll: 1752 Page: 23.
10. , "Evergreen Cemetery," database, Find A Grave (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 14 November 2011), .