Mary Jane Proctor

Mary Jane Story Proctor - by Alisa Proctor, 12x12, Acrylic

About a year ago I started this project, and called it "Illustrating My Ancestors".  I had planned to begin making some paintings and illustrations of some of my grandparents.  Typical of my M.O., I did a bit of work on the project and then got distracted - "Squirrel!" - by a million other things.  Alas, during the last year I have done little to further my ancestry project.  But I'm happy to report that as of today, I've added another painting to this little project.

So, please let me introduce you to Mary Jane Story Proctor (1826-1917),  my 2nd Great Grandmother.  She was married to Daniel Proctor (his second wife), and was the mother to nine children, and 4 step-childern.  The only good source photo (see previous blog post for photos of Mary and Daniel) I have of Mary Jane is typical of photos taken back around the turn of the century, featuring a stern, serious, unsmiling countenance.  Although, I can imagine that mothering 13 kids might also contribute to such a look...!

I decided to portray her a little younger, a little bit softer than that photo.  I like how this one turned out.  Now I just wish I could travel back in time to meet her, and perhaps a few of her kids.

Daniel and Mary Proctor

Dr. Daniel Proctor  (1812-1895) and Mary Jane Story Proctor (1826-1917)

Growing up I remember seeing these tin-type photos hanging on our wall.  They had lovely oval frames and I often looked at these two and marveled at the resemblance I saw between my father and his great-grandfather.  See what I mean?

My father - also Dr. Proctor, about 2002

Daniel Proctor was a well respected member of his community according to his 1895 obituary:

Sis

SISTER, 12x12", Mixed Media by Alisa Proctor   

Everyone always said Evelyn was the "pretty" one.  So eventually Gertrude started to believe it too.

Proctor-Meacham Ancestry Highlights

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Revolutionary War Soldiers (RWS)

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(Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) documentation numbers in parentheses):

John AIKEN  (#A000868)

Isaac GRISWOLD  (#A048684)

Jabez KELLOGG  (#A064414)

Abraham MEACHAM  (#A076599)

Noah PARSONS  (#A088310)

George SAPP  (#A100189)

Ebenezer SNOW  (#A106649)

Thomas STANDISH  (#A108402), 

Tristram STORY

Bela STRONG  (#A111471)

Capt. Thomas WELLS  (#A100189)

Salem Witch Trials

*John PROCTOR - Hanged 1692

*Elizabeth (THORNDIKE) PROCTOR – John’s second wife (our step-grandma). Convicted, gave birth in prison.)

*Rebecca (SHELLEY) CHAMBERLAIN – Died in prison 1692.

*Rev. John HALE - Originally an accuser, later was vocal against the trials and helped lead to the end of the trials.

*Mary (BLISS) PARSONS– First to be accused of witchcraft.  Tried as witch twice.  Lots of   interesting  info can be found at  http://ccbit.cs.umass.edu/parsons/hnmockup/home.html

Mayflower Passengers

John ALDEN

Gov. William BRADFORD

William & Alice MULLINS

Priscilla MULLINS  (John Alden and Priscilla Mullins later married.)

Thomas ROGERS

Miles STANDISH

Richard WARREN

John TILLEY

Joan Hurst TILLEY

Elizabeth TILLEY

John HOWLAND

Interesting Fact

Nearly ALL of the Proctor-Meacham Family ancestors arrived by boat from England between 1620-1650, including 12 who arrived on the Mayflower.

Gertrude, with Bow

Gerturde E.  Homan (1908-1998)

The Bow 
8x10, Mixed Media by Alisa Proctor

Great G - Stella May Wood

My Family Tree - 4 generations