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Sixth Generation

32. Richard Austin PROUTY^{34,35,36,162,163,164,165,166} was born on 13 Mar 1820 in USA, Ohio, Washington Co., Union Twnshp., Devol's Dam near Marrietta.¹⁶⁶ He served in the military between 9 Aug 1862 and Aug 1865 in Civil War, Union, 23rd Regiment, Iowa Infantry.^40,69 Austin Prouty
Claimed Residence in Red Oak
Enlist Date Enlist Place Enlist Rank Enlist Age
09 August 1862 Priv 42
Promoted to Full 7th Corpl on 01 July 1865
Served Iowa Enlisted F Co. 23rd Inf Reg. IA Mustered Out at Harrisburg, TX on 26 July 1865
Source: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of Rebellion

Database: Civil War Muster Rolls
Surname Given Name Middle Initial Company Unit Rank - Induction Rank - Discharge Notes Box # Extraction # Record # Allegiance
Prouty Austin F 23 Iowa Infantry. Private 1 Corporal 2929 2929 2929 Union

Database: Civil War Pension Index
Austin Prouty View Image Online™
Image: 487 State Filed: Washington
Widow: Esther Prouty Relative:
Minor: Comments:

Austin Prouty (First_Last)
Regiment Name 23 Iowa Infantry
Side Union
Company K
Soldier's Rank_In Pvt.
Soldier's Rank_Out Corpl.
Alternate Name
Notes
Film Number M541 roll 21

He died on 17 Sep 1903 in USA, Washington, Stevens Co., Colville. Aged 83 years, 6 mon, 4 days. He was buried after 17 Sep 1903 in USA, Washington, Stevens Co., Colville, Evergreen Cemetery. Austin was born by Devol's Dam which is near Marrietta, Ohio. He received a good common school education there and when seventeen began farming for himself. He also devoted some time to learning the blacksmith trade in his father's shop.
In March of 1840 when he was nineteen 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 four children. The youngest baby died that summer. Austin placed two of his children, James William and Cecillia, 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.
In 1854 Austin settled in Story Co., Iowa near his brother Adolphus. Here he met Miss Esther Marman and married her soon after on May 19, 1855. Austin ran a general merchandise business there until 1860 when he moved to Harrison Co., Missouri. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Austin joined the Union Army enlisting as a private 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 Fort Gibson, Champion Hill, the siege of Vicksburg, Fort Espranda, Spanish Fort, and Fort Blakely. He was promoted to Full 7th Corporal on 1 July 1865 and was mustered out while in Texas by the months end.
Following the war, Austin returned to his growing family in Nevada Co., Iowa. His wife, left with three children and pregnant, had returned to Iowa during his service. He held the office of assessor in Iowa for three terms. In 1877 they went to Missouri and in 1878 they went to Kansas, then Montana. Esther Marman is said to be the first to have a boarding house in Stillwater, Montana, which is now Columbus. During the census of 1880 they were at Fort Custer in Montana. In August, 1881 they arrived in Stevens Co. Washington where they immediately took a homestead and devoted their labors there 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.

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 sttled 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 retuned 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 Balesville, Mississippe; 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.
Richard Austin PROUTY and Esther "Hester" WATKINS were married on 5 Mar 1840 in USA, Ohio, Athens Co., Joy.¹⁶⁷ Marriage: 11 Mar 1840 Athens', 'Ohio is in LDS files.
There is a Joy near Federal Creek in Athens Co., Ohio. Eliz (ElizHgene@aol.com)

33. Esther "Hester" WATKINS^35,163 was born on 11 Oct 1821 in USA, Ohio, Washington Co., Marietta.¹⁶⁸ She died on 6 Apr 1851 in USA, Wisconsin.¹⁶⁶ She was buried in Apr 1851 in USA, Wisconsin, Crawford County (now Jackson Co.) Black River (near).¹⁶⁴ Esther is said to be buried "near Black River, Wisconsin." Jackson County was formed from Crawford County in 1853. Black River Falls became the county seat Children were:

i.
Mark C. PROUTY¹⁶⁴ was born after 1840. Mark C.'s last known location was Des Moines, Iowa.
16
ii.
James William "Will" PROUTY.
iii.
Louisa PROUTY¹⁶⁹ was born on 4 Jul 1845 in USA, Illinois. She died on 14 Jul 1845.
iv.
Cecilia (Cybil) Margaret PROUTY^36,169 was born on 19 Sep 1847 in USA, Illinois.³⁸ She appeared in the census on 24 Jun 1870 in USA, Illinois, Fayette Co., Vandalia.⁴⁸ Cecilia is living with her Uncle William Watkins. She appeared in the census on 7 Jun 1900 in USA, California, San Joaquin Co., Stockton.¹⁷⁰ Stockton State Hospital
line 70 Fallin, Celia, Patient, WF, Unk birthdate, 52, Married, Unk, 0 0, Illinois, Unk Unk, yes to read, write, speak English.
She appeared in the census in 1910 in USA, California, San Joaquin Co., Stockton.⁴⁸ Oncul Township, Stockton State Hospital
Fallin, Celia, age not recorded, Widowed.
She appeared in the census in 1920 in USA, California, San Joaquin Co., Stockton.⁴⁸ Stockton State Hospital
FALLIN CECILIA 74 F W IL CA SAN JOAQUIN 4-WD; STOCKTON 1920

She died before 1922 in USA, California.¹⁶⁸ Vandalia April 27th

Dear Brother
I received your letter about two weeks ago you ask me a question which I must say surprised me a great deal.
I did write to Ella as you wished and waited to get a letter from her before I answered your because I wanted to see if there was any change in her I do not think there is as much as there ought to be. I could easily overlook that one great error in her life if she was all right in every thing else but if she is the same girl she was in G....... I cannot say

that I would like her for a sister because I do not think that she would make you a good wife you know that you have your own living to make and i do not think that Ella would prove a good helpmate if you were comming into posession of a large amount of property if would do better. I suppose you understand that I mean she would not prove a good housekeeper she is decidelly to giddy if I could see you face to face and speak on this subject I could tell you things that I cannot write very well. I suppose you know how essiential it is to a mans happiness to have a good housekeeper for a wife and I think to much of my only brother to see him wedded to a poor one. But if you love Ella and she loves you and you want her take her and never by word or deed of mine shall she know that I disapprove of it I will give her a sisters welcome

and treat her as a sister.
I told Aunt that you was writing to her and she was very much surprised but all she said was, I hope he won't marry her. I do not know yet what they will do with me this fall they never mention this subject if I ask Aunt all the answer I get is , I dont know, I guess when your Father comes your Uncle will give you up to him. I would give almost anything to get to go to school about two years more but Aunt says that my school days are over so I suppose i must give up that thought. I dont know how I can correspond with Ella because Aunt would not be willing for me to and I cannot send a letter without her knowledge as she will not let me have stamps to myself I have to go to her for every one I get and she always askes who

I have been writing too and if she does not like it she will not give me any I got a stamp from Uncle for the ones I did write and he asked me no questions. I got a letter from Julia not long ago she promised to send me her Photo if I would send mine to her so did Aunt Louise and John but I have none and can get none taken for the simple reason that Aunt wont give me the money I wrote to Father for the money and he promised it but it has been almost a year now and it has not come yet. he wanted my Photo and I told him ti send me the money and he might have it. I wrote to you some time ago in answer to the one you sent Fathers letter in have you received it? I think that we have a whole host of relations I wonder what kind of folks they

are i should like to see them all would not you? Oh Will I wish you was here I do hate Vandalia so bad . I can not like it and there is no use in trying if you was here I might be better contented but here I am a stranger among strangers I have been here 10 Months and am not acquainted with any one yet Searuly. Where is Father now? if _ I would write to him again perhaps he did not get my last letter. I have not heard from Greenville for some time so I know nothing new.
I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you this fall a discharged soldier is there any prospect of it. how did you like to have Sherman supareeded I have writin quite a long letter for me so I will have to close hoping you will hasten to answer it and give me a long one in return.

your sister
Mandia sends a kiss C.M.P.

Vandalia May 14th

Dear Brother,

I received your letter of the 28th tonight and one writen on the 18th of April about a week ago and shall answer both in one.
I hope you will have a pleasant visit when ou go to Ohio.
I received a letter from Father the other day the first I have had for six months he tells me that if he has to go back to Iowa to be mustered out that it is very doubtful whether he will come to see me or not if he does not I

will think that he does not care very much for us not to see us in 10 and 11 years one might as well have no Father. I would like to go to Ohio on a visit myself if I could only get the means Aunt Lou invites every letter but I suppose I will have to stay at home as usual.
You spoke of Raleigh as being a very pretty city do you suppose I know anything about a city if you do you are very much mistaken for the largest city I ever saw is V--- and I never was on the cars in my life just think of it almost 18 years old and never was 90 miles from home yet. I suppose you have got my other letter by this time I am very glad that you did not mean what you wrote about E--- for she is not the kind of a woman for my brother to marry I must confess that you did fright

me when I read it. I sent that Photo to E. Cearnell and received yours she said that she was going to be married in two months to a Vet Soldier. I wish I could coax Aunt to let me get my Photo's taken there is so many that want it but she cannot see the sese of it cousin Julia wrote to me saying that she would send me hers if I would send mine and I have not answered the letter yet I have been waiting in hopes that I could coax her to let me have them taken but the answer is no it costs to much. I wish there was no such a thing as money for that is continually thrown in my face. It is "why Ceill you cannot expect to dress as though you was our own daughter" I cannot see why for my part this is the only home I have ever

known and they are the only parents and I am the only one they have to dress besides themselves Willie has money enough to support himself but you know all about it you had a taste of it yourself once while Aunt thought that Father was coming this fall she was as good as pie but as soon as I get that letter saying that he could not come it is right the other way I can do nothing to suit her the reason was that the prospect of sending me off with him made her feel rather kindly towards me She often says that she wishes I was away somewhere so that she would not have me to support she wants me to get married so bad that she dont know what to do but I shall not do it untill I find a man to suit me uncle would do a great deal more for me if she would let him he will not let me start out and earn my own living so here I am mercy knows what I will do this

fall when they break up housekeeping but let Aunt do what she will Uncle nisld not drive me off whith out providing me with a home. I wish you was here just to see some things but my popear is built

CMP
v.
Martha Elizabeth PROUTY¹⁶⁹ was born on 6 Jul 1850 in USA, Wisconsin. She died on 30 Aug 1851.