As I begin to write the biography of this worthy man of God, I pause with a realization of my insufficiency to fittingly portray a character so great, so noble, so beautiful. Moreover, my personal love for him fills my soul with a reverence beyond the power of words to express. To me his death was a loss irreparable, and one that I feel more keenly than I can tell.
Rev. Francis Marion Proctor was born at Cross Hill, Lawrence County, S.C., May 1, 1839. He was the oldest child of Nathan and Martha Jane Proctor, who were of Scotch Irish descent. the family moved to Marshall County, Ala., when Francis was eleven years old. Thee he attended school until he was seventeen, when he returned to the home of his grandmother in South Carolina, with a view to completing his education. But before finishing college, the Civil War broke out. He returned to his parents, and soon enlisted as a confederate soldier. After the war, he went to Davidson County, Tenn., where he taught school for four years. He also engaged in ministerial work in Davidson and Cheatham counties.
In March, 1866, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Simpkins, a former pupil. Finally he decided to go to Nashville, Tenn., and take a medical course in Vanderbilt University. He graduated, and received his diploma from this institution, in 1879. In a short while Dr. Proctor went to Texas, and after several years prospecting, made his permanent home at Alvord, Wise County.
Many times has the writer enjoyed the hospitality of this home. One evening do I remember with special pleasure, we spent in conversation and singing the old songs he loved so well, till the hour of midnight.
In summing up the life of this eminent man I want to say that he was extraordinary in four views of life: As a man, as a minister, as a physician, and as a mason. To be with him was to feel the presence of a giant intellect. He was a born leader; highly entertaining in conversation; a clear, deep, logical thinker, and a close observer. He was well read along every line touching the progress of the human race, and rarely reached other than a sound conclusion. He hated the false, and loved the true. He stood for every moral reform. Prominent among these was the cause of prohibition.
As a minister Brother Proctor was by no means common or inferior.--Much above the average as a preacher, pastor and presbyter. Space forbids full details of his long and useful ministerial life--of his circuit-riding, his meetings, his pastorates, of interesting incidents and helpful, soul-inspiring visits among his parishioners. He represented his Presbytery many times in the Synod and General Assembly. Two notable and historical Assemblies that he attended were at Dickson in 1907, and the one following the Civil War, in 1865. When the Union war cloud began to rise, Brother Proctor saw it from afar. He did not wait for the agitators to get in their work, but when the battle was waged he was already on the ground, with weapons keen, tried and true. He was largely instrumental in holding intact the organization of his presbytery. At this time Gregory Presbytery scarcely felt the effect of the notorious dis-union.
Among the crowning jewels of this biography I would place one of rare value--that of his love for the communion of his brother ministers. Hundreds have enjoyed the hospitality of his home, and were as welcome as his own children. Many a weary preacher has sought shelter, warmth and good cheer in Brother Proctor's home, and there found rest, kindly words of encouragement, and financial aid when needed.
He passed from this life, at his home, Alvord, Tex., on Sunday morning, at 9:30 o'clock, May 15, 1910.
[Source: Our Senior Soldiers: The Biographies and Autobiographies of Eighty Cumberland Presbyterian Preachers. Compiled by The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication. The Assistance of Revs. J. L. Price and W. P. Kloster is Greatfully Acknowledged. Nashville, Tenn.: The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915, pages 69-71]