John Malachi Proctor (abt. 1838 - 1895)

Born about 1838 in Calstock, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom

Ancestors

Husband of Mary Ann (Hussey) Proctor — married 1868 in Hokitika, New Zealand

Descendants

Died 18 Apr 1895 at about age 57 in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

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Biography

messy references need cleaning up, eg move stories in refs to body
John was born circa 1838, Calstock, Cornwall, the son of Thomas Proctor and Elizabeth Malachi. He grew up in Calstock, where his parents were Innkeepers. ^[1]

In 1848, at the age of 9 years, he emigrated to Adelaide, South Australia with his mother and most of his siblings. ^[2] There he became a playmate of J. H. Watmuff. They met in Manuherikia (Alexandra) Otago in February 1863, where Watmuff wrote:

Ive visited the township several times during the week, spending my evening with Mr Brown when I met some neighbours of his a Mr Proctor (who I discovered to day to be an old playmate of mine when boys together in Adelaide he is a Watchmaker & Jeweller & is carrying on business here in that line) the other person Mr Bloxham is tentmaker & like his great master St Paul, a preacher, of the Gospel, its a treat to me to meet three such fine intelligent minds Brown with his quiet unassuming manner, & well stocked mind, Bloxham with his spiritual eloquence & sober mind, & Proctor who is full of the philosophical & scientific more theoretical than practical) all form such a contrast & such a perfect whole as to render their society very agreable & interesting. Proctor is an electro Biologist & can also exercise a great influence over the minds of many by the power of Mesmerism, he can by a single pass of his hand, render Bloxham completely subservient to his will & make him do the most extraordinary things whilst in this state. I was always very sceptical with regard to this deprivation of a mans mind or will by the simple action of another mans will - by such *means, I know there are *none but doesnt exercise some influence upon the mind & actions of another, but always to a limited extent & within the power of the person so influenced to cast it off when his will like, but by this power of Mesmer, we find a man deprived of all power of intellect & volition a mere machine a tool who can at the purpose of the Operator, whatever it is at command - without power to desist, this is a most extraordinary power - there must be some principle in it, beyond human mind to fathom or analyse, we talk & think & discuss upon predestination & free will Etc. & here is a power which man has discovered which, if progressed & more practised would tend to distroy all notions preconceived of these questions - I should like to know more about it - it may be an evil power & do a deal of harm - it may be the reverse, & I hope it is!

(about 20 more mentions in his Journals)

Circa 1852, the Proctor family joined the gold rush to Victoria. Probably first to Geelong, and then by 1853 to Ballarat. John's brother Thomas had a watchmaking and jewelry business there, which is presumably where John learnt his craft.
The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) Wednesday 15 June 1853 p 11 Advertising
BALLARAT
T. R. PROCTOR, Goldsmith, Jeweller, and Watchmaker. T. R. P., late of Geelong, begs to inform the inhabitants of Balaarat and its vicinity, that he has now settled in business opposite the Commissioner's Camp, near the large bakery, and not being subjected to the heavy rents that townspeople are, he will be able to give every satisfaction to his customers at town rates of prices. Rings, bracelets, ear-rings, and every description of jewellery, manufactured, in a superior style. Diggers can have rings made from their own gold. Watch glasses, keys, and hands, always for sale. Names engraved on watches, rings,ect in a superior style. N.B. The tent has a red flag with " jeweller" on it, and a ball over it.^[3] Then, about 1863, John joined the gold rush to Otago in New Zealand, where he continued in the business of watch and jewellery making.

Mary Milne, who was also from Ballarat, arrived in New Zealand in 1865, possibly to join her husband there, or perhaps they had already separated and she was seeking adventure. Either way at some stage Mary and her husband parted, and in 1868, John and Mary Milne nee Hussey were married at Hokitika, Otago, N.Z.^[4][5]

In approximately April 1870, John returned to Ballarat, where he became a business partner with James Logan at No. 2 Bridge street in watchmaking. ^[6] John lived behind the shop, and once he was set up, Mary joined him there, in Aug 1870. ^[7] He attempted suicide and tragically, Mary succeeded in committing suicide following a domestic dispute, 18 Oct 1870. ^{[8] [9][10] [11] [12]}

He remarried in 1872, ^[13] to someone who already had at least one child. ^[14] At about this time John moved to live at Launceston in Tasmania. It is not known who he married, or if he married in Ballarat or Tasmania. He and his wife had more children born in Tasmania.

In October 1883 John was witness in an assault case in Tasmania, he had thrashed a man, Charles Edward Ralston whom he had accused of enticing away his stepdaughter. He provided the local newpaper with the story, it was printed, and Ralston had gone to the newspaper office and beaten the Editor with a whip, for publishing a pack of lies.^[15]

In Launceston he worked as a watchmaker and jeweler, first in the establishment of Mrs. Allen, ^[16] before going into partnership with George Miller. In 1888, the partnership was dissolved, and John managed the business on his own. ^[17] He retired in 1892, ^[18] due to his worsening health.

As a prominent member of Launceston public life, John took a keen interest in politics, ^[19] acted as time keeper at many sporting events, and was a member of the Royal Ancient Order of Buffaloes. ^[20]

John died from the effects of diabetes, ^[21] at Launceston, 18 Apr 1895. ^[22][23]

Research Note

John's second wife was possibly Sarah Maria Finning, however John was living in Launceston at the time of Sarah's death, as was Sarah's child, and there were other john Proctors in Ballarat in 1872. ^[24] She was about 16, but also died young, aged 29^[25]

At the Magisterial enquiry into her death^[26] Albert Gates testified she was a widow, Mrs. Gates said her father had died suddenly, I have found no record of this in the 4 years up to her death, but she lost two children. (Further research required)

The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924) Thu 2 Jul 1885 Page 2

A magisterial enquiry was held yesterday at the Hospital by Mr J. S. Cooper, deputy coroner, into the cause of death of a woman named Sarah Maria Proctor, who died in the institution on the previous day. Deceased, who was 29 years of age a widow, residing at Soldiers Hill; had been admitted as an in patient on Monday. The evidence of Mr and Mrs Gates, with whom she had been for the fortnight prior to her decease, showed that she had been somewhat addicted to drinking. She had complained of her heart with them, but walked to the Hospital. Dr. Morrison, who made the post- mortem examination, stated that the immediate cause death was congestion of the brain consequent on delirium tremens, and the deputy coroner found accordingly.

Sources

1. ↑ Census Returns of England and Wales, 1841. Kew, Surrey, England: The National Archives of the UK (TNA): Public Record Office (PRO), 1841. Class: HO107; Piece: 133; Book: 2; Civil Parish: Calstock; County: Cornwall; Enumeration District: 16; Folio: 60; Page: 7; Line: 25; GSU roll: 241258
   184 1 Census, Calstock town, Cornwall, England
   Elizabeth Procter; Female; 40, abt 1801; Inn keeper; Cornwall, England
   William Procter; Male; 20, abt 1820; surveyor; Cornwall, England
   Thomasina Procter; Female; 16, abt 1824; Cornwall, England
   Thomas Procter; Male; 14, abt 1826; Cornwall, England
   Elizabeth Procter; Female; 6, abt 1835; Cornwall, England
   John Procter; Male; 2, abt 1939; Cornwall, England
   John Procter; Male; 55, abt 1786; Independent
   Thomas Hinds; Male; 24, abt 1817; Surveyor
   Civil parish: Calstock; Hundred: East (Middle Division); County/Island: Cornwall; Country: England; Registration district: Liskeard; Sub-registration district: Callington; Piece:133; Book: 2; Folio: 60; Page number: 7
2. ↑ “Australia, South Australia, Immigrants Ship Papers, 1849-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QLF6-D2MS : 15 March 2018), Thomas Proctor, 1848; citing Emigration, Australia, name citing , Attorney General of South Australia, Adelaide.
   Emigration; Departure Date: 19 Sep 1848; Departure Place: Plymouth; Arrival Place: Adelaide; Arrival Date: 1849
   Thomasina Proctor; Female; 23 years; Single
   Thomas Proctor; Sex: Male; Singe; Age: 21
   Elizabeth Proctor, Female; Single, 41 years
   Elizabeth Proctor; Female; Single; 12 years
   John Proctor; Male; Single; 9 years
   Digital Folder Number: 102523981; Image Number: 00002
3. ↑ The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) Wednesday 15 June 1853 p 11 Advertising
4. ↑ stated on Mary’s Death Certificate
5. ↑ https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/Search/Search?Path=querySubmit.m%3fReportName%3dMarriageSearch%26recordsPP%3d30#SearchResults
   New Zealand BMD: Year: 1868; John M. Proctor & Mills Maria; Ref: 1868/9679
6. ↑ Ballarat Star (Vic.), Wednesday 19 October 1870, page 3 SUICIDE IN BRIDGE STREET]
7. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/rendition/nla.news-article189330568.txt
   Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854 - 1954), Monday 8 August 1870, page 2
   SHIPPING. HOHSON'S BAY.
   ARRIVED.— August 8. Omeo, s. 660. Geo. Calder, from Hokitika, 1st August via Greymouth same Day. Cabin Passengers: ….From Hokita : …. Mrs. John M. Proctor
8. ↑ https://my.rio.bdm.vic.gov.au/efamily-history/61418b91c415071c20e36415/record/5c653caa4aba80ac31160c67?q=efamily&givenName=Mary&familyName=PROCTOR Victorian BMD
   PROCTOR, Mary; Death; Mother: Hannah Unknown; Father: Hussey Richard; Birth Place: LOND; Spouse: PROCTOR, John Malachi; Age: 28; Year: 1870; Ref: 8400/1870
9. ↑ https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/789DCFAE-F1BA-11E9-AE98-E9FB7E750A0B?image=1
   Inquest Deposition Files (VPRS24);1870/269 Female Mary Proctor: Inquest; Name: Mary Proctor; Cause of death : Suicide; Location of hearing : Ballarat; VPRS 24/P0000, 1870/269 Female; 1870-10-20 - 1870-10-20
10. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196690530
11. ↑ The Ballarat Star (Vic.) Fri 28 Oct 1870 Page 2
    INQUEST ON THE DEATH OF THE LATE MRS. PROCTOR
12. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/218799599
13. ↑ https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:08
    J. H. Watmuff Journals
    Odds & Ends - May 31 [1872?]
    Received communication from my old New Zealand friend Proctor, who is living in Sandhurst (married a second time his first wife having committed suicide in Ballarat
14. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/149424245/18328030#P18328030
15. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9012119 The Mercury (Hobart, Tas.) Sat 27 Oct 1883nPage 3 LAUNCESTON.
16. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/199527987/22093131 The Tasmanian (Launceston, Tas. : 1881 - 1895) Sat 22 Mar 1884 Page 7 TAMAR REGATTA
    Tasmanian (Launceston, Tas. : 1881 - 1895), Saturday 22 March 1884, page 6
    …Mr. J. M. Proctor, from the establishment of Mrs. M. Allen, acted as time-keeper, assisted by Mr. Butler, and Mrs Allen also sent a clock for the convenience of the public, which was fixed over the entrance to the Committee booth.
17. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/38311997?searchTerm=john%20M%20proctor
    Launceston Examiner (Tas. : 1842 - 1899), Saturday 3 March 1888, page 1
    NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. Notice is hereby given that the partnership business heretofore carried on by the undersigned in Launceston as watch makers and jewelers has this day been dissolved by mutual consent. The business will in future be carried on by Mr. J. M. Proctor, who will discharge the liabilities owing to the late firm, and to whom all debts owing to the said firm are to be paid. Dated at Launceston this 27th day of February, 1888. JOHN. M. PROCTOR, GEORGE MILLER 1 Witness to both signatures William Ritchie, Solicitor, Launceston.
18. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/153542932?searchTerm=J%20M%20Proctor
    Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas. : 1883 - 1928), Monday 23 October 1893, page 1
    MR. J M. PROCTOR having closed his business, clients' watches, etc., left with Mr J. D. Coulter, watchm'k'r, 94 Geo.-st
19. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169157884?searchTerm=J%20M%20Proctor#
    Tasmanian News (Hobart, Tas. : 1883 - 1911), Thursday 22 July 1886, page 4
    NEW NORFOLK.
    TO THE EDITOR OF THE TASMANIAN NEWS
    Sir, —I am one of those who have taken a too active part in electioneering matters for my own good, and therefore I had decided not to solicit votes for either Mr. Shoobridge or Dr. Huston, but, Sir, I could not very well record my vote for either of the two candidates without hearing the political views of both first. l therefore decided to attend Dr. Huston's meeting at South Bridgewater on Friday evening last. I was much pleased with the outspoken manly style of the doctor's address. There was a true smack of sincerity in what he did promise to do if elected, as also a look of the British lion about him which would deter many in the House of Asembly from attempting to put him down, which is often done with a new member. I believe Dr. Huston to be sincere and truthful, and not going into Parliament to serve his own ends, as some do, but that he will, if elected, serve the district of New Norfolk faithfully. If you will allow space in your paper for above, you will oblige. Yours etc., J.M.PROCTOR, New Norfolk Road.
20. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/38295254?searchTerm=J%20M%20Proctor
    Launceston Examiner (Tas. : 1842 - 1899), Friday 30 January 1885, page 2
    ROYAL ANCIENT ORDER OF BUFFALLOES, -At the usual meeting of the members of the R.A.O.B. (South Esk Lodge, No. 28), held last Tuesdsay. The following officers were elected and appointed for the ensuing term:-Bro. J. Edmondson, S.P.; Bro. C. Payne, C.M.; Bro. It. H. Davis, C.S.; Bro. H. W. Cannon, C.T.; Bro. J. T. Smith, C.W.; Bro. J. Carson, C.C. ; Bro. D. Kelly. C.P.; Bro. - Dickson, C.Ch.; Bro. J. M. Proctor, C.B.; Bro. E. Sutton, C. Tr.; Bro. D. I. Fulton, C.T.; Bro. E. A. Burrows, A.B. A vote of thanks was tendered to the retiring S.P. and officers for the efficient manner in which they had fulfilled their respective positions for the last term. This lodge is steadily increasing, and; beyond doubt will prove itself to be one of the largest that ever was formed in Tasmania.
21. ↑ Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas.), Monday 24 February 1890, page 3
22. ↑ "Australia, Tasmania, Civil Registration, 1803-1933," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q279-M1B6 : 3 October 2018), John Malachi Procter, 18 Apr 1895; citing Death 18 Apr 1895, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, line #95790, Archives Office of Tasmania, Hobart; FHL microfilm 7,368,149.:
    1895, Deaths in the District of Launceston [Tasmania, Australia]
    No: 102506; John Malachi Procter; Death Date: 18 Apr 1895 (died Brisbane Street, Born England; Male; Age: 57; Occupation: Watchmaker; Cause of Death: Diabetes; Informant: D. Storrer, Undertaker, Launceston; Registered: 19 Apr 1895; Registrar: E.R. Castray
    Line Number: 95790; Digital Folder Number: 007368149; Microfilm Number: 007368149; Image Number: 00327
23. ↑ https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/39606268?searchTerm=john%20M%20proctor
    Launceston Examiner (Tas. : 1842 - 1899), Friday 19 April 1895, page 1
    PROCTOR - On 18th April, at the residence of his son-in-law (J. Bidencope), 68 Brisbane-street, John M. Proctor, aged 57 years.
    The funeral of the late Mr PROCTOR will leave 68 Brisbane-street this day (Friday) at a quarter to four (3.45). Friends are invited to attend.-STORRER, Undertaker, St. John and York streets.
24. ↑ https://my.rio.bdm.vic.gov.au/efamily-history/61418b91c415071c20e36415/record/5c6553af4aba80ac31422759?q=efamily&givenName=John&f PROCTOR, John; Marriage; Spouse: FINNING, Sarah Maria; Year: 1872; Ref: 1242/1872
25. ↑ https://my.rio.bdm.vic.gov.au/efamily-history/61418b91c415071c20e36415/record/5c653ccc4aba80ac31241297?q=efamily&givenName=Sarah%20Maria&familyName=PROCTOR
    PROCTOR, Sarah Maria; Death; Parents Unknown; Place of Death: BALL'T H; Spouse: PROCTOR, John; Age: 29; Year: 1885; Ref: 7454/1885
26. ↑ Public Records Office of Victoria