PROUTY, John Byron
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 372-373

John Byron PROUTY, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Sauk 
County, WI, is an influential citizen and successful farmer of Washington 
Township, where he makes his home on section 29. He was born in Washington 
Township, Sauk County, WI, 09 Feb 1856, and was a son of Rev. Andrew and 
Delilah (TRUAX) PROUTY.

The grandparents of our subject bore the name of Barnabas and Rebecca 
(TRUMBO) PROUTY. The grandfather was a native of OH and was of New England 
ancestry, while the grandmother was of German descent. Barbabas PROUTY came 
to Sauk County in 1853, where he still lives at the age of 90. He enjoys 
good health and mental activity. Eight sons were born to that worthy couple: 
(1) Andrew, (2) John, a prominent citizen of O'Neill [Holt County], NE; 
(3) Barnabas. of Sauk County [WI]; (4) Joshua, of Sauk County; (5) 
Stephen, deceased; (6) Enoch, formerly a Baptist minister, and the inventor 
of the famous PROUTY power printing press, and other valuable inventions, now 
in business in Chicago [Cook County, IL]; (7) Jeremiah, of Sauk County; and 
(8) Hiram, also residing in Sauk County [WI]. 

The oldest son, Andrew PROUTY, was born in Morrill County, OH, and came to WI 
with his father, and has since resided in Washington Township [Sauk County]. 
He received a liberal education in OH, and taught school several years after 
locating in WI, and a few years afterward was ordained a minister of the 
Baptist church. For some years he filled regular pastorates, and spent about 
ten years in the active ministry, and still holds occasional services. He 
has been a member of the board of supervisors, and works for the interests of 
his community. The mother of our subject was born in OH.

John Byron PROUTY attended the public schools of Sauk County, and at the age 
of 21 began earning his livelihood as a farm laborer. His present fine farm 
comprises 180 acres and is near the village of Sandusky, Washington Township, 
Sauk County [WI], and he has made his home on that place since 1886. He 
devotes his attention to livestock raising and dairying. The farm is the old 
LUNN homestead.

Mr. PROUTY was married in 1886 to Sarah Ann LUNN, daughter of Joseph and Ann 
(TAYLOR) LUNN, prominent pioneers of Washington Township [Sauk County, WI]. 
They went there from Milwaukee in 1857, settling near the village of 
Sandusky. Mrs. PROUTY's father was one of the most successful farmers of 
Sauk County. He was born in Yorkshire, England, and died in 1882, aged 66 
years. Mrs. PROUTY's mother was born near Manchester, England, and came to 
the [p 373] U. S. in 1839. She died in 1882, aged nearly 62 years. Mrs. 
PROUTY was one of a family of then children, among whom was James T. LUNN, 
who was county superintendent of schools in Sauk County for 11 years, and is 
now a prominent business man of Sioux Falls [Minnehaha County], SD. Mrs. 
PROUTY is a lady of culture and good education, and was engaged in teaching 
for several years. 

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. PROUTY: (1) Florence Edna, 
(2) Ernest Andrew and (3) Everett Samuel. The sons are twins. Mr. PROUTY 
is active in all public movements, and is a Republican in political 
sentiment. He attends most of the county conventions, and in 1898 was a 
delegate to the state convention in the interest of LaFollette for governor. 
He is at present chairman of the township committee, and a member of the 
county committee. He has filled the office of township treasurer, and has 
gained the confidence of the people of his township and county, and is well 
known as a man of broad mind and energetic character.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly