Biographies
WILLIAM HARRISON PROUTY
The well-known citizen of Sacramento whose
name heads this notice is a native Californian and a son of a pioneer. He
was born January 18, 1859, at Dry Creek, Amador County, the son of Simon
and Jane (Newton) Prouty, the former from Ohio, the
latter from Iowa. Simon Prouty crossed the plains in
1852, by such primitive means as were then available, and settled in Amador county, where he achieved success as a farmer. He died in
1909, his wife in 1891. The son attended public school and thus gained a
practical education that well-fitted him for business life. When he left school
it was to take up employment in the merchandising establishment of Brewster
& Company, of Galt, Sacramento county. There he
was busy and studious, gaining a practical knowledge of the work in hand, and
when his employers sold out their store he was able to take a better
position as book-keeper in the office of an important interest at Truckee,
Nevada county. So successful was he there that after
he had held that position two years, he was made manager, in which responsible
capacity he served with efficiency and credit three years. Resigning his duties
at Truckee, he came to Sacramento to identify himself with the state
printing office, then in charge of his brother-in-law, A. J. Johnston. For
seven years he was a bookkeeper, then became manager
of the stationery department of a stationery store and printing house on J
street. After six years' successful experience there he connected himself with
the establishment of George Z. Wait & Co., with whom he has been employed
continuously since August, 1907.
On June 27, 1883, Mr. Prouty
married Miss Belle Johnston, sister of A. J. Johnston, above mentioned. Their
home is one of quiet elegance, known for its unostentatious hospitality. Mr.
Purdy has not been active in political work, but has done his best as a citizen
to conserve the best interests of the greatest number of his fellow towns-men, and
besides has taken a deep and an intelligent interest in the public affairs of
the state and nation. In 1912 he was prevailed upon to accept the nomination of
his party as city trustee to represent the Fourth Ward at Sacramento. He is
helpfully identified with several social and beneficial organizations, being a Mason,
identified with the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery
and Shrine, and takes an interest in other societies of various aims and
purposes. Mrs. Prouty is a communicant of the
Presbyterian Church and a member of the Tuesday Club of Sacramento. In all
things she is a trustworthy helpmeet to her enterprising husband and they are
both popular in the circles in which they move.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Page 1037. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.