Frederick Towne Proctor is a prominent Utica capitalist whom the city has long numbered among her most valued, influential and highly esteemed residents. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on the 7th of June, 1856, his parents being Moody S. and Maria (Towne) Proctor. He received his education in Boston, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire, and as a poor boy began his battle with the world. By courage, industry, perseverance and an undaunted determination to win for himself an honorable position, he overcame all obstacles and is now enjoying the results of many years of well directed application. He is a member of the board of directors of the Oneida County Trust Company of Utica but has retired from various interests with which he was formerly connected. Mr. Proctor was one of the commissioners in charge of the erection of the new Oneida county courthouse, has been for years a member of the board of managers of the Utica State Hospital and was chairman of the committee in charge of the erection of the Utica Public Library, of which he is a trustee. The library site was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Towne Proctor and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Redfield Proctor of Utica. Frederick T. Proctor is widely known as a man of charitable and generous disposition, whose good works have been many. He has been for many years president of St. Luke's Home & Hospital and vestryman of Grace Protestant Episcopal hurch. Mr. Proctor is now president of the Oneida County Historical Society, trustee of Colgate University and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Society of Colonial Wars, the Founders and Patriots of America, the Fort Schuyler Club, the Yahnundasis Golf Club, the Sadaquada Golf Club and the Republican Club of Utica, of which he is honorary president. Though his interest in politics is that of a progressive citizen only, his influence is a factor in public affairs. A contemporary biographer said of Mr. Proctor:
"Having early been obliged to face many difficulties, he is in hearty sympathy with young men who are struggling against adversity and is ever willing to extend a helping hand to one less fortunate than himself. A man of clear discrimination and sound judgment in business, his advice is often sought by investors and when followed it is seldom indeed found to have been amiss."
On the 1st of December, 1894, in Utica, Mr. Proctor was united in marriage to Miss Rachel M. Williams, a daughter of James Watson and Helen E. (Munson) Williams of this city. She departed this life on the 5th of July, 1915, and on April 24, 1919, Mr. Proctor was again married, his second union being with Mrs. William J. Millard.