Byron Prouty
Byron Prouty, general farmer and leading citizen of Scioto Township, was born in Troy Township, Delaware County, Ohio, November 1, 1857, and is a son of Stephen Merritt and Sarah Ella (Peck) Prouty.
The father of Mr. Prouty was born near Oswego, New York, May 14, 1825, and died March 18, 1906. When 12 years old he accompanied his father, Abel Prouty, to Ohio. The Proutys settled in Delaware County among the pioneers of 1837, and Abel Prouty was an excellent type of that sturdy body of men. He continued to live in this section until 1859, when he moved still farther west, to Wayne County, Michigan, where he died in 1875, aged 75 years. His first wife was Sarah Dudley, who died when Stephen Merritt was four vears old and his one sister. Jerusha, still younger.
Stephen Merritt Prouty was old enough to be of great assistance to his father on his pioneer farm. The family lived one year at Marion, Ohio, and then on the Silverwood farm in Troy Township, and Stephen Merritt Prouty lived in that township until 1904. In that year he bought a farm in Thompson Township, on which he lived for one year, and in 1905 he purchased the Mooney farm in Delaware Township, on which bis widow now resides. He married Sarah Ella Peck, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, and who was a daughter of Benjamin Peck, a native of Cleveland. Ohio. A family of 10 children were born to Stephen M. Prouty and wife, namely: Byron, subject of this sketch; Clinton, residing at Fullerton, Nebraska; Emma C, who married W. C. Diven, residing at Delaware; Chauncy, who died in March, 1899; Harvey, residing in Delaware Township; Oren, residing at Summers, Montana; Martha S., deceased, who is survived by her husband, Robert L. Evans, of Radnor Township; Jessie G., who married James Kyle, residing in Radnor Township: and two died in infancy. The parents were consistent members of the Baptist Church at Radnor.
On the maternal side, Mr. Prouty's ancestors came from New England. His great-grandfather, Rev. Silas Peck, was a pioneer minister of the Methodist Episcopal faith, in Michigan, and he traveled over many miles on horseback in the early days before any roads had been cut through the forests. Benjamin Peck, the maternal grandfather, was born at Cleveland, Ohio, and he married Mary Albey, a daughter of Jesse Albey, of Cleveland. Benjamin Peck was a carpenter and he followed his trade both at Cleveland and Detroit. Four years after the birth of Mrs. Prouty, May 17, 1838, he settled in Delaware County. There were many Indians still wandering through this section, and on one occasion Mrs. Peck was greatly alarmed because an old Indian squaw persisted in her attempt at bargaining for little Sarah Ella, then an attractive child of four years.
Byron Prouty was educated in the country schools near his home and remained with his father until he was 23 years of age. He then visited Monroe County, Michigan, where other members of the family had settled. He remained in Michigan for nine years, mainly engaged in farming. In the summer of 1898 he returned to Troy Township and shortly afterward bought his present farm, a valuable tract of 78 acres, 65 of which he has under cultivation. He raises cattle, sheep, horses and hogs, and grows corn, oats, wheat and hay. He has a well-equipped farm, follows practical methods and makes use of improved machinery.
Mr. Prouty married Mary Palmer, who is a daughter of E. R. Palmer, of Monroe County, Michigan. Her grandfather, Henry Palmer, came to Michigan as a pioneer, from Herkimer County, New York. They have had four children, namely: Emma C, who married Clarence Bell, residing at Ostrander; Harry, who died in infancy; Floyd Emerson, and Vesta Palmer. Mr. and Mrs. Prouty are members of the Presbyterian Church at Ostrander. In his political views, Mr. Prouty is in sympathy with the Republican party. In 1907 he was elected a member of the School Board, the township thus securing the services of an intelligent, conscientious citizen, well qualified to make a capable official, as his record up to date proves.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908