This community was greatly shocked, last Monday morning, to hear of the death of the death of Mr. Wm. H. Proctor. He was on the street Sunday, and during the days previous had been attending to his business as usual. Indeed, it was a frequent remark that Mr. Proctor appeared in better health than he had been for years. He died at 8:30 o’clock of what is supposed to have been heart disease, after a very short illness. Monday morning, early, he felt a strange distress in his chest and stomach and at four o’clock a physician was summoned who found him in considerable pain. Remedies were administered with a view of relieving his distress. He appeared to grow better, and during the morning asked his daughter for a drink of water. After taking it, his head sank back upon the pillow, and he suddenly expired.
In his death Monticello loses its oldest merchant – that is the one who has longest been in continuous business in the town. He had been engaged in the mercantile business since the early sixties. He made a pronounced success of his undertakings and leaves a handsome property to his children. In his business life Mr. Proctor was the particular friend of the poor, and those whose financial standing did not permit them to obtain the credit they needed, at other places. He had an abounding faith in the honesty of humanity. He was frank with his customers, and did not hesitate to trust all classes of people. He put them upon honor, and seldom was he betrayed. His liberality in this direction brought him a large trade and he profited by it. His store was far removed from the business center of town, but that was no disadvantage to a man of his personal popularity, and who dealt so liberally with his customers. He did not have to seek trade. It left the busy competitive corners and went to him. And he knew how to keep it.
For a great many years Mr. Proctor had been in ill health. He had worked with a cheerful heart under physical disabilities that would have completely discouraged most men. He found encouragement in the mild climate of California, and spent his winters there during recent years. He attended strictly to his own business. It received the first attention of his mind, and he never allowed side issues to divert his attention. His taste were domestic, and his hours of relaxation were spent with his family. A beautiful trait of his character was his love of flowers and children. He was never too busy to give his attention to a child.
Mr. William H. Proctor was born in Manchester, England, May 21, 1834, and was therefore little more than 66years old at the time of his death. He came to the United States in 1855, when barely of age, and found employment on the farm, and in the store of Mr. Albert Higley, in Castle Grove Township, in this county. He remained there three years, and them coming to Monticello, accepted a clerkship in the store of Mr. C. E. Wales. He developed an aptitude for business, and in a few years purchased the stock. He has since been continuously engaged in the same business. In 1862 Mr. Proctor was married to Miss Ellen A. McConnon, but she died a great many years ago, and he remained a widower. Three daughters were born to them, two of whom survive, Nellie the wife of Mr. George F. Wilkens, and Miss Harriett.
The funeral services were conducted at the late residence of the deceased, yesterday, Wednesday, morning at 10 o’clock. They where largely attended by friends of the deceased who gathered to pay their last outward respects to his memory. Rev. C. C. Warner of the Congregational church and Rev. D. S. Staebler of the Methodist church officiated. The remains were interred in Oakwood cemetery.

Submitted by: Steve Hanken
Source: Monticello Express, Monticello, Iowa, 9 August 1900