02/25/2026
The Proctor Family story begins far from Tallahassee, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where an enslaved boy named Antonio Propinos (later Proctor) was born in 1743. He later earned his freedom for his service to England during the Revolutionary War and Spain during the War of 1812. He was also granted 185 acres of land in the new US territory of Florida. He worked as an interpreter for US and Indigenous relations and helped in the negotiations for the Treaty of Moultrie Creek and the Treaty of Payne’s Landing.
Antonio’s son, George Proctor, was born free in Tallahassee, Florida, circa 1805. As a successful carpenter and architect of many of our capital’s buildings, he has several well-known projects, such as the Knott House Museum and the Historic Rutgers House.
George’s son, John Proctor, also led a successful life in Tallahassee. Although he was born into slavery, after emancipation he found work as a schoolteacher, election supervisor, and customs superintendent. He later transitioned into politics, serving in the Florida Legislature from 1873 to 1885—first as a Representative and then as a Senator. During his tenure, he played a key role in preventing the sale of West Florida to Alabama. In 1866, he was applicant number 43 at the Freedman’s Bank—now the Union Bank Museum—and his account can still be viewed today in the Freedman’s Bank ledger housed at the museum, preserved by the State Archives of Florida.
Come join us at the Union Bank Museum, where you can learn more unique anecdotes about black history in Tallahassee. We are currently celebrating Black History Month with a hands-on craft activity.