Mary Frances Proctor Newman

My grandmother was Mary Frances Proctor Newman. She was born in 1881.

I do not remember her actual birthday, but recall we celebrated her birthday in August because she liked that month.

Mary Frances Proctor was the daughter of John Alexander Proctor and Margaret Ellen Newman, who married on December 12, 1874 in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Margaret (born February 21, 1857 and died about 1886) was the daughter of John Isaac and Martha Ann Butler Newman, who married November 21, 1854 in Waldorf, Charles County, Maryland. John Isaac Newman (born about 1833 and died about 1875) was the son of John Newman and and Ann Proctor. Martha Ann Butler (born about 1832) was the daughter of Josias Butler and Catherine Proctor; on April 17, 1901 Martha Ann Butler Newman died in Croom Station, Prince Georges County, Maryland.

The siblings of Mary Frances Proctor Newman whom I remember are Hubert Proctor, Annie Proctor Brady, and Walter Proctor.


Proctor Sisters circa 1950 (l-r) Annie Proctor Brady and Mary Frances Proctor Newman.

Annie Proctor Brady's children were Alton Brady, Milton Brady and Elizabeth Brady.


Mary Frances married William Robert Newman on September 26, 1898. Prior to marriage, Mary Frances had worked in a doctor's office. Though unable to read or write, she learned midwifery and natural remedies - skills she would contine to practice while living on P Street NW. In addition to raising her stepchildren as her own, Mary Frances Proctor Newman gave birth to nine children. Paul Augustus (1900), Theresa (1902), Mary Myrtle Irene (1904), William Robert, Jr. (1907), Agnes Cerelia (1909), Ralph (1910), Thomas Alexander (1919), and twins Marian Elizabeth and Frank (1922). Sadly, Theresa, Marian and Fank (the twins) died in early childhood; while daughter Agnes and son Ralph died in their twenties.

After the death of William Robert Newman, her husband of more than 50 years, Mary Frances continued to live at 125 P Street but spent more time at the Maryland farm of daughter and son-in-law (Myrtle and Marques Ray). By the 1960's she spent most of her time at the farm. Her children, grandchilden, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren enjoyed visiting her there.






Mary Frances Proctor Newman passed away on January 3, 1968 at the age of 86. Her funeral mass was held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 206 New York Ave NW, Washington D.C., where she had faithfully attended mass most of her life. She is buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Washington.