Death Comes Suddenly to Alexander Proudfit

Photo by James Allen

Alexander Proudfit was a prominent Maconite -- lawyer, judge, and trustee of the Georgia Industrial Home. He was born 28 October 1841 in Tennesse, and census records suggest his parents were William and Eliza Proudfit. Aleck came to Macon shortly after reaching adulthood and first married Minona Bartlett, only daughter of George T. and Virginia L. Bartlett. She passed away in 1874. Twenty or so years later, Alexander Proudfit married Bessie Napier and fathered at least three children. His death on 3 November 1913 seemed sudden, yet was not totally unexpected.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
4 November 1913

DEATH COMES SUDDENLY TO ALEXANDER PROUDFIT

Expires After He Had Gone To Bed Last Night,

REFEREE FOR 16 YEARS

Previous to That Time He Was One Of Macon's Best Known Lawyers -- Four Weeks Ago He Collapsed While in Attendance at Church.

Alexander Proudfit, referee in bankruptcy, one of the best known and loved men in Macon, died suddenly last night between 11 and 12 o'clock at his home, 129 Jefferson street. The end came a short time after Judge Proudfit had talked with Mrs. Proudfit and had turned over in his bed and dropped off to sleep. When physicians arrived, it was found that he had breathed his last.

For some time Judge Proudfit had been in failing health, but had not been confined to his bed. Yesterday he was down at his office and last night ate a hearty supper and was not heard to complain in the least of feeling badly. His friends were aware, however, that he might drop off any time, for only four weeks ago he collapsed while in attendance at the morning service at the First Baptist church, and had to be taken home in an automobile, though he recovered shortly afterward.

No man in Macon was better known or had more friends than did Judge Proudfit and the announcement of his death will cause widespread regret not only in Macon, but wherever he was known. For sixteen years he had been referee in bankruptcy for this division and previous to that time had been one of the leading lawyers in Macon.

Native of Tennessee.
He was about 68 years of age and came to Macon shortly after he reached his majority, from Brownsville, Tenn. Besides his widow, Mrs. Bessie Proudfit, Judge Proudfit leaves two daughters, Misses Consuelo and Pearl Proudfit, of Macon, and one brother, John Proudfit, of Mississippi.

Mrs. Proudfit is a sister of J. H. and E. Tris Napier, of Macon, and Mrs. Mark O'Daniel, of Jeffersonville.

For many years Judge Proudfit had been a member of the First Baptist church and was a liberal giver to all worthy objects. It is said of him that there was nothing within his power that he would not do for a friend and there are many people in Macon who can attest to that fact...

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
5 November 1913, pg. 11

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
ALEXANDER PROUDFIT
With an escort from the Macon Bar association, of which he was a long time and distinguished member, the funeral of Judge Alexander Proudfit, whose death occurred Monday night, will be held this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the First Baptist church, Dr. E. C. Dargan, the pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Hill cemetery...

News of the sudden death of Judge Proudfit was learned with sorrow yesterday by a host of friends throughout the city, and among them the hundred children at the Georgia Industrial Home, of which Judge Proudfit was a trustee for a number of years.

Macon Telegraph (Georgia)
6 November 1913, pg. 5

Deaths and Funerals
ALEXANDER PROUDFIT
In the presence of many sorrowing friends and relatives, Dr. E. C. Dargan, pastor of the First Baptist church, pronounced a beautiful tribute over the body of Judge Alexander Proudfit, whose funeral took place from the First Baptist church yesterday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock.

The sentiment of the minister was also that of the great audience, particularly members of the Macon Bar association, of which Judge Proudfit had been a member for many years...

Many beautiful floral offerings, piled high on the casket, showed the high esteem in which the deceased had been held by his friends, his church and other Macon institutions, which he had aided...