James Kerr Proudfit


James Kerr Proudfit was an American military officer during the American Civil War.

Biography

Proudfit was born on July 24, 1831 in Argyle, New York. Following his father's death, he moved with his family to Brookfield, Wisconsin Territory. On September 20, 1855, he married his wife, Emelie, in Delafield, Wisconsin. They would have six children. Proudfit died on May 30, 1917.

Career

Prudfit volunteered for the Union Army during the civil war and initially served in the 1st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He later joined the 12th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This regiment would take part in the Siege of Vicksburg and the Jackson Expedition. Proudfit became its commander in 1864, succeeding George E. Bryant. In 1865, he was brevetted a brigadier general. Proudfit was Adjutant General of Wisconsin from 1865 to 1868 and U.S. Surveyor General of the New Mexico Territory from 1872 to 1876. Proudfit served in the Wisconsin Senate in 1866 and 1867.