Annie Ludlow

     This is a continuation of yesterday's post about my Grandpa and Grandma Proctor.

Annie Ludlow Proctor 1946

Sister Proctor was born Annie Ludlow 27 June 1880 at Benjamin, Utah, the daughter of Paul and Elizabeth Dixon Ludlow.

     Sister Proctor was the first child born in America after the arrival of her parents from England.

     Her mother was born Elizabeth Dixon in Halifax, Yorkshire, England 26 December 1845.  Her father was, Paul Ludlow was born 30 November 1841 at Glaustershire, England.

    

They were converts to the Church and moved to Benjamin, Utah, with their family of six children.  They were baptized after their arrival here.  In addition to Sister Proctor, one other sister was born here in Utah.

     Sister Proctor’s father died shortly after settling in Benjamin.  She has no memory of him.

     The family had a terrific fight for existence, and the children all had to do their part to aid.

     Sister Proctor completed sixth grade.  The school was two miles away, which was a long journey in the winter months.

     At the age of ten, Sister Proctor started working for neighbors and kinsman, not only doing house work but also on the farm.  The only job which she didn’t do was to plow.

     Their drinking water had to be carried for a half mile.

     The highest wages she ever made was $3.00 per week.  Most of the time her wages ran from $2.00 to $2.50 a week, with no day off and no vacation with pay.

     She became such an expert cook that some of the people she worked for reprimanded her for making such fine biscuits that the children ate too many and flour cost too much.

    

It was likely this fine cooking which charmed Brother Proctor and led to his capture in the faith.

     Sister Proctor as followed the many moving of her husband with faithfulness and devotion.

    

At Benjamin, Sister Proctor worked in the Primary as a chorister.

     At Blackfoot, she was secretary of the Relief Society and Block teacher.

     At Aberdeen, Rozella met with an accident which left her a lifetime invalid.  The children dared her to climb a tree and the limb broke and she fell to the ground landing on her feet and fractured her spine.

     In addition to their six children, Brother and Sister Proctor raised Ruth Proctor, a niece of Brother Proctor who came to them at six days old.

Grandma and Mother (Ruth)

Back-Grandma, Ethel
Front-Inez, Ruth, Rozella, Max, & Grandpa

     At the death of his mother at age 2, Bryan Jennings Proctor, the son of Mr. Proctor’s step-mother, became a part of Brother and Sister Proctor’s family.  He met his death at Pocatello Roundhouse, two weeks before his first baby was born.

     Such great devotion and love has never been exceeded in this community as existed between Rozella, the invalid sister and daughter, and this family.

Back-Ethel, Inez, Rozella, Ruth
Front-Grandma and Grandpa

     She was taken everywhere—to church, to shows, to sporting events, out camping and fishing.  Nothing was too good for Rozella, and the family couldn’t enjoy any experience without her presence.

     It wasn’t a one-sided affair for Rozella radiated a smiley and joyous atmosphere everywhere she went and her presence was an asset to the success of any party.

Rozella and Mother (Ruth)

     She taught daily lessons in patience and cheer to the community and especially to the visitors at her home where she lay for hours, days, weeks, months, and years in intense pain, with a cheering smile for all.  Rozella died 12 December 1955.  Elwood, the oldest son, died of a heart died of a heart attack Christmas Eve 1955.

Grandpa and Grandma 1958