Proffitt Family Genealogy & History

Frank Noah Proffitt (1913–1965) was a pivotal figure in preserving Appalachian folk music, notably the song "Tom Dooley," which he learned from his aunt Nancy Prather. An accomplished banjoist and luthier, Proffitt's homemade fretless banjos and dulcimers were renowned. His recordings, including "Frank Proffitt Sings Folk Songs" and "Frank Proffitt of Reese NC," were instrumental in the folk revival of the 1960s. Proffitt's collaboration with folksong collectors Anne and Frank Warner led to his songs being shared with Alan Lomax, significantly contributing to the folk music canon. His performances at the Newport Folk Festival and the New York World's Fair solidified his influence on future generations of folk musicians.

Frank Proffitt was born in Laurel Bloomery, Tennessee, and raised in Watauga County, North Carolina. He lived on a farm with his wife and six children, working as a carpenter and farmer. Proffitt’s musical heritage was deeply rooted in his family; his aunt Nancy Prather taught him "Tom Dooley," a song passed down from her mother Edy Adeline (Pardue) Proffitt. This family legacy linked Proffitt to the historical figures of Tom Dula and Laura Foster, embedding his music in the rich cultural tapestry of Appalachian history.

Morgan Elizabeth Proffitt, born on August 22, 1994, is a former American soccer player renowned for her contributions to teams like Reign FC in the NWSL and SK Slavia Praha in the Czech First Division. Proffitt had an illustrious high school career at Columbus North High School, earning multiple honors, and later excelled at Marquette University, where she was recognized as the BIG EAST Conference Player of the Year in 2016. Her professional journey includes stints with the Chicago Red Stars and Washington Spirit, further highlighting her versatile soccer career. She currently brings her expertise to Lexington Sporting Club, handling social media, marketing, and coaching roles.

Michael Proffitt is the renowned eighth chief editor of the Oxford English Dictionary, bringing his expertise in English language and literature to the forefront. Raised in Edinburgh and an alumnus of the University of Oxford, Proffitt joined the O.E.D. in 1989. His career highlights include managing the new words program for a decade and contributing to the "Pasadena project," which enhanced the O.E.D.'s editing system. Before becoming chief editor, he excelled as a project director, leading a large editorial team and efficiently prioritizing tasks. Proffitt's dedication and leadership have significantly impacted the evolution of the O.E.D.

Thomas Proffitt was a distinguished English boxer known for his participation in the 1948 Summer Olympics representing Great Britain. Competing in the bantamweight division, Proffitt showcased his boxing prowess despite being defeated in the round of 32 by Edel Ojeda from Mexico. Notably, Proffitt achieved significant recognition in 1948 by winning the Amateur Boxing Association British bantamweight title while boxing for LNER ABC. His dedication to the sport and his Olympic involvement remain key highlights of his career, reflecting his commitment and skill in boxing.