He was a close associate of Governor William Barstow. His political enemies claimed Barstow had improperly awarded him a contract to erect the State Insane Asylum
He settled here in 1854 and was vice president of the First National Bank, director of the Madison Gas Company and Park Hotel, and city treasurer
He served in the state senate from 1858 to 1859; at the time his occupation was listed as "gentleman" in the city directory
Proudfit built the south wing of the state prison in 1854, the north wing of the Capitol in 1864, and two wings of the Insane Asylum from 1866 to 1867
