Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Proffit completed preparatory studies.
He engaged in mercantile pursuits in Petersburg and Portersville, Indiana.
He was appointed by President Tyler as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Brazil and served from June 7, 1843, to August 10, 1844, when he returned home, the Senate having refused to confirm his appointment.
He died in Louisville, Kentucky, September 7, 1847, and was interred in Walnut Hill Cemetery (Petersburg, Indiana).
This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress