THOMAS CATTON has been actively interested in agricultural pursuits in this county since the opening years of his manhood, and in the course of time has developed a good-sized farm in Brimfield Township, pleasantly located in section 11, whose well-tilled fields, and many substantial improvements constitute it one of the best ordered farms in the locality. He has a commodious residence a view of which is presented in connection with this sketch. In performing for so many years these arduous duties Mr. Catton has fairly earned the title of a pioneer of this region.

Mr. Catton was born in Lincolnshire, England, in the month of January, 1835, his parents being Thomas and Mary (Clark) Catton, both natives of the mother country. He was reared on his native soil and when about eighteen years old boldly ventured forth from his old home in 1853, and accompanied by his brother, Holland, set sail across the broad waters of the Atlantic to find at least a competence and build up a home for himself. He took passage at Liverpool on a sail vessel, and after a voyage of three weeks and five days landed in New York City and thence came directly to Peoria County, whither his brother, William, had preceded him one year.

For a few months Mr. Catton worked as farm hand until he became acquainted with the methods of carrying on agricultural pursuits in this country and then, in partnership with his brother, William he farmed for a number of years as a renter. He finally became a land-owner, purchasing a place in Brimfield Township, and now has in his possession two hundred and forty acres of as fertile land as is to be found in all the region round about. It is cultivated by the best of methods, is supplied with ample buildings, and every needed appliance for carrying on farm work. Our subject, began life in this country with no means, and has acquired his property by the exercise of those faculties of thrift, prudence and acute judgment which insure success in any walk of life. Feeling anxious to revisit the scene of his youth, Mr. Catton started for his old home, March 17, 1866, and spent several months there. During that time he met the lady who was to be his bride. Accordingly on September 8, 1866, he contracted a matrimonial alliance with Miss Jane H. Butler, who is, like himself, a native of England, having been born in Lincolnshire, January 30, 1845. On Monday, September 11, 1866, they departed for their home across the waters. Mrs. Catton is the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Butler, who were of English birth and antecedents. Six children have been born of her union with our subject, namely: Ada Ann, wife of Andrew Whittaker, of Millbrook Township; Herbert Edward, Lorado Butler, Thomas Franklin, Lena Elizabeth and William Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Catton and their oldest daughter are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Brimfield.

Mr. Catton takes a warm interest in everything that pertains to the welfare of Brimfield Township, and is a liberal supporter of all schemes that will in any way enhance its prosperity. Politically, he is a Republican and his party find him a warm supporter. He is well liked in this community and his neighbors find in him a true friend.