"Portrait and biographical album of Coles County, Illinois"
  
UTHER J. NORTON, a farmer, and dealer in fine cattle and horses, has for many years been a prominent figure among the business and agricultural interests of East Oakland Township. He is a native of this State, born in Edgar County, Feb. 16, 1858, and the son of John A. and Mary E. (Hanger) Norton, both natives of Ohio. John Norton was born in Madison County, March 21, 1826, and departed this life in August, 1859, meeting his death in a painful manner by being thrown from a horse in front of his own door, and dying three days later. The animal was young and spirited, and the saddle-girth broke, throwing the rider in such a manner that his neck was fractured and recovery impossible.
The mother was born in Fairfield County, March 30, 1829, and after the death of Mr. Norton became the wife of George W. Ashmore. The latter gentleman was killed by a runaway team, dying almost instantly from the injuries received. He was a stock trader, and had accumulated considerable property in Oakland, where he was a prominent business man. He was sixty-five years old at the time of his death. This lady became the mother of six children, three by Mr. Ashmore and three by Mr. Norton. The latter included Clara L., who married L. D. Carter, of this place; Laura A., who died in infancy, and Luther J., of our sketch.
In 1878 Mr. Norton engaged in business with his step-father, with whom he continued until 1885, and then commenced the breeding of fine stock, making a specialty of horses of different breeds, but principally Kentucky and Hambletonian. He is an excellent judge of horseflesh, and takes great pride in exhibiting his fine animals, which are second to none in this part of Illinois. His 300-acre farm provides ample facilities for the carrying on of his business in a first-class manner, and his excellent judgment uniformly insures him success in this department.
The marriage of Luther J. Norton and Miss Florence I. Zimmerman, a native of East Oakland Township, was celebrated at the home of the bride Oct. 25, 1882. Of this union there is one child, Clara, born March 22, 1 887. The residence of our subject and his family is a handsome and convenient structure, pleasantly located, and forms a hospitable and attractive resort for their many friends.
The Norton family is of English origin. One of the early representatives in this country was Aaron C., the grandfather of our subject, who was born Sept. 21, 1798. He was the son of Solomon Norton, who was born in 1751, and lived to be one hundred and one years old. The family was quite prolific, and the sons and daughters became highly respected members of society. Mr. N. was reared in the doctrines of the Methodist Church, but Mrs. N. is connected with the Old-School Presbyterians. The Zimmerman family were probably originally Whigs, and the later members have been strong Republicans. Mr. Norton is one of the stanchest advocates of Democratic doctrines.
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