Biographical Sketches from The History Of Welland County Ontario,
    published 1887

"NIAGARA FALLS TOWN

 THOMAS BUTTERS, freight agent of the Grand Trunk Railway at Niagara
Falls, was born in Dundee, Scotland, November 22nd, 1829.  His parents
were James and Jean (Anderson) Butters, both natives of Scotland.  Our
subject, who was educated in his native city and learned the trade of
printer there, came to Canada in 1851, landing at Montreal.  He followed
his trade for about three years, working in Montreal, Brockville,
Toronto and Hamilton.  In May, 1854, he took a position on the Great
Western Railway, now one of the divisions of the Grand Trunk, and has
been in the employ of the company ever since.  He removed to Windsor as
cashier and freight agent for the G. W. R., where he was elected
councillor of Niagara Falls, and in 1879 filled the mayor's chair.  He
was again elected mayor in 1885.  In 1854 Mr. Butters was married to
Mary, a daughter of William Wallace, of Dalkeith, Scotland.  They have a
family of six children, viz : Mary, Jean, Elizabeth, Anne, James, and
Helen.  The family are members of the Presbyterian church.  Our subject
is major in the 44th battalion, (retired); he has been chairman of the
school board for seven years, and was president of the Mechanic's
Institute from the time of its inception in 1878 until 1885.  He is a
member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen."