Catlin Family Genealogy & History

George Catlin (1796–1872) was a renowned American painter, author, and traveler, celebrated for his vivid portraits of Native Americans and documentation of Plains Indian life. Originally trained as a lawyer, Catlin shifted his focus to art after meeting a tribal delegation. He traveled extensively across the American West during the 1830s, producing over 500 paintings and gathering numerous artifacts. His Indian Gallery, showcasing these works, toured major U.S. and European cities, though financial difficulties forced him to sell much of his collection. Despite setbacks, Catlin's work remains a crucial historical record of Indigenous culture during the 19th century.

George Catlin was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1796. His mother, Polly Sutton, shared compelling stories of her capture during the 1778 Battle of Wyoming, influencing Catlin's fascination with Native American life. His father encouraged him to pursue law, following in his footsteps, but Catlin's passion for art and the stories of Indigenous peoples ultimately guided his career.

Steven David Catlin, born in 1944, is a notorious American serial killer convicted of murdering two wives and his adoptive mother between 1976 and 1984 in California and Nevada. His crimes involved the use of paraquat, a toxic herbicide, leading to his 1990 death sentence. Catlin's criminal activities included forgery, credit card theft, and auto part theft, which ultimately led to his capture. His marriages were characterized by deceit and violence, further complicating his life. Catlin's case highlights the dark intersection of crime, manipulation, and betrayal, garnering significant media attention and infamy in the annals of American criminal history.

Adopted as an infant by Glenn and Martha Catlin in Kern County, California, Steven Catlin grew up in Bakersfield. His early life was marked by a lack of interest in honest work and involvement in criminal activities. Catlin's relationship with his adoptive parents was significant, as both became victims of his nefarious acts, with his mother Martha being one of his murder victims.

Kelly Catlin was an accomplished American professional cyclist known for her exceptional achievements in track cycling. Competing for UCI Women's Team Human Powered Health, Catlin secured gold medals in the women's team pursuit at the 2016, 2017, and 2018 UCI Track Cycling World Championships and a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Beyond cycling, she was an artist and violinist, demonstrating her diverse talents. Catlin pursued an academic career, earning a degree in mathematics and Chinese from the University of Minnesota and later attending Stanford University for graduate studies in computational and mathematical engineering.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Kelly Catlin was a triplet, having a brother and a sister. Her family played a significant role in her life, contributing to her decision to donate her brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation Brain Bank following her tragic death in 2019.

Brigadier General Albertus W. Catlin, born December 1, 1868, in Gowanda, New York, was a distinguished United States Marine Corps officer and Medal of Honor recipient. He led the 3rd Marine Regiment during the 1914 Occupation of Veracruz, showcasing exceptional courage and leadership. Catlin's illustrious career spanned roles from commanding the Naval Prison at Portsmouth to leading the 6th Marine Regiment in France during World War I, making him a prominent figure in U.S. military history.