Atkinson - Samuel
SAMUEL ATKINSON
Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain County, Indina, 1893 Chapman Brothers p 272
Among the enterprising farmers of Parke County is ranked our subject, whose birth occurred here in 1835. He comes of an honored pioneer family, his father, Thomas Atkinson, having settled in this locality about the year 1828, when he entered land in Sugar Creek Twp and also purchased 500 acres. Our subject's paternal grandmother was Mary (Woody) Atkinson, her father, John Woody, being a leading man in NC in former days. Our subject's grandfather was born in England and emigrated to America when a young man, settling in NC, where he engaged in farming and there passed his remaining days. He reared a family of 8 children, our subject's father being the eldest and the others as follows: Hugh; James; Robert; Samuel; John (only one still living); Charity and Mary. Thomas Atkinson was born in 1796 and remained with his parents until he grew to manhood. He was reared a Quaker, his parents being of that faith. Aoubt the year 1819, leaving home, he concluded to try his fortunes in another state, and accordingly came to Indiana, settling in Orange County, where he married Margery, daughter of David and Hannah Lindley. To them were born 8 children: Jonathan; David; Samuel and John, twins; Mary, wife of Levi Dix; Sarah; Mrs. Thomas Marshall; Eleanor, who died in childhood and Emily. THe father was a Whig until the organization of the Republic party, when he became identified with the same. Landing in Indiana without capital or friends, he worked for a time for farmers, receiving $10 a month, but he was persevering and industrious and these qualities in the course of time wrought out for him a gratifying success. After a time he removed to Green Co, where he carried on a small farm and then as before mentioned, became the owner of a large estate in Parke County. His death occurred in 1872, several years previoust o which his wife had departed this life. Until reaching manhood, our subject remained with his parents being of great assistance to his father in clearning and developing his new farm. His education was such as was afforded by the primitive log schoolhouse of former days. On starting out in life his father gave him 100 acres of land, which was then only partly improved. His place now comprises 138 acres which is well cultivated and a model farm in every respect. At the age of 29 our subject married Miss Martha, daughter of William Hadley. Nine children grace their union: Milton who married Thelia barker; Cora; Etta, wife of John McKey; Clayton; William; Oliver; Clara and two who died in infancy. Our subject is a member of the Society of Friends, as have been his ancestors for several generations. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the Republic party. David Atkinson, the next older brother of our subject, is also a resident of Sugar Creek Township, his farm, which comprises 90 acres, a portion of his father's old homestead, being located on Section 6. He remained by the home fireside until over 20 years of age, when he started out to make his own livelihood. The education which is his has been largely the result of study and reading in later years, as the schools of his young days were few and poorly conducted. When 22 he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of William Marshall, and of that union have been born six children: Elizabeth; Louisa, wife of John Noonan; cyrenus, Elwood, John and Effie. Mr. Atkinson deposits his ballot in favor of the Republic Party and religiously is a member of the Society of Friends.
File Created: 5 November 2010 - kbz