William G Atkinson 1864-1939

ATKINSON, GARLAND, GATES

Posted By: Georgea Clinton (email)
Date: 4/22/2011 at 09:56:28

Nov 1939 - Carroll Times - William G Atkinson, 76, died at 9:45 Wednesday night at his home on North Court Street after a long Illness. Mr. Atkinson, who had been confined to bed for several months, was stricken with a severe heart attack Monday morning. He had been in a coma since that time. The body is resting at the Huffman Funeral Home, where it may be viewed by friends. Services will be held at the funeral home at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, with the Rev. W. F. Clayburg, minister of the Methodist Church, officiating. The Odd Fellows will be in charge of the rites. Burial will be in the family lot in the Carroll Cemetery.

Mr. Atklnson, who was a pioneer gold prospector in Alaska, had led an interesting life. He was born at Lancaster, Pa., in March, 1863, a son of John R. and Louise Garland Atkinson, who later became early day residents of Carroll. The family moved from Pennsylvania to LaFayette, Ind., coming to Carroll from the latter place in April, 1878. Here the father established a tin shop. Having learned tinning from his father, Mr. Atkinson went to Lewistown, Mont., where he followed the trade.

After spending some time in the West, he went to Alaska, where he lived for a long period of years, the greater part of the time being spent at Sitka. He had a fund of tales concerning his life in Alaska, where he had a gold mine, operated a tin shop with his brother, John Atkinson, and had many unusual experiences. For three months at a time he was snowed in, with travel by dog team as the only means of transportation.

About twenty five years ago Mr. Atkinson returned to Carroll, and has made his home in the family residence on North Court Street since that time. For twelve years he was caretaker of the Carroll Cemetery, having retired from this work six years ago last March because of failing health.

On his twenty-first birthday, Mr. Atkinson joined the Odd Fellow Lodge at Lewistown, Mont. He remained a member the rest of his life, transferring his membership as he changed his place of residence. As a member of the Carroll lodge and all of its branches, he took a great interest in the work. He had filled all offices and he know the secret work in every branch of the order.

Mr Atkinson is survived by two sisters and one brother, Miss Katie Atkinson, at home, Mrs. Albert W. Gates (Carrie), Lewistown, Mont., and John Atkinson, Phoenix, Ariz., and one nephew, Albert J. Gates. Neither Mrs. Gates nor John Atkinson is able to come here for the funeral. Mr. Atkinson was one of a family of seven children. Three sisters who preceded him in death were Jeannie, who died in 1878 in early childhood. Florence, who passed away Feb. 14, 1928, and Nellie, May 5, 1935. His mother died Nov. 11. 1913, and his father, Sept. 11, 1914.