ATKINS, William H., 1850-1929

ATKINS, BISHOP, LEMON WEBSTER

Posted By: Volunteer-Betty Hootman
Date: 10/30/2012 at 14:19:28

WILLIAM H. ATKINS

William H. Atkins, son of Kendall B. and Naomi Atkins, was born at Galesburg, Ill., December 5, 1850, and departed this life at his home in Milton, Iowa, March 9, 1929, at the age of 78 years, 3 months and 3 days.

While in his early manhood, he was united in marriage to Mary Bishop. To this union were born two sons, Asa F. of Hastings, Nebr., and Jesse J. of Lemons, Mo.

It was only a few short years this happy young couple lived together when the wife and mother was called to her eternal home, leaving the husband and father with his two children.

Some time later, on March 22, 1882, he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann Lemon. To this union were born seven children, Emmett, Sylvia, Mary, Kendall, Waldo, Marian and Doris. On September 22, 1912, the faithful wife and mother died at the age of 56 years.

The grief stricken father devoted his time to rearing of his children performing both the duties of father and mother to best of his ability and constantly keeping before them the noble virtues of the Christian life.

On December 20, 1921, he was united in marriage with Mary Alice Webster, who survives him.

During the early part of his life Mr. Atkins lived on the family homestead south of Milton. Shortly after his first marriage he moved to Putnam county, Mo. About the year 1900 he moved to the home farm in the west part of Milton, where he resided til a few years ago when he moved to his present residence in Milton.

In early life Mr. Atkins confessed Christ as his Savior and joined the M. E. church. He was also a member of Odd Fellow Lodge, Lone Star, No. 155 at Milton.

During the past few months his health began to fail and he had to give up his business activities. His faithful wife and children remained constantly at his side and ministered to his every need, giving him as much comfort as they could during the last few days he was with them.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, Mrs. Mary Alice Atkins, five sons and one daughter, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Three children have preceded him in death, Mary who died in infancy, Emmett, who died in 1906 and Marian who died in 1921.

Mr. Atkins was a man who was well loved by all who knew him. He maintained the confidence of his business associates by his straight forward and upright business methods. He was recognized by the people of the community as a man of sincere integrity, high ideals, keen judgment and worthy of the name of a good citizen.

As a husband and father, he was devoted and long-suffering, kind, thoughtful, sincere and always ready to do a service for those he loved. His ambition was not only to provide the comforts for his family, but to help them in a way of noble living, and to inculcate in them the highest ideals life has to offer, and, by his Christian example, he was able to inspire them to become good men and women. His family was always his first consideration, and although he and they passed through the valley of sorrow during the years, he never gave up hope, but pushed on with a form and steadfast faith in his Master.

He was a loyal member of the M. E. church, faithful in the attendance of its services, generous in contributing to its support, and recognized it as one of the most important institutions in the community.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book A-2, page 235, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA