Free Genealogy Biography of William Atkinson,
Pennsylvania Volunteer of the Civil War
William P. AtkinsonWilliam P. Atkinson, business manager of Herald Printing & Publishing Co. (limited), Erie, was born in the county of Durham, England, June 10, 1842, son of James and Ann (Patterson) Atkinson, natives of England; James Atkinson was a miner in his native country, and came to America with his family in 1844.
Our subject, who was second in a family of 9 children, received his education in Pottsville, Penn., in which town he learned the trade of printer, and worked for several years on the Pottsville Miners' Journal.
He next published the St. Clair Sentinel 2 years.
In 1862, Mr. Atkinson enlisted in the 48th P. V. I., 48th Regiment, Co. G, serving 2 years and 5 months; was engaged in 5 battles, viz., Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chantilly, South Mountain and Antietam; while on detached service, he published a paper called the Kentucky Loyalist for 9 months in Lexington, Ky.
On retiring from the service, our subject returned to Philadelphia, resumed his trade, and, in 1867, came to Erie City and took charge of the Dispatch office till 1879, when he purchased the Daily Republican; this he sold out in May, 1870, to J. E. Ashby & Co., in whose employ he remained in charge of the office till Nov., 1880.
Mr. Atkinson then purchased the "Economy Printing House," which, in Oct., 1882, merged into the Herald office.
Our subject was united in marriage July 17, 1867, with Caroline, daughter of Joseph Jackson, of Philadelphia, who bore him 7 children, 5 now living -Annie C., Harry J., Tillie E., Sarah J. and Josephine.
Our subject and wife are members of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, of which he has been Treasurer. He has acted 3 years as Select Councilman; is a member of the Masonic order, G. A. R., and A. O. U. W.
Since 1872, Mr. Atkinson has published annually a very creditable directory of Erie City.
Source: History of Erie County, Pennsylvania; Volume 1; Chicago; Warner, Beers & Co.; 1884
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