[p. 921] who resides on an excellent farm of forty-two acres, situated in Union Township, near New Castle, is a representative citizen of this section. He was born in this township, January 11, 1860, and is a son of William and Harriet (McClung) Atkinson.
William Atkinson, father of Robert, was born in England and was past his majority when he came to America and located in Lawrence County. For a number of years he followed the butchering business at New Castle, where his death occurred in August, 1895. Through industry, perseverance, and a strict regard for the principles of honesty and fair dealing, he had acquired a position as one of the representative business men of the community, few being more generally respected. Politically he was a member of the Republican party, and he was sufficiently interested in public affairs to become at one time a candidate for the office of county commissioner. He married after coming to this country, and he and his wife Harriet were the parents of a family of children, of whom there are now five survivors, namely: Charles, who resides in Union Township; Nancy, who married Ned E. Lanham, of Union Township; John, who resides in New Castle; Robert S., the subject of this sketch, and James T., also a resident of Union Township.
Robert S. Atkinson acquired his literary education in the public schools of Union Township. Since beginning industrial life he has been engaged almost continuously in agricultural pursuits. His present farm consists of good, fertile land, whch shows careful cultivation. He is regarded as one of the reliable and substantial citizens of the township, which he has served as auditor and as a member of the School Board. In politics he is identified with the Republican party.
Mr. Atkinson was married April 6, 1882, to Emma J. Cornelius, who was born in North Beaver Township, Lawrence County, a daughter of Jesse S. and Elizabeth J. Cornelius. Mrs. Atkinson's father is now deceased; her mother, now in her seventy-third year, resides in North Beaver Township. Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson have had four children: M. Pearl, Jesse C., Elizabeth J., and Maud M. For a number of years Mr. Atkinson has been a member of the First Christian Church of New Castle.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 31 Jan 2002