William Jasper Atkinson1

M, #528, b. 2 May 1842, d. 27 December 1898
Pedigree
Relationship
2nd great-grandfather of Sheila Sue Altenbernd
Father*James T Atkinson2,3 b. 23 November 1816, d. 12 December 1905
Mother*Elizabeth Martin4 b. 23 January 1822, d. 11 August 1899
Charts
Atkinson Descendants
Valentine Martin Descendants
Military
Union Army
     William Jasper Atkinson was born on 23 May 1842 near Pisgah, Cooper County, Missouri, USA.4 Other sources show William was born in Cooper County, Missouri, USA, on 2 May 1842.5,6,7,8 He was the son of James T Atkinson and Elizabeth Martin.2,3,4
     William Jasper Atkinson was medical doctor.9,4
     He was educated near Tipton, Cooper County, Missouri, USA, in 1859 by Dr. McClanahan on medical studies.4
     William Jasper Atkinson and Dr Unknown McClanahan shared a medical practice near Tipton, Cooper County, Missouri, USA, in 1860.4
     William Jasper Atkinson was listed on the 1860 US Federal Census of Moniteau Township, Cooper County, Missouri, USA, enumerated 16 August 1860 living with James T Atkinson.10 William Jasper's age was listed as 18. He was shown as born in Missouri.10
     William Jasper Atkinson registered for the draft for the Civil War between July 1863 and September 1863, while living in the 5th Congressional District, Kelly Township, Cooper County, Missouri, USA, He occupation was student. He was married. His place of birth was Missouri. His age at the time was 21. He was listed as white.11
     William Jasper Atkinson was honorably discharged from active military duty in August 1864.4
     William Jasper Atkinson served in the War Between the States for the Union army. He enlisted 12 September 1864 in Cooper County, Missouri, USA. He served in the 43rd Regiment of the Missouri E. Mil. Provional as a private.12,13
     William Jasper Atkinson mustered in in 1864 at Clarksburg, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA.4
     William Jasper Atkinson was Deputy Post Master in Kingsville, Johnson County, Missouri, USA.4
     William worked as a physician in Kingsville, Johnson County, Missouri, USA, between 1860 and 1870.4
     William Jasper Atkinson was sent to in Jefferson City, Cole County, Missouri, USA. He served under Pleaston in pursuit of Price.4
     William Jasper Atkinson re-enlisted. He re-enlisted as a Corporal in the Cooper County Platoon.4
     William Jasper Atkinson ended military service on 15 July 1865 at Pisgah, Cooper County, Missouri, USA.13
     William Jasper Atkinson was sent to in Moniteau County, Missouri, USA. He took part in a number of skirmishes.4
     William Jasper Atkinson was engaged in practice between 1866 and 1870 in Kingsville, Johnson County, Missouri, USA.4
     The following item appeared in The Eclectic Medical Journal, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, USA, in 1868
Article XXXI. Chronic Cystitis.—By W. J. Atkinson, M.D., Kingsville, Mo.

There are few diseases which attack an individual that he is more anxious to have relieved than cystitis. And I believe that there is no disease but what will yield more readily to treatment than will this malady. Although I believe there are few cases which prove fatal under proper treatment, yet at the same time there are but few cases that are radically cured.

I treated a case not long since which presented the following symptoms: The disease had been slight for twelve months; that is, after urinating there was still felt a desire to urinate, and by waiting there would be voided a few drops of a thick soap stone appearance. This continued for about twelve months, the patient riding on horseback a great portion of the time. The next symptom which excited attention was a few drops of thick matter in the urethra with urethra closed on rising in the morning. No disturbance of the general system. Patient applied for medical advice. Was advised to take: B/ Copaiba, 5y ; spirits nitre, 5ii; tinct. opii, 5ii; acacia pul., 5i ; sacch. alba, 5i; spirits lav. comp., 31; aqua, q. s. Shake well before using. Dose, a tablespoonful three times a day.

Under this treatment the symptoms gave way and promised a speedy cure. But they returned with more violence and a greater discharge of matter. The above was left off, and " Tilden's Fluid Extract Buchu " ordered. This caused the mucus discharge to increase. It discharged two or three tablespoonfuls a day. The buchu was left off, and oil turpentine and mur. tinct. iron ordered. Fifteen drops of iron and three drops of turpentine at a dose three times a day. Symptoms got better, discharge ceased. This was continued for about a week, but the desire for urinating was increased and more painful. Quit giving iron and turpentine. The desire to urinate was incessant. The pain grew more severe all the time, and the general health began to be greatly impaired. The countenance assumed a melancholy appearance. Pulse irregular, distressing uneasiness in the perineum and along the course of urethra, together with chordee every night after getting warm in bed, which was only relieved by standing upon his feet. This was followed by urinating blood, with severe pain. The urine, upon cooling, would be about half a thick, tenacious mucus, which could with some difficulty be got out of the vessel which it was in.

I gave four drops of Harlem oil on going to bed. In the morning, lumps of coagulated mucus was discharged as large as could be passed, with great pain to patient. During the course of that day there was about half a pint of this coagulum passed together with blood. Peach tree leaf tea was ordered with some benefit, also atthfc officinalis. But nothing seemed to give any permanent relief to the patient, who was now very weak and nervous. I now changed all the treatment, and gave a tea of the polygonum punctatum, made by boiling an ounce of the green weed (as there was plenty growing in the door yard) in a pint and a half of water down to one pint, strain, and drink in place of clear water whenever the patient desired water. Gave him nothing else, and the pain and bloody urine and uneasy feeling in the perinenm began to grow better, the patient's countenance grew brighter, and in a short time the patient was as cheerful and hearty as ever, with an occasional symptom of the disease. With the polygonum and counterirritation to the loins, I am of the opinion that any ease of cystitis or most any of the nephritic diseases, may be relieved with much more ease than with any other medicine in the Materia Medica. The left testicle of this patient swelled to considerable size, which was relieved by a liniment of chloroform, two parts; oil sassafras, one part. Apply to the swelled side.14


     Photo. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers(#130.)15

     William worked as a physician in Pisgah, Cooper County, Missouri, USA, between 1870 and 1879.4
     William Jasper Atkinson was listed on the 1870 US Federal Census of Kingsville, Johnson County, Missouri, USA, enumerated 7 June 1870 living with James T Atkinson.16 His age was listed as 27. He was shown as born in Missouri. His profession was a physician.16
     William Jasper Atkinson married Sarah Christine Miller, daughter of John M Miller and Christina Grove, in Mount Pleasant, Missouri, USA, on 7 July 1872.17
Other sources show he married Sarah Christine Miller in Pisgah, Cooper County, Missouri, USA, on 7 July 1872.18,19,20,4

     The following item appeared Moniteau Journal, California, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA, on 4 September 1873
DR. W. J. ATKINSON,
ECLECTIC PHYSICIAN.
Office. -- On High Street, Belo's building.

Having located in California, Mo., will give special attention to the treatment of all diseases that may come under his care. The Doctor is prepared to treat all diseases of Liver, Lungs, Kidneys and Bladder, Spermaterrhea, &c., Scrofula, and all chronic diseases, upon scientific principles, to a successful termination.21

Ad in Moniteau Journal, California, Missouri

     He was a student at St Louis Eclectic Medical College, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, in 1879.4
     His political affiliation was Republican.4
     William Jasper Atkinson was listed as the head of household on the 1880 US Federal Census in District 141, Moniteau, Cooper County, Missouri, USA, enumerated 14 June 1880. Also living in the house were his wife, Sarah Christine , his daughter, Sarah Stella, and his daughter, Elva Ann Atkinson. His age was listed as 38. He was shown as born in Missouri. His father was born in Kentucky. His mother was born in KentuckY. He was married. His occupation was physician.22
     He resided at Clarksburg, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA, in 1881.4
     The following item appeared in History of Moniteau County Missouri, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA,

Clarksburg was incorporated in 1882 with Dr. Stewart, G.C. Guinner, E. Diefendorf, H. Sappington, W.J. Atkinson, and P.A. Allee, councilmen, and Mr. Williams, attorney. The Grand Army Post was instituted June 18, 1886. W. J. Atkinson was not an initial member, but subsequently joined. In the 1888 election for coroner the votes were as follows; W.J. Atkinson (U.L.) 350, Levi J. Bybee (R.) 1421, and J.M. Robertson (D.) 1495.


     The following item appeared in St Louis Medical Journal, 608 North 13th Street, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, in June 1884
PROCREATION


W. J. ATKINSON, M. D.

That mysterious something we call Life evidently resides in the power of the male, so far as the procreation is concerned. The female is only the soil, as it were, in which the life germ is deposited for development. It appears from nature that man, or the male principle, holds the germ of life, and that it is handed down, or given off, by an effort of the will. Under proper conditions it grows, otherwise it dies. The creative power is decidedly masculine. It is true that without the female life cannot be fully developed, but that life is not dependent upon the female. The female is only the condition that makes it possible for that life to manifest to the world. That condition is only the servant of that power, and dependent upon it for its existence. Life is a unit, but has many manifestations. Physiology is the science that treats of the manifestations or functions of life. What does physiology know of the functions of life? Only such facts as experience has discovered .

We know that an egg that has never received the life germ from the cock bird will not hatch. If it has received such connection it has the power to do so. But the question I wish to direct to physiologists is, How many eggs will be impregnated by a single tread of the cock? There is a turkey hen in this neighborhood that was taken to the cock; he tread her once, when she ran off and returned home. She did not see another gobbler that season, but she laid out that litteri of eggs, went to setting, and hatched all. Is that the general physiological law? I had not supposed it to be so. If such be the general fact or rule, there are a great many useless cocks kept on the farms of our husbandmen. Who will give us more light upon that subject?

Moniteau, Mo., May 12, 1884.23


     William Jasper Atkinson was mayor at Clarksburg, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA. He served for 5 years.4
     The following item appeared in Clegg's International Directory of the World's Book Trade

"I have read most all the authors and taken several courses in Metaphysical Science, and can truly say Phrenopathy is the most scientific exposition of the relations of the human body and the modus operandi of the healing law of any of them. I can and do heartily recommend it to all who desire to heal themselves or others."— W. J. Atkinson, M.D.24


     William Jasper Atkinson was a member of State Eclectic Medical Society from October 1886 to 1895.4
     The following item appeared in the The American Medical Journal, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, in 1887
PATHETISM.

BY. W. J. ATKINSON, M. D.


I wonder how many of the readers of the American Medical Journal knew what that word meant when they first saw it in No. 10, of Vol. 15? By referring to the unabridged dictionary, you will find the word thus defined: "Agency by which one person, by manipulation, is said to produce, in the system of another, emotion, feeling, passion, or other physical or mental effect; susceptibility of emotion or feeling of any kind, from physical contact, or sympathy with the will of another—same as mesmerism." The name pathetism is not the word that is in general use to represent or convey to the mind the idea of the phenomena spoken of in the article referred to. If there is any reason for using that word, it is only as the name of the science of feeling, emotion or passion. In that event, the definition given is incorrect, for it is the science of the agent or agency, and not the agency. Physiology is the science of functional life, but not the life, nor the function. But it would be as rational to define it such as it is to define pathetism an agent or agency. No scientist of any note, either physical or metaphysical, uses that word. It never was used, only by some person who sought notoriety by being eccentric. Mesmerism, magnetism, hypnotism, odylic force, etc., etc., have had their advocates as being the proper names to designate the phenomena.

There is no name so well adapted to convey the idea that is desired as psychology, which simply means the science of the soul. Psychology covers the whole ground, and only by a thorough study of the soul, and the phenomena accompanying its actions, can the laws governing it be ascertained and understood.

The best way to advance science is for all investigators to adopt the same word to express the same idea; but to let everyone use his own peculiar name, and all differing, is but an injury to the cause.

There are a class of, so-called, scientific writers and would-be teachers, who, in their efforts to smother the spiritual origin of things, deny the fundamental principles of existence, and land in the cold, barren region of materialism. A great many preachers, who claim to be authorized by the church of God to teach, accept this materialistic idea, and preach it as God's truth, when, if followed to its legitimate end, it would dispossess the universe of God entirely.

There is an unseen force in the universe, that permeates all existence, and upon which existence in a physical form is dependent. Some organizations contain a greater amount of this force than others, and some have a greater will in wielding it. This agent that produces those results, by manipulation, or otherwise, is independent of the emotions, feelings and passions. These are only the phenomena produced by the operation of the power. The great question that is agitating the world to-day is—What is the power that produces these phenomena ?

There are but two schools of thought upon this subject—the materialist upon one side, and the spiritualist upon the other. The one denying the existence of God and spirits in connection with the affairs of earth. The other acknowledging and believing in the existence of both. But, while that is true, it does not necessarily follow that everything that appears mysterious to us is the direct effort of spirits, miraculously considered. The writer, in the article under review, has taken the materialistic side of the question. For he says from the ignorance of people upon this subject has grown the " hideous lie of spiritualism ; " and in his summing up he says : " Whatever residue of truth is found in the marvels of spirit-rappings, table-tippings, mesmerism, hypnotism, or whatever success of secrets or revelations of things forgotten, are, in my opinion, due to the laws of pathetism; and this fact is clearly evolved, that whatever a man never knew, no magic on earth has ever enabled him to tell, but what he has once known, and in his conscious hours has forgotten, may often be reproduced by the stimulus of suggestions and queries." Now, there may not be any truth in spiritualism. But it is evident, if this writer means to teach that no medium ever told anything but what was known before and drawn out by " the stimulus of suggestions and queries," that he does not know what he is talking about, or else some other people are wonderfully deceived. As, for instance, when the "raps" were first heard at Hydeville, in the Fox family, in 1848, where the "raps" manifested an intelligence that revealed the fact that a man had been killed in the house, and his body buried in the cellar, which facts were unknown to anyone present. And, again, sealed letters, written to dead people, have been answered, with the seal unbroken, which letter was written by a Chinaman, in Chinese characters, to his spirit father, the answer being given correctly in the same character, the medium not knowing a single character that he wrote, he never seeing the letter he answered. The slate-writing test—a piece of pencil, not larger than a grain of wheat, being placed between folding slates, they locked, writing is done that is not done by the physical hand of anyone present, and signed up by some familiar name, perhaps, or, again, by some name not familiar. As an illustration ol slate-writing, I copy the following from the Religio-Philosophical Journal, for September 3rd, 1887:

"A man who designates himself as "Prof." Miller visited the Lookout Mountain camp-meeting, announcing that he was a Spiritualist, and desired to give an exhibition of his mediumistic powers. He was not received, however, with the cordiality he thought himself entitled to, so he went to Chattanooga, and announced his readiness to expose Spiritualism, asserting his ability to duplicate any manifestation given by a medium, Finally, a relative of Mr. James Whiteside, a medium, offered him $100 to duplicate the latter's slatewriting, and explain how it was done. He accepted the proposition. At the exhibition, Mr. Whiteside's two slates were critically examined by " Professor" Miller and the special committee, thoroughly cleaned, and fastened together, with a small piece of pencil enclosed. The medium, Mr. Whiteside, and the "Professor" then jointly held the slates. A sound, as if writing was going on, was heard, and, soon after, when the slates were handed to Miller for inspection, he found the following message written thereon:

" Truth is stranger than fiction. Now, go home, Jim.—Billy."

The test was so striking, that the prestidigitateur refused to duplicate it.

We received a paper from Chattanooga embodying the above, and then wrote to Mr. Paul R. Albert, inquiring as to the truthfulness of the account. In response, he writes as follows:

Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 14th. To the Editor of the Religio-Philosophical Journal:

Your favor of the 10th inst. is to hand. In regard to the contest between Miller and Whiteside, I will say that it was " a square thing." Mr Miller took advantage of the interest taken by our citizens during the camp-meeting in July to advertise his " show " in the city, and on several occasions vaunted himself as being able to counterfeit anything done by a spiritual medium. Mrs. Porter's platform tests he ascribed to mind-reading, and Jas. Copeland's descriptions and names, to information he had surreptitiously procured beforehand. The physical manifestations, he said he could imitate in a better way on the stage than they were done by the bungling mediums in private, etc., etc. This naturally brought about considerable talk, pro and con.

Mr. James Whiteside is a private medium, who never took a dollar for a sitting in his life. He was born and raised here, and is connected with some of the best families. His mother (who was present at the contest) is one of the wealthiest citizens of Chattanooga ; one of Mrs. W.'s brothers is Chief of the Fire Department and candidate for Mayor; another brother is City Auditor; and a third brother is our County Judge and ex-Mayor. I give you these details to show you that Mr. W. is well connected.

I have sat with Mr. Whiteside for many years—once for six successive years regularly, for development and manifestations, two and three times weekly in my own parlor. I got my first proof of spirit communication through him, and such remarkable demonstrations as I have never witnessed through any other medium. Excuse digression.

While Mr. W. is a private medium, and now sitting but rarely, yet whenever he hears Spiritualism is being attacked, he is ever ready to take up the cudgels of defense in demonstration through his mediumship. A relative of Mr. W.'s having heard of the utterances of Prof. (?) Miller, and desiring to assure herself of the genuineness of Whiteside's mediumship, with the consent of the latter to undertake the test, voluntarily placed $100 in the hands of the editor-in-chief of the Daily Times, to be handed by him to Miller if he could get the writing in public, as did Mr. Whiteside. There was no bet; if Miller did not do the writing, he simply did not get the $100; if he did do the writing, he got the $100. The proposition was published in both newspapers of the city. Miller, having nothing to lose, accepted. Mr. Whiteside was quite sick before, during and since the contest, but he was determined to succeed, " even," as he expressed himself to me, " if they carry my dead body off the stage." Billy (his control) had promised me he would succeed, and he never yet broke a promise.

A small hall was rented by Miller (I would not give him the opera house for such purposes, especially as it was undergoing renovation), and when the time for opening was at hand, the money, being demanded in advance, was not forthcoming, owing to the impecuniosity of Miller, and it had to be advanced by one of Mr. Whiteside's friends. I say this to show you there could have been no collusion, as Miller, in the state of his purse, would have been only too glad to have made the $100. The result was just as published in The Commercial.

Prof. (?) Miller was simply dumbfounded. He was made to believe, by the skeptics, that Whiteside did the writing under a table covered with a black cloth, which he frequently does, and Miller, of course, was prepared to imitate this. But when Whiteside got the message, as described in The Commercial, he was entirely taken by surprise, as nothing had been said by Mr. Whiteside or his friends in what manner the writing was to be gotten. Miller has left the town, and thus far has not succeeded in imitating the medium's mode to anyone's satisfaction. Paul R. Albert.

To say that the ignorant only believe in and ascribe such phenomena to the agency of spirits of the departed is to exhibit one's own ignorance of the subject treated. Among those who thus believe may be named some of the best jurists, doctors, scientists and divines of the age. In America, we have Hare, late Professor in a Philadelphia Medical College; Hon. Joel Tiffany, of the Supreme Bench of one of our States ; and Judge Edmunds, of the Supreme Bench of New York. In England, we have Alfred Wallace, Professors Zolner and Crooks, Rev. Santain Moses, and a host of others, both here and abroad, in every nation under the sun, who believe spirits can and do return, and, under favorable conditions, communicate with their friends who yet remain in the body.

I have only given these names and evidences to show that the subject, whether true or false, ought not to be unceremoniously thrust off as a " hideous lie," believed in only by the ignorant. That kind of argument is stale; it is the only argument in stock ready for use by the out and out materialists and their co-laborers who don the Christian name, but deny the power.

As an Eclectic, I do not feel like throwing overboard the opinions of those who have spent years -in the investigation of this subject for that of those who can call it a " hideous lie " without such investigation. There appears to be a disposition to take effects for causes.

Phenomena are only results, showing that a power exists that is operating. The true thought is for scientists and would-be teachers to drink deeper from the fountain of causation. Medical authorities and teachers, as well as most scientists, are too superficial— accept the ipsi dixit of those who have gone before without question. Hence we have but little progress in medical science at present. There is too much of a disposition to anathematize all who do not fall in line without questioning the authority. If a man is disposed to think for himself, and arrives at different conclusions from the literati, he is to be ostraciszed and denied. Such ought not to be the case. Let us investigate all phenomena truthfully and impartially, and accept whatever facts are revealed, although we may have to surrender some of our preconceived notions.25


     The following item appeared in the The American Medical Journal, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, in 1887
ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS.

BY W. J. ATKINSON, M. D.

Electricity, at the present time, is having quite a host of friends who are advocating it as a great therapeutical remedy in nearly every disease that afflicts humanity. It is quite difficult to just determine what it is, and hence to know just how to use it is a little difficult. It has been defined by some as a " mode of motion." If that is a correct definition of the word electricity, I would be pleased to learn what the entity that is moved by mode electricity. The thing moved must be different from the mode or manner of its motion; or, stated syllogistically, we have—

1. Electricity is a mode of motion.

2. The mode of motion of a thing is not the thing itself.

3. Therefore, electricity is only the mode by which a certain unknown power or force moves.

Now in electro-therapeutics we have a power introduced that is not electricity itself, but a force that uses electricity as the mode or manner of its travel, which power or force we try to use to restore lost health.

For lack of a better word to convey to the hearer my idea of that force or power, I will call it Spirit. Electricity then is the manifestation of spirit. In this materialistic age, medical teachers are wont to discard the idea of the existence of spirit altogether. Hence the various materialistic explanations and definitions of things and their actions. It appears to me to be unnecessary at this time to enter into an argument to prove the existence of a power outside and independent of matter, that moves matter and does all that is done, and without which there is not anything done that is done.

When we realize that there is no life, health nor happiness without this power, we then feel that to enjoy its benefits we should study it and learn its relation to us and us to it.

If all life and health are derived from spirit as an influx, then our therapeutics should be selected with a view to that fact.

The nervous system of animals is the means by which spirit manifests itself to the world. The higher the organization the higher and better the manifestation.

That which gives action to all bodies is greater than those bodies. Electricity is only a manifestation of that power. It is not life but the result of life or action. Perhaps in a grade or scale from the coarsest to the finest, the nearest to life of any other substance or mode of action; or in other words, life can act with more power in this manner than in any other; hence in the therapeutical use of it , we get when used according to its laws the most subtile force that material materi medica can impart. But how should it be used ?

We are taught to believe that the nervous system is the great thoroughfare over or along which life is sent to every part of the body—hence there is the general office of health in the brain with the main line of transportation along the spinal cord with the minor offices in the different ganglia, from which goes out the health to the different organs of the body. Therefore to be able to use electricity to any advantage in the treatment of disease, we should first study the nervous system, and more, we should learn that " all forces and faculties belonging to man have their special seats in the brain and corresponding positions in the body. Every elementary power or tendency culminates to a certain locality."

We should first learn those localities, which may be called " Motor Points," to be used as the points upon which to apply the poles of the battery. To illustrate, the region of health is located in the brain on each side of firmness as located by phrenology. Its corresponding point is on the back between the shoulders to center of shoulder blades. To invigorate health apply your current at these points. Stimulate the back at that point and the head at the seat of health.

Medicines that are intended to restore lost functions are equally as efficient applied on these points as ointments, embrocations, etc. As for instance, the lumbo-sacral nerves supply the sexual organs with nerve power or health.

In treating those diseases especially peculiar to females, in addition to the electrical applications, those other remedies that have a specific action upon those organs may be used by rubbing them in to the body on the lumbo-sacral region.

Medicine has a specific action upon'the organs of the body through the nerves that supply them with life. Assimilation and nutrition are functions that are generally most to be aided in the treatment of chronic diseases especially. Electricity being easily applied may be made to do good service in restoring those functions.

The secret of success in treating diseases lies in knowing how and when to use our remedies. Electricity like all other agents has its action, laws and effects, and it requires a great deal of study to be able to use it with profit to yourself and patients. It affords a field of study and work for a century before it will be exhausted and one that will be a means of pleasure and profit to those who pursue it. To those who would make a specialty of electricity I would say, study well the " Motor Points " and apply your remedies through them and let success crown your efforts.26


     William Jasper Atkinson applied for an Invalid application on 16 July 1890.13
     William owned a general practice in June 1893 in Sedalia, Pettis County, Missouri, USA.4
     The following item appeared Sedalia Sunday Democrat, Sedalia, Missouri, USA, on 3 September 1893
Very Successful.
Since Dr. W. J. Atkinson opened his office at 514 East fifth his practice has increased wonderfully and his success has been very great, especially in chronic cases. All who are suffering should visit the doctor.
(an unknown value.)27


     William Jasper Atkinson was a member of Odd Fellows Society before 1895.4
     The following item appeared in 1895
Portrait and Biographical Record
W.J. Atkinson, M.D., a prominent physician of Sedalia, has charge of the Miner Institute for the cure of the liguor, morphine, and tobacco habits. He has made a great study of various systems, and had brought to perfection one of his own, know as the Electro-Hydric and Vitalized Tonic Gold Cure. Since October, 1866, has been a member of the State Eclectic Medical Society, and has written articles for leading medical journals.
     The great-grandfather of the Doctor was born in Scotland, and the grandfather, Frederick Atkinson, was a native of Virginia. In early days he moved to Kentucky and followed his trade as a shoemaker, and the 1827 moved to Moniteau County, Mo., dying there about 1846. Our subject's father, James T., was born in Glasgow, Ky., November 2, 1816, and become a resident of this state in 1826. He owned a valuable homestead of three hundred and sixty acres in Cooper County, but in 1866 sold out, settling near Kingsville, Johnson County. In 1877 he went to Jefferson City and a year later returned to Cooper County, locating on a farm near Tipton, but now resides in Clarksburg. He enlisted for the Mexican War, but was never called into service. For many years he has been a Democrat. He is a Deacon in the Baptist Church, and possesses the confidence and high regard of all his acquaintenances. His wife, Elizabeth, is a daughter of Solomon Martin, a native of North Carollina and of English descent. He was one of the pioneers of Kentucky, settling there when the Indians were very troublesome, but a a later day moved to Cooper County, Mo., where he conducted a farm. Mrs. Atkinson, now over seventy-four years of age, was born near Tompkinsonville, Ky., and by her marriage become the mother of twelve children, all but one of whom grew to maturity, though but four are now living.
     W.J. Atkinson was born in Cooper County, Mo., near Pisgah, may 23, 1842, and attended the district and select schools. In 1860 he took up medical studies wiht Dr. McClanahan, near Tipton, and also practiced with him. In 1864 the Doctor enlisted in Company C, Forty-third Missouri Infantry, being mustered in at Clarksburg, Mo., and was sent under Pleasanton to Jefferson City in pursuit of Price. Returning to Moniteau County, he took part in a number of skirmishes, and when his time of service had expired re-enlisted as a Corporal in the Cooper County Platoon, acting as such until August, 1864, when he was honorably discharged.
     in the spring of 1866 Dr. Atkinson engaged in practice at Kingsville, remaining there until the fall of 1870. the next nine years were spent in Posgah, and then he entered the St. Louis Eclectic Medical College, taking two courses of lectures. In 1881 he became a resident of Clarksburg, Mo., and in June, 1893, opened an office for general practice in Sedalia, but has made a specialty of chronic diseases.
     July 7, 1872, the Doctor married Sarah C. Miller, who was born in Richland County, Ohio. Her father, John M. Miller, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and his father, Andres, a fancy weaver by trade, was a native of Germany and an early settled in the Keystone State. John Miller, who was a man of superior education, graduated with the degree of Master of arts, and was professor in a Pennsylvania college. In Ohio he was married to Christine Grove, a native of Lancaster County, Pa. Her maternal grandfather, whose name was Boyer, was a German early. John M. Miller moved to Missouri and engaged in farming near California, but died in Pisgah. The Doctor and wife have two children; Elva A., who is attending Cooper Institute, and Sarah E.
     In Clarksburg Dr. Atkinson served as Mayor five years altogether, and was also Deputy-Postmaster at Kingsville. Formerly a Republican, he is now a supporter of the People's party. He is a Grand Army man, belonging to Henry Brown Post No. 276, at Clarksburg, and is an ex-member of the Odd Fellows' society. He is not connected with any church, but is a believer in spiritualism.4


     William worked at Miner Institute in 1895. He was in charge for the cure of the liquor, morphine, and tobacco habits.4
     William Jasper is not affliated with any religion. He is a believer in spiritualism though.4
     His political affiliation was People's Party in 1895. He changed his political affiliation from Republican.4
     William Jasper Atkinson was a member of Henry Brown Post No. 276 at Clarksburg, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA, in 1895. He is a Grand Army man.4
     The following item appeared Sedalia Weekly Democrat, Sedalia, Pettis County, Missouri, USA, on 13 November 1896
Death of Solomon Atkinson
Solomon Atkinson, brother of Dr. W. J. Atkinson, and employed at the M. K. & T. shops, died at his home, No. 716 East Fifth Street, at 4 o'clock Tuesday, of general debility, after an illness extending over a period of several months.

The deceased was about 40 years of age and leaves a widow, but no children.28

He was ill with (an unknown value) in December 1898 at Clarksburg, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA, dyspepsia.3
     William died on 25 December 1898 at Clarksburg, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA, at age 56. He died of cancer of the liver..17 Other sources indicate William died on 27 December 1898 in Moniteau County, Missouri, USA, at age 56.6 He was buried after 25 December 1898 in the Hickman Cemetery located in Clarksburg, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA. There is an inscription on William's headstone -- 43 EN. MO. MIL. There is no inscription as to his date of death or birth.
     
Hickman Cemetery is located between Clarksburg and California, Missouri. It is on the blacktop leading South from Clarksburg, Missouri and State Highway #50. It is a small cemetery.12,29

     The following item appeared California Democrat, California, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA, on 29 December 1898
Death of Dr. Atkinson.


     Dr. W. J. Atkinson, after a protracted illness, died at his home in Clarksburg Sunday morning. His trouble started with dyspepsia and continued to grow worse. He was a man of considerable note and possessed many very excellent qualities, his literary attainments being extensive. He was raised in this county, and his parents, James Atkinson and wife, now reside at Clarksburg. He was about 55 years of age, and leaves his wife and two grown daughters. Mrs John Hallford, of this city, is a sister.3



     Photo of Floyd Herrell with picture of William Jasper Atkinson. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)30

Floyd Herrell with a picture of William Jasper Atkinson
Last Edited=20 December 2023

Children of William Jasper Atkinson and Sarah Christine Miller

Citations

  1. [S461] Sarah Stella Miller, Death Certificate file no. 3605 (1942 Jan 27), http://www.sos.mo.gov/, Missouri State Archives, 600 W. Main, PO Box 1747, Jefferson City, Cole County, Missouri, USA, at . Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate (Sarah Miller).
  2. [S443] James Atkinson (#1149) household, June 29, 1870 U.S. Federal Census, Johnson, Missouri, population schedule, town of Kingsville, sheet 4, dwelling 57, family 53, National Archives micropublication . Viewed at http://content.ancestry.com/iexec?htx=View&r=an&dbid=7163&iid=MOM593_784-0219 , Page 8, Kingsville Township. (Document Source Number: 01149-1870-06-07-01). Hereinafter cited as 1870 Johnson County Missouri Census.
  3. [S1366] William Jasper Atkinson )(#528) Death of Dr. Atkinson, California Democrat, unknown location, December 29, 1898, page 1, column 4 (Document Source Number: 00528-1898-12-29-01) . Hereinafter cited as California Democrat.
  4. [S1172] Chapman Publishing Company, editor, Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson and Petis Counties Missouri (Chicago: Chapman Publishing Company, 1895). Viewed at http://cdm.sos.mo.gov/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=%2Fmocohist&CISOPTR=21629&REC=0&CISOBOX=atkinson. (Document Source Number: 00525-1895-00-00-01,02,03). Hereinafter cited as Johnson and Petis Counties Missouri.
  5. [S201] Sarah Atkinson (#529) household, 1910 U.S. Federal Census, Moniteau, Missouri, population schedule, town of Moreau, enumeration district (ED) 96, supervisor's district (SD) 8, sheet 3B, dwelling 71, family 72, National Archives micropublication T624_800. Viewed at www.ancestry.com . Hereinafter cited as Atkinson, Sarah (#529) - 1910 Census.
  6. [S118] Weant, Kenneth E., comp. Moniteau County, Missouri Deaths, 1858-1899 (DATABASE ONLINE). Provo, Utah: MyFamily.com, Inc., 2004. Original data: Weant, Kenneth E., comp. Moniteau County, Missouri 5015 Deaths Reports and Chronological Index to Selected Articles from Misc. Moniteau County Papers California, Missouri, 6 Oct 1858 to 28 December 1899. Volume 1. Missouri: Kenneth E. Weant, 2000. Weant, Kenneth E., comp. Moniteau County, Missouri 4692 Deaths Reported in and Chronological Index to Selected Articles from the California Democrat 4 January 1900 to 28 December 1916. Volume 2. Missouri: Kenneth E. Weant, 2001. Weant, Kenneth E., comp. Moniteau County, Missouri 5570 Deaths Recported in and Chronological Index to Selected Articles from the California Democrat (Includes World War One Draft Registration Lists) 4 January 1917 to 31 December 1931. Volume 3. Missouri: Kenneth E. Weant, 2001.. Hereinafter cited as Moniteau, MO Deaths.
  7. [S382] Sarah Atkinson (#529) household, 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Moniteau County, Missouri, population schedule, town of Clarksburg, enumeration district (ED) 84, supervisor's district (SD) 7, sheet 9A, dwelling 179, family 179, National Archives micropublication T623 876. Viewed at www.ancestry.com . Hereinafter cited as Atkinson, Sarah (#529) 1900 Census.
  8. [S812] Elva Howard (#530), Death Certificate file no. 25665 (July 12, 1941), http://www.sos.mo.gov/, Missouri State Archives, 600 W. Main, PO Box 1747, Jefferson City, Cole County, Missouri, USA, at . Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate.
  9. [S78] William Herrell (#128), "Bill Herrell's Genealogy Records (copy)" (New Haven, Missouri). Supplied by Mike Herrell - 1991 . Hereinafter cited as "Bill Herrell Records."
  10. [S450] James Atkinson (#1149) household, August 16, 1860 U.S. Federal Census, Cooper, Missouri, population schedule, town of Moniteau, sheet 615, dwelling 170, family 170, National Archives micropublication M653_616. Viewed at http://content.ancestry.com/iexec?htx=View&r=an&dbid=7163&iid=MOM593_784-0219 . (Document Source Number: 00149-1860-08-16-01). Hereinafter cited as 1860 Cooper Missouri Census.
  11. [S1839] "Civil War Draft Registration"; Ancestry.com; Provo, Utah, USA Accessed: June 13, 2023 Order Number: unknown number (Document Source Number: 00528-1863-07c-00-01). Hereinafter cited as "Civil War Draft Registration."
  12. [S224] Hickman Cemetery, Clarksburg, Moniteau County, Missouri, USA, William Jasper Atkinson Cemtery Marker, Atkinson (#528), William - Headstone; READ BY Sheila Sue Altenbernd.
  13. [S220] William Jasper Atkinson file; unknown file number; unknown series (n.p.: n.pub.). (Document Source Number: 00528-1890-07-16-01).
  14. [S539] MD W J Atkinson Chronic Cystitis, The Eclectic Medical Journal, Cinncinatti, Ohio, 1868, page 211, http://books.google.com/ on November 21, 2010 . Hereinafter cited as The Eclectic Medical Journal.
  15. [S154] Sara Sue Herrell unknown date.
  16. [S443] James Atkinson (#1149) household, June 29, 1870 U.S. Federal Census, Johnson, Missouri, population schedule, town of Kingsville, sheet 4, dwelling 57, family 53, National Archives micropublication . Viewed at http://content.ancestry.com/iexec?htx=View&r=an&dbid=7163&iid=MOM593_784-0219 . (Document Source Number: 01149-1870-06-07-01). Hereinafter cited as 1870 Johnson County Missouri Census.
  17. [S148] Sarah C Atkinson (#529) file; unknown file number; unknown series (n.p.: n.pub.).
  18. [S200] Unknown document, unknown file name; unknown film (n.p.: n.pub.).
  19. [S202] William Atkinson (#528) marriage, July 7, 1872, unknown repository, unknown repository address. Unknown manuscript info.
  20. [S455] Rootsweb -- Hickman Cemetery, online https://sites.rootsweb.com/~momonite/cemetery/hickman/hickman.htm . Hereinafter cited as Rootsweb -- Hickman Cemetery.
  21. [S1343] William Jasper Atkinson Dr. W. J. Atkinson, Eclectic Physician., Moniteau Journal, California, Missouri, USA, September 4, 1873, page 3, column 3, http://digital.shsmo.org/cdm/compoundobject/collection/caloyal/id/1126/rec/6 on January 26, 2018 (Document Source Number: 00528-1873-09-04-01) . Hereinafter cited as Moniteau Journal.
  22. [S116] William Atkinson (#525) household, June 14, 1880 U.S. Federal Census, Cooper County, Missouri, population schedule, town of Moniteau Township, enumeration district (ED) 141, supervisor's district (SD) 6, sheet 23, dwelling 9, family 9, National Archives micropublication . Viewed at http://content.ancestry.com/iexec?htx=View&r=an&dbid=6742&iid=MOT9_683-0383 . (Document Source Number: 00525-1880-06-14-01). Hereinafter cited as 1880 Moniteau Missouri.
  23. [S540] MD W J Atkinson Procreation, St Louis Medical Journal, St Louis, Missouri, May 12, 1884, page 253, http://books.google.com/ on November 21, 2010 . Hereinafter cited as St Louis Medical Journal.
  24. [S504] Edit by James Clegg, Clegg's international directory of the world's book trade, Volume 6 (n.p.: n.pub., unknown publish date) . Hereinafter cited as Clegg;s International Directory.
  25. [S537] MD W J Atkinson Pathetism, American Medical Journal, St Louis, Missouri, 1887, page 534-539, http://books.google.com/ on November 21, 2010 . Hereinafter cited as American Medical Journal.
  26. [S538] MD W J Atkinson Electro-Theraputics, American Medical Journal, St Louis, Missouri, 1887, page 396, http://books.google.com/ on November 21, 2010 . Hereinafter cited as American Medical Journal.
  27. [S1489] WJ Atkinson (#528) Very Successful, Sedalia Sunday Democrat, Sedalia, Missouri, September 3, 1893, page 8, www.newspaperarchive.com on May 2, 2020 (Document Source Number: 00528-1893-09-03-01) . Hereinafter cited as Sedalia Sunday Democrat.
  28. [S1218] Solomon Atkinson (#1612) Death of Solomon Atkinson, Sedalia Weekly Democrat, Sedalia, Missouri, November 13, 1896, page 7, column 2, www.newspapers.com, viewed at http://www.newspapers.com/image/77961100 on June 27, 2015 (Document Source Number: 01612-1896-11-13-01) . Hereinafter cited as Sedalia Weekly Democrat.
  29. [S1541] Richard Parker, "Cemeteries of Moniteau County, Missouri Vol. III," Cemeteries of Moniteau County, Missouri Vol. III, III, Page: 3,4,38,39,89,94,, File Number: Genealogy 977.801 M74p V.3 Viewed: 2007. (Document Source Number: 03737-0000-00-00-01).
  30. [S25] John Stoerker Altenbernd unknown date.
  31. [S1219] Elva Adkinson (#530) California, Sedalia Missouri Democrat, Sedalia, Missouri, July 7, 1941, page 2, column 2, www.newspapers.com, viewed at http://www.newspapers.com/image/70886376 on June 28, 2015 (Document Source Number: 00530-1941-07-07-01) . Hereinafter cited as Sedalia Democrat.