Samuel Wordsworth Atkins

Notes:

THIS INFORMATION CAME TO ME FROM MIRIAM "MIRRIE" LINDA
ATKINS CORGAN, MY MOTHER'S TWIN SISTER. /JULY 1995

In Missouri he lived in the home of a licensed medical doctor. He
accompanied the doctor on his calls around the country side and foot
hills of the Ozarks. After a few years he took the state board exams and
passed and was able to hang out a shingle and start his own practice. If
I remember right there is a vertical Tombstone in the same cemetery that
William Arthur Atkins is buried. With the name Samuel Atkins DOB and DOD.
Why I say this is cause when I was a child Prior to WW II Grandmother
Atkins would invite Albert, my father to come to a reunion at the
cemetery where there would be tables with alot of food and where
different relatives were buried. We children ran around the tombstones
playing tag admonished off and on by grandma Atkins and other old ladies
"Don't step on the graves ". That was the mounds straight out from the
Markers (stones). On the most part we stayed off the mounds. Back then if
you were adjudged as not trying to cooperate( Obey). There came a timeof
instant "taking care of". The food was wonderful. I remember two things
cold lemonade and a white cake covered with thick vanilla icing with real
cream in it....
Back to Samuel Atkins, Samuel lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan before
moving to Missouri. There was a furniture factory that some of the Atkins
men worked in. It was nationally known for children's highchairs.
Samuel had several sons. William Atkins was the youngest. His
childhood was kinda like the Joseph Story in the Bible ( My paternal
grandfather) The older brothers wouldn't let him hang around them. One
day they started throwing gravel at him to go home. Some got imbedded in
one eye. His dad did what he could but some foreign material couldn't be
extracted. Years later this eye was operated on and though this operation
was a success he died in the post operation room. He hemorrhaged
internal. the nurses didn't see anything. The only time I ever saw my dad
cry, standing at the phone getting that information from Kansas City. I
was six years old in 1937.
One time only dad took us to St. Louis, Missouri to a cousin (child
of one of grandpa's brothers. The home and family very respectable, but
no particular spark of warmth. That was it , No further contact.
Grandpa had a married sister named Libby. Her husband's named was
Horace Patterson. We went to her home somewhere around Springfield,
Missouri a few times. We never stayed but like an hour or less. She was
pretty with alot of thick white hair. She had a married daughter . Her
name was Leah. Her husband's name was Elmer ( Chaffin or Thompson ? ) he
was a guard at the prison. Libby's daughter was very friendly and
outgoing. she had Connie and I go with her to her strawberry garden. We
helped her pick a large mixing bowel of strawberries, which she washed
and sliced and poured over a slice of angel food cake, which we all ate
heartily. Then lastly Grandpa had a female relative ( I think her name
was Birdie. she married a Muskogee, Oklahoma Newspaperman, James Bixby.)

THE END

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In James Albert Atkins obituary it states that Samuel Atkins was a
union soldier from Michigan during the Civil War and came to Missouri
afterwards.
Samuel is buried in Dodson Cemetary in Rogersville, Missouri. On his
tombstone it reads "FROM LOVES SHINING CIRCLE THE GEMS DROP AWAY"
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I found information in the 1860 Michigan census in the town of
Watson in Allegan County ( it was taken on the 25th day of June) Page
372. It showed Samuel W. Atkins to be 16 years old at the time. It also
stated his father, Samuel A. Atkins was 55 years old and a farmer. It
also stated that Samuel W. was born in Michigan and his father and mother
were both born in New York. Allegan County is very close to Kalamazoo.
In the 1870 census ( done on the day of August 18 in the town of Watson,
Allegan County Missouri on Page 392 ) it showed Samuel W. Atkins to be
25 years old, married to Frances, who was 19 years old and living on his
own farm next to his father , Samuel A. Atkins. In the 1980 census of
Michigan. ( I found on the Soundex )
It stated Samuel W. Atkins was still living in TWP Watson, county
Alligan.( born in Michigan) Samuel W. is 35 years old and his wife,
Frances is 29. It showed them to have 3 children at the time. The
children were listed as Birdina (female ) age 7 years, Earl ( son)age 5
years old and Arthur (son, William Arthur Atkins ) age 2. It states all
the children were born in Michigan.( Vol. 1,Sheet 13, Line 14, ED 14 or
74. on the regular census.)

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In the Missouri Union Veterns of the Civil War , which was in a way
a cenus taken for Union soldiers and their widows for pensions. It was
taken in 1890.Since all the 1890 census were burned up this help me prove
that Samuel W. Atkins was a union soldier from Michigan and did move to
Missouri some time between 1880 and 1890. The Green County, Missouri was
on Roll 30. It also looked like the town was Springfield in Missouri.
It stated:
Samuel W. Atkins
House # 66
Family # 64 or 69 (I think this is the order of
families they talked
to)
Privite /company I (i) /
Name of Regiment or Vessel 5 In the Michigan
Calvery
Date of Enlistment: August 22, 1864
Date of Discharge July 3, 1865
In for 1 year, 10 months and 11 days
Post Office Address Palace, Green County,
Missouri

Served under Col. Russell A. Alger
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From Robert Atkins "Bobby", my mother's cousin stated Samuel Atkins
lived in Flint, Michigan. He also stated he saw a land deed for Samuel
that stated the land was in Flint, Michigan. Maybe he lived in both
places? I did not find any cenus record of them living in Flint, Michigan
but that doesn't mean it wasn't true either. It will just take more
research.

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In the Missouri Soundex for 1900- Vol. 34- ED 48- sheet 5- Line 48
Green County, Clay Twp

Frances M. Atkins is 49 now. Her birthday is given March 1851 and
born in Michigan.
William A. Atkins is 22 years old and born June 1878 in Michigan.
Elizabeth M. Atkins "Libby" is 17 years old and Born June 1883 in
Michigan.
Charles E. Atkins is 11 years old and born September 1889 in
Michigan.

Idal Harrett BO (Border ?) Born April 1874 in Missouri. she is 24
years old.
Ray G. N (neighbor ?) Born July 1895 in Missouri. he is 4 years old.

Samuel W. Atkins was not listed. He died 1898.

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In July of 1996 I visited Dodson Cemetery and there was a Alta
Atkins buried next to Samuel and Frances Atkins. His headstone states
born 1907 and died 1913. I don't have this child listed as their child. I
need to check the 1910 Missouri Census when it comes out
Dodson Cemetery is located on highway 60 by Springfield. your drive
to road NN and turn South. There is a gas company there called Empire
Gas, a white and green building. It is on the oppsite side of the street
that you turn on. you go down NN just a short ways and the road turns.
Right where the road turns will be a small cemetery, Dodson Cemetery.

Samuel married Frances M."Frankie" Blakeman on 02 Jul 1868 in Allegan County, Michigan. Frances (daughter of J.W. Blakeman and N. Kelsey) was born on 26 Mar 1851 in Michigan; died on 26 Feb 1909 in Missouri; was buried in Dodson Cemetary, Rogersville, Green County, Missouri. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Elizabeth Mercedis "Libby" Atkins was born in Jun 1882 in Michigan; died in 1943; was buried in Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield, Green County, Missouri.
2. Charles Elwood Atkins was born on 11 Sep 1888 in Michigan; died on 18 May 1946; was buried in Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield, Green County, Missouri.
3. Rachel Birdena "Birdie" Atkins was born on 22 Feb 1873 in Allegan County, Michigan; and died.
4. Earl Samuel Atkins was born in 1875 in Michigan; died in 1947; was buried in Dodson Cemetary, Rogersville, Green County, Missouri.
5. William Arthur Atkins was born on 03 Jun 1878 in Michigan; died on 21 Dec 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri; was buried in Dodson Cemetary, Rogersville, Green County, Missouri.

Notes:

On the census of 1860 taken on the day of June 25th ( PAGE 372 )
Twp. Watson , Allegan County Michigan. It showed Samuel A. to be 55 years
old and born in New york. His wife, Ann was 41 and also born in New York.
Stated he was a farmer. His children were Susan 30 years old, Sarah E. 22
years old,Samuel W. 16 years old and Squire R. 8 years old. In this
census there were 2 other Atkin's living on a farm next to Samuel A.
They were both born in New York also. The Proof I have of them being
brothers is that Charles Atkins (Cousin to Connie Atkins and younger
brother to Robert "Bobby" Atkins) sent information that was worked out
with the aid of a letter written in 1887 by Elisha DeAlembert Blackeman
to Afred A. Blakeman, who were family to Frances Blakeman Atkins, the
wife of Samuel Wordsworth Atkins.

Albert W. Atkins was 29- a farmer-born in New York
Jane B. Atkins was his wife and 28 years old. Born in New York
Cora Atkins - daughter - 8 months old - born in Michigan ( there was
also a
Martha Pierce,4 years old and a Emily Benson 13
years old.

Oliver Atkins was 27 - farmer and born in New york
Isabelle E. Atkins was his wife and 18 years old and also born in
New York.
Mary A. Black 20 years old was at the house at the time of the 1860
census. Stated her Occupation was a Milliner ( makes hats).

In the 1880 census Samuel A. Atkins was 75 years old.he still lives
in Watson Twp, Allegan County, Michigan. States his mother and father
were both born in New york. The census states that he is widowed at this
time but remarried a Arminta who is 64 years old. She herself is also a
widowed and has Rheumation too. It states she was born in Mofs. ( that is
what it looked like, but maybe this should be Mass. ) her father was born
in R. F. ( what ever this means ) her mother was also born in Mofs. Susan
Atkins is Samuel A. Atkins daughter and still living there at the time.
She is 51 years old and born in New York. There was a Hugh Livingston ,
white male 16 years old and listed as a servant. He did attend school
last year. He was born in Scotland as was his parents. So I guess Ann
Atkins died sometime between 1870 and 1880 census.

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September 10, 1997 I found on Genweb Archives for Allegan County,
Michigan
a listing of Hicks Cemetery in Watson 's County. From a list prepared by
Ruth Robbins Monteith. Hicks Cemetery is a small but old buring ground of
Section 24 and was originally a part of the Hicks Farm. The oldest Stone
is that of Leliah Hicks d. Mar. 28, 1839. One acres was purchased by the
township some time after 1843. Neither township clerk nor Sexton has a
plat or early records. There are many graves that have no markers. By
1997 many fo these stones were unreadable, and there are more gravesites
not listed on the 1937 list.

ATKINS
These members of the Atkins family were originally buried in the orchard
of the Atkins farm just west of Witheral Lake but were moved to Hicks
when the farm was sold to Pat McLaughlin.

Albert W. b. Dec. 12, 1830 d. Apr 1, 1885
infant son of A. W. & J.B. d. Oct 1, 1865 ae 3d
Maritta A., Dau of S.A. & Rachel b. Oct 11, 1842 d. Mar 11, 1844
Mary, dau of Samuel & Rachel b. Apr 18, 1840 d. May 18, 1840
Rachel, Wf/ Samuel b. Apr. 19, 1808 d. September 29, 1849 ae 41.5.9
Samuel, b. May 20, 1805 d. Apr 30, 1888
Sarah E., b. Oct 20, 1837 d. May 6, 1868
Susan C. b. Dec. 31, 1828 d. Oct 5, 1887

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In Fall of 97 I went to the Historical Building in OKC. 1830 New York
Census
showed a Samuel Atkins living in in TompKins County, Enfield TWP. Males
in the household : age 20-30 males there was one. , Age 20 -30 females
there was one female, Age under 5 females there was one .
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On February 3,1998 I received a email from jpavlak@accn.org(Janet Pavlak)

I have a 1880 Allegan county History book and it says Samuel A. Atkins a
former resident of Tompkins Co. New York was among the foremost pioneers
of 1838 and located upon the east half of the northeast quarter of
section 26 of Watson twp on section 24 was a squatter named David Updyck,
who after a brief residence, desposed of his improvements to a permanet
settler. With him Mr. 'Atkins remained until he had completed a house, to
which he speedily brought his family. Mr. Atkins experienced all the
hardships of pioneer life, etc. etc. etc. Do you have this? I also have a
copy of the deed where the land was sold to some of my relation the
McLaughlins by the heirs of Samuel Atkins. Janet

On February 24, 1998 I recieved Snail mail from Janet Pavlak, 2950 18th
Street, Hopkins, Michigan 49328
copies of pages from the 1880 Allegan County History book.

Samuel A. Atkins, a former resident of Tompkins Co., N.Y. was among
the foremost pioneers of 1838, and lacated upon th eeast half of the
northeast quarter of section 26. On section 24 was a squatter named David
Updyck, who after a bried residence, disposed of his improvements to a
perment settler. With himn Mr. Atkins remained until he had completed a
house, to which he speedily brought his family. Mr. Atkins experienced
all the hardships of pioneer life, and was on one occasion obliged to
carry a bag of corn on his back seven or eight miles to Pine Creek to be
ground, and to bring back the grist in same manner. Perseverance and
courage, however, ultimately brought him a competence, which he still
lives to enjoy. His son, A. W. Atkins, who came with his father in 1838,
now redides upon a tract of 200 acres on sections 23 and 26.

EARLY BURIAL-PLACES

The earliest death in Watson occurred in the family of S.A. Atkins.
No ground having been set apart fo purposed of interment, the remains of
the little one were taken to Martin for bruial. In 1843 an Acre of
ground was purchased of Eli Watson, on the section 20, neatly fenced, and
planted with attractive shade-trees, which has since that date been used
by the townspeople as a cemetery. some years later and acre was secured
on section 24, which was inclosed and devoted to the same use. This
consecrated spot is located on the borders of a picturesque lake and
adorned with evergreens and maples, which combine to make it one of the
most attractive localities within the limits of the township.

Samuel married Rachel Carmen. Rachel (daughter of Caleb D Carmen) was born on 19 Apr 1808 in New Jersey; died on 29 Sep 1849; was buried in Hicks Cemetery, Watson Township, Allegan County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

February 10, 1998
I received my Allegan County Miscellany ( Issued quarterly) This is a
gathering of old newspapers from Allegan County, Michigan. I had on page
seven,Volume1, issue 3. Allegan County Persons who died during the Year
1850 ending June first. In Watson Township It had Rachel Atkins, female,
age 42, Married, born in New Jersery, September, Cause of death was Child
bed. ( My Great, Great Great grandmother. )

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On February 2, 1998 I received email from a Janet Pavlak , 2950 18th
Street, Hopkins, Michigan 49328 (email address jpavlak@accn.org)
Stating:
I have a 1880 Allegan County History book and it says Samuel A.
Atkins a former resident of Tompkins Co. NY was among the foremost
pioneers of 1838 and located upon the east half of the northeast quarter
of section 26 of Watson twp on section 24 was a squatter names David
Updyck, who after a brief residence, disposed of his improvements to
permanet settler. With him Mr. Atkins remained until he had completed a
house, to which he speedily brought his family. Mr. Atkins experienced
all the hardships of pioneer life, etc.etc. Do you have this? I also have
a copy of the deed where the land was sold to some of my relation the
Mclaughlins by the heirs of Samuel Atkins. Janet.

I emailed her and said I would pay for some copies. She sent these to me
snail mail on February 24, 1998,
In these papers that were copied from this 1880 book of Allegan County,
History Book it said that Calab D. Carmen, another pioneer from Tompkins
County, N.Y. , located in 1838 upon 40 acres on section 23 (maybe 25) .
He was the father-in-law of Mr. Atkins, and found with him a temporary
home until he could build a log house for himself. Mr. Carmen was by
trade a shoemaker, and during the early years of his residence numerous
demands were made upon his skill. He resided on the place he first
occupied until his death, ten years later at a very advanced age.