My Genealogy Hound

Thomas L. Atkin, planter, Poplar Bluff, Ark. Among the many estimable citizen of Ashley County, who are successful in their different callings, may be mentioned the name of Thomas L. Atkin, who is one of the foremost men among the agriculturists. He was born in Perry County, Ala., on February 27, 1857, and remained in his native county until ten years of age. He came to Ashley County, Ark., with his mother and stepfather in 1867, and here he has made his home ever since with the exception of the years 1872 and 1873, when he was attending Barton Academy in Mobile, Ala. When twenty-three years of age he started out to farm for himself, purchased 120 acres and has earned on agricultural pursuits ever since with good success. He has a steam gin on his place with a capacity of ten bales per day, and it is fully equipped with all modern improvements. Mr. Atkin is also merchandising on a small scale and carries a stock of goods valued at about $1,000. He was married on March 24, 1887, to Miss Mattie Powell, daughter of Ed Powell, and they have one son Edward P. Mr. and Mrs. Atkin are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is both a member of the A. F. & A. M. and the K. of P. In politics he is Democratic. His parents, Dr. David and Mary (Cooper) Atkin, were natives of Ohio and Alabama, respectively. The Atkin family came to America prior to the Revolution, and David Atkin came to Alabama sometime in the forties. He was married in Mobile, and the fruits of his union were three children—two daughters and a son. Helen died when quite young and Zoe died in 1870, at the age of fifteen years.