My Genealogy Hound

JOHN S. ATWOOD, livery stable, Ripley, was born in Wilcox County, Ala., in 1840. When thirteen years of age, he came to Ripley and diligently attended to his studies at school, and, in 1859, entered Iberia College, and was graduated from that institution the same year. At the close of his term, he went to the gold regions of California prospecting, and, meeting with some success, returned in 1861 and engaged a short time in teaching school. Before the close of the year, he enlisted in the United States Navy, on board the gunboat Choctaw, of the Mississippi Squadron, and served one year ; he participated in the battles of Vicksburg, Shrevesport, Red River, and in the attempt to capture the rebel ram Webb. Returning to peaceful pursuits to this city, he engaged for one year in the grocery business, when he disposed of his stock, and, in company with his brother, Julius M., and R. C. Rankin, contracted with the county for the construction of the Georgetown Turnpike. This work occupied two years, after which time he was engaged in repairing pikes in various portions of the county. In 1872, he opened a livery stable on Main street, and in 1879 erected the commodious stable which he now occupies. He has made other purchases of real estate in the city, and, in all the enterprises in which he has been engaged, his efforts have been entirely successful. Among other purchases is a tract of land embracing 4,000 acres of land in Michigan, a portion of which has been fenced. He was married, December 31, 1875, to Miss Catherine McCaskill, a native of Alabama. Mr. Atwood have served as Councilman six years, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a man of social and gentlemanly deportment, with qualifications of mind and character that develop elements of energy and enterprise; a straight business man, who stands in the community respected by all who know him.