Obituary Mr. I. Atkinson

Civil War Veteran

Died Apr. 3 [1928], Brookings. S. Dak.

The funeral service for Mr. I, Atkinson, who passed away on the 3rd instant, was held at the First Baptist Church, at 2:30 p.m., on the 6th. Large numbers of friends and neighbors of Mr. Atkinson for many years, including the few members remaining of the G. A. R., the Relief Corps, and a guard of honor from the American Legion were in attendance.

Members of the family present were: Mrs. Louise Atkinson, widow of the deceased; two sons, Jesse of Chicago, and Frank of Almont, N. D., the wife of another son, Walter of Chicago, and Miss Elizabeth Kirkwood, a niece of Mrs. Atkinson, who has been with her aunt, in Brookings for the past three years.

I. Atkinson was born in Illinois December 7th, 1840. He came to Minnesota in 1853, settling with his parents in Champlain Township. In 1861 he entered the Civil War, in the 3rd Minnesota Infantry. He was taken prisoner on July 13th, 1862, was parolIed, and returned to Minnesota for the Indian Campaign which he entered September 5th, 1862. One of the most severe engagements in which he had a part was the battle of Wood Lake, which resulted in the release of three hundred prisoners, most of whom were women.

On January 16th, 1863, he went south again where he remained until the close of the war. He took part in the Vicksburg campaign and the capture of Little Rock. Arkansas. He was mustered out at Fort Snelling, September 16th, 1865, at the close of the war.

On March 22nd, 1866, he was united in marriage to Lizzie Campbell of Chicago. To this union were born seven children, all of whom, with one exception, survive him. He brought his family to Dakota Territory in 1880, and settled on a claim near White, on the farm where R. R. Stamp now resides.

He has held office in town, county, and state. He was a member of the last Territorial Legislature, and a member of the South Dakota Constitutional Convention of 1889. His wife died in 1894. In 1903 he was married to Louise Kirkwood, who survives him.

He became a member of the Baptist Church soon after his first marriage. He served as a deacon for several years and up to the time when he was no longer able to attend the services of his church. He was faithful, consistent, and loved by a wide circle of friends. Interment was in the cemetery at White.

[Paragraph about funeral attendees omitted here.]

An obituary can but briefly epitomize a history so full of interest as that of this pioneer, patriot and promoter of all good things. Hundreds of incidents of his life might have been recorded verifying the epigram, "Truth is stranger than fiction."

"Uncle" Atkinson, as the people of White and vicinity had affectionately learned to term him, was one who had the absolute confidence and respect of all. His integrity of character was unquestioned. While a resident here he was a regular attendant at the Presbyterian church, to which he gave liberal support, financially and otherwise. His home life, his dealings with his fellowmen and his service to his beloved country, were marked by the spirit of sincere Christ-likeness.

He was one who might have said with Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.

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Taken from Find A Grave website

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