William T. Atkinson

WILLIAM T. ATKINSON is among the best and most favorably known citizens of Kansas City, Kansas. He is a banker, and has been a resident of this city since 1891, when he came here as receiver for the First National Bank, having held this position until the business of that institution was closed out. In 1893 he became connected with the Armourdale State Bank, of which he has been the capable president from its organization.

Mr. Atkinson was born in the city of London, England, July 9, 1848. His parents were William and Ann (Clark) Atkinson. They had but two children, namely, William T., whose name introduces this personal sketch, and Sarah, who became the wife of George W. Hardy. The father was born in the city of London, and the mother in Yorkshire, England. He was a steamship clerk in his early days and in 1856 he came, with his family, to America, locating in Shelbyville, Shelby county, Illinois. There he became a contracting builder, in which business he continued until his death at the age of fifty years. The mother lived to be fifty-five years of age. They were members of the Church of England, and were possessed of sterling qualities of both heart and mind.

William T. Atkinson was eight years of age when his parents brought him to this country. He grew to manhood in Shelbyville, Illinois, where he attended the public schools, and then the Shelbyville Seminary. He learned the printer's trade, but did not follow that trade long, rather engaging in mercantile pursuits in Shelbyville. In 1872 he came west, locating at Topeka, Kansas, where he carried on mercantile pursuits, later at Holton, and still later at Hutchinson, Reno county, Kansas. Of this county he was elected treasurer in 1873, which office he held for four years, and thereafter was engaged in banking in Hutchinson. He remained there up to 1891 when he came to Kansas City, as receiver for the First National Bank of this city. Mr. Atkinson was chosen first president of the Clearance House of Kansas City, Kansas, and is the president at present. He has also served as the second president of the Mercantile Club, of Kansas City, Kansas, and has otherwise borne a prominent part in affairs of the city.

In politics Mr. Atkinson is a Republican, but since serving as treasurer of Reno county, he has never sought public office. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Episcopal church.

November 27, 1873, Mr. Atkinson married Miss Laura F. Kelley, who was born in Shelby county, Illinois, the daughter of Chattam and Elizabeth Kelley, the former born in Tennessee, and the latter in Kentucky. Her father was a farmer and then a merchant. Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson have had two children, namely, Lloyd H., a salesman of steel rails in New York city, and Leo K., who died at the age of eighteen years.

As a banker Mr. Atkinson has won an enviable reputation, and as a citizen the record of a progressive and public spirited man. He has forged his own way to success in life, by reason of energy, perseverance, and straightforward dealing.