UPSON COUNTY, GA - Obits Capt. James W. Atwater Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: LisaGraham32@aol.com Lisa Graham Capt. James W. Atwater Dies. Was One of City's Most Prominent and Wealthiest Citizens. Another pioneer is gone. Captain James W. Atwater died at his home in this city Sunday night, Dec. 21, 1913 at 11 o'clock. His end was peaceful and not unexpected for the reason he had been in declining health for several months. The deceased was eighty-seven years of age, and is survived by his wife, Mrs. ANTOINETTE RESPESS ATWATER; One son, Capt. James R. Atwater, and six daughters, Mrs. J. Mary Smith of Griffin, Mrs. Fred Farris of Atlanta, Mrs. George R. Turpin of Macon, Mrs. William P. Leonard of Talbotton; Mrs. Roland W. Spain, of New York city, and Mrs. A. J. King, of Macon. Besides being one of the oldest and wealthiest of Thomaston citizens, he was one of the most prominent, influential and highly esteemed. Not only did he stand high in affections of his home people but wherever he was known men respected and loved him. Captain Atwater served through the Civil war with distinction. He was noted for his bravery in battle and his efficiency in military tactics, being made captain of five different companies to perfect their organization. After the conflict ended he was active in the politics of Upson Co., serving as the County commissioner for 12 years, during which terms of service he was one of the men in the state to refuse a permit for a crossroad saloon. Captain Atwater was also one of the founders of the R. E. Lee Institution of Thomaston, and for 23 years acted as chairman for the board of trustees for that well known institution. The Funeral services were held at the late residence of the deceased Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock and were conducted by Rev. J. M. Tumlin, Pastor of the Methodist church, assisted by Rev. Jos. Hannah of Newnan Presbyterian church and Rev. Nath Thompson, of Tate, Ga. He was a member of the Methodist church. At the conclusion of the service at the home of the Masonic Lodge took charge of the remains and buried them with he beautiful and impressive ceremonies of the ancient order, of which he was a member in GLENWOOD Cemetery. James W. Atwater- 1827- 1913 (wife) Antoinette Repress Atwater- 1847- 1916 Daughter- Katherine Atwater Farris 1886- 1935