Dinwiddie County Virginia USGenWeb Archives Biographies.....Jones Atkinson, Sarah October 14, 1860 - November 14, 1943
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Ed Olsen edogenealogy@mail.com September 24, 2025, 8:23 pm

Author: Ed Olsen

Sarah Green "Sallie" Jones Atkinson – Educator, Suffragist, and Community Leader

Sarah Green "Sallie" Jones Atkinson, born in 1860 in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, 
was a dedicated educator and community advocate whose contributions left a 
lasting impact on her home county. Raised in a family committed to education, 
Sallie carried forward this legacy through her efforts to enhance rural 
schooling.

In 1886, she married John Pryor Atkinson, and together they raised at least 
eight children while actively supporting civic initiatives.

In 1911, the Atkinsons donated land and timber to establish Sunnyside High 
School, which became the first accredited eight-month rural school in Virginia, 
significantly expanding educational opportunities for local youth. Sallie also 
championed youth development through her support of the local 4-H Club, 
fostering skills in agriculture and domestic arts [1]. Her commitment to social 
progress extended to the women’s suffrage movement, where she served on a state 
committee under Governor Andrew Jackson Montague, advocating for women’s voting 
rights.

In recognition of her contributions, the Virginia Department of Conservation and 
Historic Resources erected a historical marker in 1986 near McKenney, Dinwiddie 
County. Sallie passed away in 1943 and is buried at Concord Presbyterian Church 
in Brunswick County, Virginia. Her legacy as an educator and advocate continues 
to inspire Dinwiddie County.

Additional Comments:
Sources
Wikipedia, “Sallie Jones Atkinson” accessed September 2025.
Historical Marker Database, https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=26838, accessed 
September 2025.
Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/46941768/sarah-green-
atkinson, accessed September 2025

This biographical sketch was prepared by Grok for Ed Olsen, Coordinator of the 
Dinwiddie County USGenWeb site. Ed Olsen has reviewed and verified the content 
for accuracy and relevance to the site's mission.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/dinwiddie/bios/jonesatk34nbs.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/vafiles/

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