Biography of Thomas Clark Atkeson - Summers Co. WV The History of West Virginia, Old and New Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, Volume II, pg. 618 THOMAS CLARK ATKESON. All who know anything of the organized and cooperative farm movement of America are familiar at least with the name of Thomas Clark Atkeson, for many years prominent in the National Grange. Many who know his work and leadership in national affairs do not associate him with West Virginia, his native state, where for many years he has been known and honored as a practical farmer and teacher of agriculture. Doctor Atkeson was born at Lawndale Farm, Buffalo, West Virginia, in 1852, son of Thomas and Virginia Harris (Brown) Atkeson. He grew up in a rural com- munity, attended country schools, the Buffalo Academy, West Virginia University, and in 1874 graduated in law from Kentucky University. In later years, in recognition of his attainments and services, Barboursville College in 1892 bestowed upon him the honorary Ph. D. degree, and he received the Master of Science degree from Morris Harvey College in 1897. For many years Doctor Atkeson had a busy program of activities in journalism, the practice of law and farm- ing as well as teaching. He was a farmer and lawyer from 1878 to 1891. During 1891-93 he was professor of agricul- ture in West Virginia University. The years 1893 to 1896 were again devoted to farming. In 1896-97 he was presi- dent of Barboursville College, and from 1897 to 1911, was dean of the College of Agriculture of West Virginia University. He served the University as professor of animal husbandry from 1911 to 1914, and since the latter year has been professor of animal husbandry emeritus. During 1914-15 he was statistician of the State Depart- ment of Agriculture and editor of the West Virginia Farmer at Charleston. As a young man he became interested in the Patrons of Husbandry or the Grange, and for twenty-four years was master of the West Virginia State Grange. For eight years he was overseer of the National Grange, a member of the National Grange Executive Committee, and since January 1, 1919, has been Washington representative of the National Grange, residing in that city. Doctor Atke- son is author of "Bookkeeping for Farmers," published in 1893; a "Catechism of Agriculture," published in 1913; "Semi-Centennial History of the Patrons of Hus- bandry," published in 1916; and has written hundreds of articles and bulletins on agricultural, economic and political subjects. His home is still at Lawnvale Farm, near the village of Buffalo. He is a director of the Buffalo Bank, has served as a member of the Board of Education, of the Board of Regents for West Virginia University, as sec- retary of the State Geological Commission, as member and president of the State Board of Agriculture. He is a democrat and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. July 8, 1878, Dr. Atkeson married Miss Cordelia Meek, at Catlettsburg, Kentucky, daughter of Rev. Z. Meek, D. D. There are four children, Thomas Z. Atkeson, who mar- ried Nina Beach; Karl C. Atkeson, who married Lizzie Thomas; Mary Meek Atkeson, Ph. D., author of the chap- ter "West Virginia Literature and Literary Writers," published in Doctor Callahan's History of West Virginia; and Leda C., wife of Prof. E. W. Sheets, now connected with the Bureau of Animal Husbandry at Washington and formerly professor of animal husbandry in West Virginia University. Submitted by Valerie Crook **************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied for personal use only. ****************************************************************