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Jeremiah T. Atkins
Winneshiek County
One of the early settlers in Winneshiek county. He was born at Phillipson, Worcester county, Massachusetts, on the 4th of April, 1811. In October, 1835, Mr. Atkins came to Iowa, locating in the eastern part of Winneshiek county, near Frankville, and twelve miles from Decorah. For several years after his settlement in Iowa Mr. Atkins was engaged in improving lands and practicing law. He spent considerable time at Decorah, and at other county seats, in attendance at the courts. He abandoned the practice of law, devoting his time largely to buying and selling land, in which business he has been quite successful. In 1856 Mr. Atkins was elected State senator, representing eleven counties in the northeastern part of the State. He was among the leading members of that body, and conspicuous for his industry and his knowledge of parliamentary practice. The year after he was elected, the new constitution came before the people for their adoption, and Mr. Atkins canvassed his senatorial district in its support, rendering good service in that direction. In 1867 he was returned to the lower house of the general assembly, and proved an earnest and successful worker in the interests of his constituents. He aided essentially in getting the railroad through Winneshiek county and to Decorah, and his services in this respect are today highly appreciated. Mr. Atkins has been identified with most of the important improvements in his locality. Mr. Atkins is of Whig antecedents, and on the dissolution of that party promptly joined the republican, to which he is indebted for his political honors. On the outbreak of the rebellion he was interested in the salvation of the Union, and though too old himself to enlist, he did a great deal to encourage others. In 1861 he was the first in the county to receive an enrolling commission, which Governor Kirkwood sent him early in that summer. Mr. Atkins was married to Miss Harriett Math.
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