William Yates Atkinson was an American politician and governor of Georgia, United States from 1894 to 1898.
Background
William Yates Atkinson was born on November 11, 1854 in Brunswick County, Virginia, United States to John Pepper and Theodora Phelps Ellis Atkinson.
He was the sixth of eight children. Born on the farm, up to his seventeenth year he shared in all phases of farm work.
Education
Atkinson attended irregularly the county schools and was taught home by his parents. Thrown upon his own resources by his father's death, he earned money to complete his education and prepared in part at a local private school of some reputation kept by Wm. T. Revill, and in part by his elder brother, a teacher, and by his brother-in-law. He entered the University of Georgia, where, after a brief elective course in the academic department, he transferred to the law school and graduated in 1877.
Career
In 1878 he began the practice of law at Newnan, Georgia. Governor Colquitt appointed him solicitor of the county court, and a successful career began.
The young county solicitor took naturally to politics and in 1888 was elected to the state House of Representatives.
In 1890 he served as president of the state Democratic convention and as chairman of the state executive committee.
In 1894 he became a candidate for governor against General Clement A. Evans, a popular and eloquent Confederate veteran and Methodist preacher. It was deemed a triumph of Atkinson's popularity and political ability when Evans foresaw defeat and withdrew before the election. It is said to have been the first time an ex-Confederate was ever defeated by a civilian in Georgia. Governor Atkinson later appointed Evans to a post on the prison commission.
He was reelected in 1896 without opposition. His administration was without salient features, but his popularity steadily increased and he exercised a dominant influence on the policies of his party.
On the expiration of his second term in 1898 he resumed law practice at Newnan, where he died the following year.
He was a man of considerable ability, a good speaker, and an astute political leader. He was not robust physically, but possessed powers of endurance and courage.
Physical characteristics: In appearance he was tall and spare, with regular features, high brow, and crisply curling dark hair.
Connections
On February 23, 1880 he married Susie Cobb Milton, they had six children.