Col. Arthur Atkinson
A gloom of sadness was thrown over this entire community on Saturday afternoon when it was announced that Col. Arthur Atkinson was dying. But few had contemplated such sad news and the announcement was received with surprise. He had been in his usual health unto Wednesday, and on the afternoon of that day was in his office attending to business as usual. But atlas! His old malady, diabetes, took a strong hold upon him and carried him swiftly away. He died at 12 o-clock on Saturday night.
We cannot speak in too high terms of our dead friend. He was an unusually bright young man, and his moral and religious character was without a blemish. He was a kind, obedient, loving son and brother, and from the cradle his conduct was so manly that he never required, and never received a harsh word from his parents. In early life he joined the Baptist church, and had lived up to all the requirements of a Christian gentleman. He had just passed his twenty-second birthday. His remains will be interred in the Jackson cemetery from the Methodist church today at 11 o-clock.
The Argus tenders to the bereaved family its condolence in this their hour of trouble.(Middle Ga. Argus - Week of January 18, 1887)

Submitted by Don Bankston

Jenkinsburg
The death of Col. A. A. Atkinson was regarded as a national calamity. His was the best composed mind of any man within the circle of our acquaintance. Many of our people who met Arthur will sustain me in saying that even in common conversation he could not hide the jewel within, and when he was called upon here the 4th day of last July, he responded in a continued stream of combined logic, eloquence, loyalty and statesmanship that held our people spell bound for an hour. He had sealed the ladder of fame and our people were only waiting for an opportunity to bestow that honor he so richly deserved. But alas! We are often doomed to disappointment. We extend our heart felt sympathy to his relatives, friends and our common country.

(Middle Georgia Argus - January 25, 1887)

Submitted by V. S. Harrison