William A. Atwood

William A. Atwood (April 11, 1835 – April 11, 1908) was a Michigan politician.[4][5]

For the English lawyer and writer, see William Atwood. For the American baseball player, see Bill Atwood.
William A. Atwood
Michigan State Senator
In office
1887–1888
GovernorCyrus G. Luce[1]
Preceded byHorace C. Spencer
Succeeded byWilliam Ball [2]
Constituency13th District[3]
23rd Mayor of the City of Flint, Michigan
In office
1882–1883
Preceded byCharles A. Mason
Succeeded byGeorge E. Newell[4][5]
Alderman
In office
1877–1879
Serving with William A. Burr (1877-1878)
Henry C. Walker (1878-1879)
Preceded byHenry Brown
Succeeded byS.I. Beecher
ConstituencyCity of Flint 3rd Ward[6]
Personal details
BornApril 11, 1835
Newfane, Niagara County, N.Y.
DiedApril 11, 1908(1908-04-11) (aged 73)
Flint, Michigan[3]
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Helen C. Wood
RelationsAsa and Fannie (Gibbs) Atwood, parents
Jesse B., brother
H.C. Wood, Father-in-law[7]
ChildrenEdwin W. Atwood[3]
OccupationFarmer, Banker, Manufacturer
ProfessionBusinessman

Early life

On April 11, 1835, Atwood was born in Newfane, Niagara County, New York[3] born to Asa and Fannie (Gibbs) Atwood. Asa was a merchant who retired to farming. He joined his brother in a stave and cooperage factory at Galt, Canada. Closing the factory in fall of 1869, he returned to Pendleton, New York to farm for two years. During his those two years, he opened a shingle and heading mill which burnt down two and half years later without insurance. He returned to Canada in the fall of 1863 to operate a business in lumber and shingles until the end of reciprocity treaty in March 1866. He started up the same business in Flint, Michigan with his brother, Jesse, and B.W. Linnington. He married Helen C. Wood, daughter of noted oldest Flint resident, H.C. Wood.[7]

Political life

For two years, he was a Third Ward Alderman.[7] He was elected as the twenty fourth mayor of the City of Flint in 1882 serving a 1-year term.[3][4] Many improvements were made to the city in his administration with the water works founded, the first city iron bridge and more. Atwood defeated former Michigan Governor Begole for the Michigan State Senate seat in 1886.[7] In 1887 began Atwood service in the State Senate from the 13th District serving and chair three committees: on State affairs, on Public Lands and on Railroads. Additionally a new Flint City Charter was approved by the state legislature.[7]

Non-political life

He purchased a partnership share of Flint Woolen Mills in 1876 which would later be known by the name of Stone, Atwood & Co.[8] He further purchased a share in Wood & Atwood Hardware Company in 1884 and maintained holdings in the First National Bank and Genesee County Savings Bank. He also served as vice president of Genesee County Savings Bank and president of Flint Gas-Light Company.[7] He was buried in Glenwood Cemetery after his April 11, 1908 death.[3]

Political offices
Preceded by
Henry F. Pennington		 Michigan State Senator
13th District
1882-1883		 Succeeded by
William Ball
Preceded by
Charles A. Mason		 Mayor of the City of Flint, Michigan
1882-83		 Succeeded by
George E. Newell
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References
  1. "Former Officials of Michigan" (PDF). Michigan Manual. Lansing, Michigan: State of Michigan. 2003. p. 513. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
  2. "Members of the Michigan State Senate, 1880-89". Political Graveyards.com. Lawrence (Larry) Kestenbaum. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
  3. "Index to Politicians: Atwood . -- Atwood, William A. Entry". Political Graveyards.com. Lawrence (Larry) Kestenbaum. Retrieved 2009-02-06.
  4. "Chapter XIII: Roster of City Officials". History of Genesee County, Michigan, Her People, Industries and Institutions. Michigan Historical Commission. 1916. Retrieved 2009-02-06.
  5. List of Flint City Mayors. Political Graveyards.com
  6. Ellis, Franklin (1879). History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Philadelphia, PA.: Everts & Abbott. p. 177.
  7. "HON. WILLIAM A. ATWOOD". 1892 Portrait & Biographical Album of Genesee, Lapeer & Tuscola Counties, Chapman Bros. 1892. pp. 801–803. Retrieved 2009-02-06.
  8. "Flint Woolen Mills Records". U of M-Flint. University of Michigan-Flint. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
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