William Yates Atkinson

 

William Yates Atkinson was born in Meriwether County, Georgia in 1854. He graduated from the University of Georgia, then went on to serve as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, where he was pivotal in founding the Georgia Normal and Industrial School for Girls (now Georgia College & State University). He was elected governor of Georgia twice, in 1894 and 1896, finishing his second term in 1898. He died on a trip to Florida the following year. Atkinson County, Georgia was named in his honor on August 15, 1917.

Biography from the New Georgia Encyclopedia

This Day in Georgia History November 11

Our Georgia History Biography

William Yates Atkinson Biography (Wikipedia)

Portrait from UGA Law Library

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