Atkinson, Wade H., Dr., 1866-1942
Biography
Dr. Wade Hampton Atkinson was a native of Johnston County, a philanthropist, and a medical doctor in Washington, DC for 50 years.
Dr. Atkinson was born near Princeton, NC, on November 4, 1866, to Thomas H. and Martha Richardson Atkinson. He was educated at the University of North Carolina; the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois; and Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. He became a resident physician at Emergency Hospital, Washington, D.C., and began his private practice the following year.
Dr. Atkinson married Nancy Eishman (a native of Virginia), and they had one son, Wade H. Atkinson, Jr. (1902-1939). He purchased farm land in O’Neals Township, Johnston County, and after retirement, built a cottage on the property, where he and his wife enjoyed spending time.
Dr. Atkinson performed free tonsil and adenoid surgeries to underprivileged children of Johnston County, and he was a leader in the movement to provide electricity to rural areas of the county. Also, a believer of libraries, he set up a library in the Corbett-Hatcher School and donated all the books.
Dr. Atkinson died at his Johnston County home on November 14, 1942, and was buried in Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, D. C.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Dr. Wade H. Atkinson Library Collection
The Dr. Wade H. Atkinson Library Collection contains four mailing envelopes filled with postcards, correspondence, pictures, and newspaper clippings and four scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings.