Legislator Details

Image of William A. Atwood
Image Description:
Portrait captured from Find-a-Grave.com 4/27/2024

William A. Atwood
AKA:
Number of sessions served 1
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 51

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 4/11/1835
City: Newfane, NY
County: Niagara County, NY
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 4/11/1908
City: Flint, MI
County: Genesee County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 4/13/1908
City: Flint, MI
County: Genesee County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Glenwood Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Rachel Pickard of Pendleton, NY in the fall of 1860; she died in 1/1866; married Helen C. Wood of Flint, daughter of Henry W. Wood, 1/11/1871, in Flint; children: Edwin W., Mary and Florence [both girls died in infancy]

Number of Children: 3

Background

Religion: Episcoplaian
Military Service:
Occupation: farmer, lumber dealer, businessman, banker, capitalist
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
common school; attended Wilson Academy in Wilson, NY

Biographical Sketch:
Youngest son of Asa & Fannie (Gibbs) Atwood. Father of Edwin W. Atwood, who was mayor of Flint 1920-22. Learned the jeweler's trade in Lockport, NY at age 17; at 20 moved to Galt, Canada to work with his brother, Jesse B., making staves, barrels & shingles, circa 1855. In 1859, moved back to Niagara Co. to farm & built a shingle mill; went back to Canada when the mill burned in 1863. Arrived in Flint, MI in 1866. Over time had interests in sawmills and woolen mills & a hardware business. He had interest in the Flint Water Works company & the Flint Gas company. For many years he was a director of the Genesee Co. Savings bank & for 10 years preceding his death was its president. He was elected mayor of Flint in 1881.

Notable Facts:
Key in getting iron bridges built of the Flint River in the city of Flint. Mayor of Flint, Mich., 1882-83.

Sessions Served:

Thirty-Fourth Legislature, 1887-1888
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Expiring Laws, Geological Survey of the State, Public Lands, Railroads , State Affairs , State Reform School
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Flint
County of Residence Genesee
District: 13
District Description: Counties of Genesee and Livingston

Date Elected: 11/2/1886
Date Sworn In: 1/5/1887
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Married
Notes:

Bibliography:

PolGryd; MIBiog 1:32; Cyc 1:204-05, portrait facing p.204; Acct p.160; Find-a-Grave.com; MIMarRec1867-1952; Michiganology; Manual 1887 p.592; USCen 1880, 1900
View Bibliographical Sources