Springfield-Greene
County LibraryJ. S. ATKINSON. Among the reputable men of Springfield who in their conduct of business matters and the duties belonging to the various relations of life have acquired a worthy name, we may well mention Mr. Atkinson, who has been a resident of this city for at least ten years. A man of superior intelligence and rare business ability and efficiency he has done not a little to advance the reputation the county enjoys as a commercial center. He is the manager of the Springfield White Lime Works and this calling to lie devotes his attention suits him admirably for his efforts have been crowned with success. The limestone that Mr. Atkinson makes a specialty of has been tested by some of the leading chemists and found to yield as follows: --Silica 0.33 per cent, Oxide of Iron 0.21 per cent, and Carbonate of Lime 99.46 per cent, and pronounced the purest limestone ever analyzed. The Springfield White Lime Company has been in existence since 1884 when it was established by James H. Smith of Springfield. In October of that year the concern was incorporated under the law of Missouri, with James H. Smith president, J. G. Schermerhorn vice-president and J. S. Atkinson secretary and treasurer. On the 4th of March 1885, Mr. Atkinson bought Mr. Schermerhorn's interest after which Mr. Smith was elected president, M. M. Atkinson vice-president and J. S. Atkinson secretary and treasurer. Thus the firm continued until February 8, 1892, when J. S. Atkinson was elected president and treasurer, James H. Smith vice-president and M. M. Atkinson secretary. On the 6th of March, 1893, J. S. Atkinson was made president and treasurer, J. E. Atkinson vice-president and M. M. Atkinson secretary. Thus the firm stands at the present time. This large industry was established with a capital stock of $18,000 and is now doing an annual business of $50,000. About twenty hands are employed, four kilns are kept going, and it has a capacity of 1,000 bushels per day. His business has always been on a paying basis and he has one of the largest plants in this section of the country. The firm ships to Kansas City, St. Joseph, Denver and to a large number of points in Kansas and other States. The lime is of perfectly pure nature, being made of a shelly formation of limestone, and is of very superior strength. The quarries are located at the crossing of the Frisco and Gulf Railroads on East Phelps Avenue, Springfield, and there is a large supply of the limestone which extends from 150 to 200 feet deep and extends for one half mile on the top of the hill near the plant. M. Atkinson. the general manager, was originally from the Keystone State where be grow to manliood and received his education. He is a son of E. S. Atkinson, who still resides in Pennsylvania. When twenty-one years of age Mr. Atkinson turned his face toward the setting sun and located in Kansas where he followed merchandising. Later be resided in Ft. Smith, Ark, and after this for eighteen years was in Indian Territory where he followed merchandising. After coming to Springfield he was engaged in the real estate business for about a year and then embarked in his present industry. His business qualifications are of the highest order, and he is recognized as one of the best citizens of the city. In his political views he leans to the Republican party and gives that the weight of his influence and vote. In 1887 and '88 he was elected mayor of Springfield and was well liked as a public official. He has been a member of the city council two or three times, is of a social, genial disposition, and has a large share of those traits of character to go to make up the popular citizen. He was chairman of the County Republican Committee one year. In 1859 be became a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Mound City Lodge No. 33, and is also a member of the Knights of Honor. While a resident of Kansas he was married to Miss Maria Manington, a native of New York State and five children were born to this union, three of whom are living: John E., Ruth S. and Ethel M. The son is in a hardware store in Springfield and the daughters are attending Drury College. Mr. Atkinson has a pleasant home at 1251 Benton Avenue, near Drury College, and is surrounded with all the comforts of life. He and family attend the Presbyterian Church of which they are all members, and contribute liberally to its support.
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