ATKINSON THOMAS POLK

1875 - 1932  (56 years)

• Name	ATKINSON THOMAS POLK
  Born	3 Nov 1875
  Gender	Male
  Died	11 Feb 1932
  Person ID	I07313	Gynzer's Genealogy Database
  Last Modified	4 Jul 2005

  
  

  Family	HOHMAN IDA ELIZABETH,   b. 20 Apr 1876,   d. 30 Jul 1928  (Age 52 years)
  Married	2904
  Children	1. ATKINSON MARY BELLE + 2. Living   3. ATKINSON HENRY EDWARD (BUDDY),   b. 5 Jan 1908,   d. 12 Dec 1909, Died of what was later thought to be polio.  (Age 1 years) + 4. ATKINSON BETSY DORIS,   b. 25 Sep 1910,   d. 18 Oct 1962  (Age 52 years)   5. Living
  Family ID	F02552	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Notes

  Polk was a native of Fordyce, Ark., and became a highly sucdcessful business man. At 16, he left home to attend the U. of Ark., where he spent 2 years, working to pay his way. He then went to St. Louis in 1894, where he worked for Ely, Walker & Co., wholesalers, while there also attending Browns Business Colelge. After graduation, Ely Walker recommended him to T. F. Brink of Nashville, Illinois, for a store managerial position. In 1897 he moved to Nashville, Illinois, and for the next 7 years, held that position with T. F. Brink Dry Goods Co. It was here that he met and married Ida. After their marriage, they moved to Vandalia, Illinois, where Polk headed the firm of Atkinson & Brink. Mr. Brink was the silent partner, with Polk in full charge. In a few years he was sole owner of a thriving business. In 1914, he opened a second store in St. Elmo, Illinois, which continued till his death. At the time fo his death, a Mr. Mansfield had one-third interest in the Vandalia Store, which had a grocery dept. as well as dry goods, clothing and shoes. Polk was a very charitable man who did much to help the poor unfortunate and handicapped in his area. From "Hoffmans 1662 - 1972" Compiled by Bernice Reinhardt