George H. Atkinson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Henry Atkinson
George Atkinson in his early years.
Born	May 10, 1819 in Newburyport, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	February 25, 1889 in Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Church	Congregational
Education	Andover Theological Seminary
Offices held	Superintendent of Missions of Congregational Churches of Oregon and Washington Territory
Spouse	Nancy Bates

George Henry Atkinson (born May 10, 1819 – died February 25, 1889) was an important American missionary and educator. He lived in what is now the state of Oregon. In Oregon, he worked as a pastor for churches. He also helped start Pacific University. George Atkinson strongly supported creating a public school system in Oregon Territory. He later became the superintendent for schools in Clackamas and Multnomah counties.

Early Life and Education

George Atkinson was born on May 10, 1819. His hometown was Newburyport, Massachusetts. He went to school at Bradford Academy and Newbury Academies. Later, he moved to Hanover, New Hampshire. There, he studied at Dartmouth College and finished in 1843.

After college, Atkinson went to Andover Theological Seminary. He studied religion there and graduated in 1846. That same year, he married Nancy Bates. On February 24, 1847, George Atkinson became a Congregational minister. He and his wife were then sent as missionaries to Oregon Country.

Their journey was long. They sailed on a ship called Samoset. They went around Cape Horn at the tip of South America. Then they stopped at the Sandwich Islands. From there, they traveled on the vessel Cowlitz. They arrived at the Columbia River in 1848.

Life and Work in Oregon

Portrait of Atkinson in later years

When they arrived, the Atkinson family settled in Oregon City, Oregon. George Atkinson was the first missionary sent to Oregon by the American Home Missionary Society. On June 21, 1848, he became the leader of the Congregationalist Church in Oregon City. The church building was finished in 1850. In January 1849, he helped create the First Congregational Society of Oregon City. This church later became the Atkinson Memorial Congregational Church.

George Atkinson served as a minister there for 15 years. He also helped start the Clackamas County Female Seminary. He worked with Tabitha Moffatt Brown and Harvey L. Clark to found Tualatin Academy in Forest Grove. Before he left for Oregon, the missionary board asked Atkinson to start an academy. The school officially began on September 29, 1849. Atkinson was a trustee of this school. It later grew into Pacific University.

Father of Oregon Schools

In 1849, Atkinson also worked hard to create public schools. Because of his efforts, educators called him the "Father of Oregon schools." He believed that education should be free for all students. He thought schools should get money from taxes. He also wanted a special fund to help pay for schools. Atkinson believed that local communities should control their schools. He also wanted schools to allow religious freedom. Finally, he thought teachers should be trained and certified.

After public education laws were passed, George Atkinson became the first superintendent of schools in Clackamas County. In 1865, he moved to Portland. There, he became the pastor of the First Congregational Church. He also served as the school superintendent for Multnomah County.

Later Years and Legacy

Gravemarker

In 1872, George Atkinson left his church. He began working as a missionary full-time. By 1880, he was named the Superintendent of Missions. This meant he oversaw Congregational Churches in Oregon and Washington Territory. He traveled all over the region. He is known for creating the phrase "Inland Empire." This term describes the eastern parts of Oregon and Washington.

In 1885, his district was divided. Atkinson remained in charge of the Oregon section. He continued this work until he passed away in Portland on February 25, 1889. He was buried at River View Cemetery in Portland.

Images for kids

• 

  George Atkinson in his early years.

• 

  Portrait of Atkinson in later years

• 

  Gravemarker