The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-08-19
JOHN ARKINs Is DEAD.
n Colorado Pioneer and Edftsr OF the
sRocky Mountain News"


DESvEs, Aug. 1s-John Atkins, since
1880 one of the owners and the manager of
the ROCKY Mountdia Ners. and for many
years its editor as we'll. died at his homo
here today OF gastritis, aged 81 years. Col.
Atkins first showed signs OF breaking
health last February, and on the advice OF
physicians took trip 90 the Pacific coast
in tins hope that rest and sea air would re-
store him TO health. He returned unim-
proved. and was then advised TO so TO Ex-
celsior Springs, Mo-. where he spent
months without experiencing beneficial
results. A fortnight ago he was brought
home. He leaves o widow and one son.
fJohn Atkins was born at Fayette, Pa,
February IL. 1912, While called colonel
and while looking every inch soldier
born to command. his title was only hon
orary. IL was his pride that in the civil
war he never got above the rank OF
corporal This was In n company OF tho
Fifth Minnesota infantry When the var
broke out be promptly enlisted in what
proved to be celebrated regiment and
served three years Its chap ain was the
nov famous Archbishop Ireland. for
whom Private Atkins formed q strong
attachment, which continued To bis death.
Col Atkins three years experience IN the
war lett its effects upon all his alter life
and brought out the genial side Of the
man, and even in his last illness, al
most 20 the very end, he remained an
entertaining and iovial companion, with
ant snecdote and good story always at bis
tongues end. All through the Northwest
and South az far as New Orleans Col
Atkins worked at the printers trade after
the close of the war. In ls12 no
came TO Colorado and for several years
worked as composition and foreman In
m. y. q - 4 HI i'll
began he went into the new mountain
mining camp and established the
Eveafag Chroaicle IL was his first
newsuaper venture. and the latent tsient
of the man iehped into active LIE. Inc
Chronicle made great success and became
a power in politics. In 1850 he sold the
ciYoateie and bought an interest In the
RockV Mountain Netrs. the Oldest paper
in Denver lis energy and vim at once
began 10 make itself felt From staid.
humdrum sheet the Nesrs became Ia
very short time bright, nevsy. aEgFes-
sixs newspaper. lie found Il IN little
two-storv. shabby frame building. lie
lef, il housed IN q hse-story brick. .
eonuIess modern Newspaper estahl sh-
nent. grown from the limited plant %
fSSa For over fourteen years ne continued
thr uaanaxemenI OF the Ness making Il a
great success not only financially. but as
A newspaper Of great and tar-Fsacntng
taHumnNN. IA an W1AAoFt& NFAtNF haN
Was practical, forcefnl and absolutely
fearless lie WAS man Of acute
aud accurate perceptions; Of QUICK. neE-
yaus energy and perseverance saat al
United no obstacle. lie did not aspire 70
literary work He WAS = newspaper maa
IN the truest sense Of the word. lis whole
heart Vas IN his business and his
hans made sUccess % u lie sss :
stsaaf.st. helpful friend. lie sAs Sind
hearted. Almost extravagantiy generous
and always sympatheue and ehar4taa.s.
In tolistss he vas a fighter OF TIE OH
school,. ana hts ardsns inpassive fenpssA-
meat resulted in his having whip o.
scorpions always ready. Socially BE VAS
eNptsyatfng and compan ienanlr. and he
cane 20 be known and admired through
the xhals Geld Of journalism Col Arkias
waS a man ct striking personal preserves,
and his frank. hearty manaer ~ttraetea
strangers aud held his friends tn the
cIo.ess bonds It's employees looked upon
him As = friend. and stood resdy 70 nasAs
almost Anv sacrifice IN carrying oet as
wishes. 50 great wAs their love Tor a8fa'
ia wss nnaa 81 sEslwaTt agare and Ell
rrpsssxe face. whose bearing spoke OF MS
lnfreps8 courage aaa All