George Wesley Atkinson

Republican Representative of West Virginia's 1st district

Congresses Served

House Terms

June 29, 1845 (79 years old)

Birthday

April 4, 1925

Death

Served as the 10th Governor of West Virginia from 1897 to 1901.
Held various positions including cavalryman, lawyer, politician, judge, and scholar.
Elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates and served in the U.S. Congress for a brief term.
Worked as a revenue agent and U.S. Marshal for the District of West Virginia.
Advocated for political reform, including anti-corruption measures and labor rights such as an eight-hour workday and child labor laws.
Championed public education, infrastructure development, and equal immigration policies.
Appointed as a United States federal judge on the Court of Claims, serving from 1905 to 1916.
Authored 11 books, including works on history, poetry, and law.
Received multiple honorary degrees for his contributions to education and public service.
Actively supported African-American political representation in West Virginia during his later years.