Archibald Atkinson

Archibald Atkinson (September 15, 1792 – January 7, 1872) was an American lawyer and slave owner who served three terms as a U.S. representative from Virginia from 1843 to 1849. He was a veteran of the War of 1812.

Biography Born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, Atkinson received a liberal education.

Education and early career He attended the law department of the College of William & Mary (now William & Mary Law School), Williamsburg, Virginia.

Later career and death He served as prosecuting attorney for Isle of Wight County.

He died in Smithfield, Virginia, on January 7, 1872. He was interred in the graveyard of Old St. Luke's Church, four miles southeast of Smithfield.

Elections 1841; Atkinson lost his first election for the U.S. House of Representatives; he was defeated by Whig Francis Mallory, winning only 11.26% of the vote. 1843; Atkinson was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 50.07% of the vote, defeating Whig James E. Langhorne. 1845; Atkinson was re-elected with 55.9% of the vote, defeating Whig R.H. Whitfield. 1847; Atkinson was re-elected with 50.82% of the vote, defeating Whig Samuel Watts.