John M. P. Atkinson

John Mayo Pleasants Atkinson (January 10, 1817 – August 28, 1883) was the tenth President of Hampden–Sydney College from 1857 to 1883. He was the first alumnus of the college to be named its president and is the longest tenured president to date (26 years).

Biography

Early life John M. P. Atkinson was born on January 10, 1817, at the Mansfield Plantation in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. His father was Robert Atkinson and his mother, Mary Tabb (Mayo) Atkinson. He was educated at Hampden–Sydney College, from which he graduated in June 1835. He studied for the Presbyterian ministry for three years at Union Presbyterian Seminary and for two years at Princeton. Beginning with four professors and one tutor, he brought the student roll from thirty-eight in 1865 to ninety-two in 1873. The troop was assigned to Col. John Pegram's Brigade, Gen. Robert Garnett's command and fought in early battles including both Big Bethel and Rich Mountain. At the battle of Rich Mountain, July 11, 1861, the Hampden–Sydney Boys were captured. After a nearly two-hour fight, the Union forces split the Confederate forces and the latter retreated from Laurel Hill, resulting in the capture of Col. John Pegram's command. The Hampden–Sydney Boys were paroled with the direction not take up arms again and that they return to their studies.

Personal life He married (first) Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Peyton Hawke; (second) Mary B. Baldwin; (third) Fanny, daughter of Hon. Alexander H. H. Stuart.

Death He died on August 28, 1883.