John Atkins

John Atkins was the father of Lida Isabel Johnson Newman. Some of what we know about John Atkins is revealed by his handwritten will, dated Jauary 6, 1938. While clearly providing for his brother Thomas, his daughter Mrs. Lida Newman, and including his nieces Mrs. Ruth Henry and Mary Robinson, and Mrs. Daisy Mann, he left little room for contention. He wrote that anyone disatisfied and protesting his will would forfeit what had been left to them.

He also left instructions for handling his account with Lincoln National Bank. Ownership of the house at 452 Ridge and all funds in his account remaining after his obligations had been settled were to be tranfered to his daughter Lida.

We are unsure of when he was born, but belive he died in the summer of 1946.

John Atkins served in the US Military. During his time of service his post including fighting in the Spanish American War (April - August 1898). After returining from the war, like many US Military officers, he settled in Northwest quadrant of Washington D.C. He owned a home on Riggs Street NW near what is currently Logans CIrcle.

During his civilian career John Atkins was a succesful contractor involved with constructing new buildings in northwest D.C.