In the middle of the nineteenth century there came into Oregon from the east people who as builders of the state have left their impress indelibly upon its history. Not all who came sought personal benefit from the utilization of the natural resources here afforded. There were those who were actuated by the high purpose of bringing the Christian religion to the native sons - the race of red men who had long dominated the region - also to the early pioneers among the white race who were here building the commonwealth which is today the great state of Oregon. Dr. George H. Atkinson planted the seed in the earth of men that bore fruit in good deeds, kindly actions and generous purposes.
A native of Massachusetts, he was born in Newburyport, on the 10th of May, 1819. After the period of early youth was passed he divided his time between the work of the farm and school teaching, being thus engaged until 1839. A young man of twenty, he then entered Dartmouth College and while pursuing his college course spent a portion of each year in teaching in order to defray his expenses. His literary course was made the foundation of special training for the ministry. Following his graduation he was appointed to do missionary work in the Zulu country of South Africa by the American Board of commissioners for Foreign Missions. Upon the urgent solicitation of the American Home Missionary Society his destination was changed to Oregon. He left Boston on the ship Samoset, October 24, 1847. In February, 1848, he reached the Sandwich islands and after remaining at Honolulu for three months to secure a vessel bound for Oregon, he embarked upon the British vessel Cowlitz, a ship belonging to the Hudson Bay Company, and crossed the Columbia bar on the 12th of June, 1848.
At that time it was believed that Oregon City would be the metropolis of this portion of the country and taking up his abode there, Dr. Atkinson remained for fifteen years. He brought about the plans of the academy and college at Forest Grove. This institution was incorporated by the first Oregon legislature in 1849, and in 1852 Dr. Atkinson returned to New York and secured its adoption by the American College & Education Society, thus obtaining the first funds to defray the expenses of teaching. At that time he purchased public-school books to the value of two thousand dollars and brought them to the territory and procured the establishment of a public-school system in 1849. Dr. Atkinson was made the first school superintendent of Clackamas county and held the same position in Multnomah county for two terms following his removal to Portland in 1863. His efforts were extremely potent in building up the public-school system of this city.
Dr. Atkinson continued a resident of Portland from 1863 until his death, which occurred on the 25th of February, 1889, at his home at No. 195 Salmon street. He had always been an earnest champion of Oregon and his enthusiasm concerning the state and its opportunities was contagious.
He was the first home missionary sent out to this coast, arriving in Oregon City in 1848, and for a full generation was the mainstay of all the beginning of Congregationalism both in Oregon and in Washington. When he passed away the denomination was desolate for he had excelled them all.
Portrait of George Atkinson and this article presented to George H. Atkinson School and John Withers - Principal
May 23, 1990
Presented by Cub Scouts - Pack 15 Den 1