Born Newnan, GA, Nov. 11, 1858
Died Newnan, GA, August 8, 1898
William Yates Atkinson served in the state house, becoming speaker of that august body. He was a two-term governor of the state (1894-1898) and most noted today for his role in the creation of Georgia Normal and Industrial College in Milledgeville (Georgia College and State University). Atkinson County is named in his honor.