Theodore Atkinson

Colonel Theodore Atkinson (December 20, 1697 – September 22, 1779) was an American politician, lawyer and militia officer who served as the secretary of New Hampshire from 1741 to 1762.

The Honourable Theodore Atkinson
Secretary of New Hampshire
In office 1741–1762
Preceded by	Richard Waldron
Succeeded by	Theodore Atkinson Jr.
Personal details
Born	December 20, 1697 New Castle, New Hampshire
Died	September 22, 1779 (aged 81) Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Parent(s)	Theodore Atkinson III Mary Atkinson
Alma mater	Harvard College (g. 1718)
Occupation	Politician, lawyer, military officer
Military service
Allegiance	New Hampshire
Branch/service	New Hampshire Militia
Rank	Colonel

Early life

Theodore Atkinson was born in New Castle, New Hampshire on December 20, 1697. His parents were Colonel Theodore Atkinson III and his wife Mary. Atkinson was sent to study at Harvard College, graduating from the institution in 1718. A year later, his father died, and by the mid-1730's, Atkinson had moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he worked as a lawyer.^[1]

Political and military career

In 1741, Atkinson was appointed as the secretary of New Hampshire, serving in the office until 1762, when he passed it to his son Theodore. However, after Theodore died in 1769, Atkinson once again served in the office until 1775. Atkins also served in the New Hampshire Militia at the rank of colonel.^[2]

Later life and death

Atkinson died in Portsmouth on September 22, 1779.^[3]