This public domain work, originally published in 1898 by Barton Atkins, paints a fascinating picture of the history of Buffalo, NY between 1790 and the turn of the twentieth century. Captain Atkins served on various ships on the Great Lakes between 1842 and 1876. Atkins also describes his stint as President Grover Cleveland’s appointee as Marshal of the District of Alaska from 1885 to 1889.
Those familiar with modern-day Buffalo will recognize many of the names mentioned as they are now memorialized on street signs and buildings throughout the city.
A republishing of Barton Atkins’ 1899 public domain retrospective of the mighty Niagara River – from its 1534 “discovery” by French navigator James Cartier, through its role in the War of 1812, until the end of the Patriot War in 1838.
This is NOT just a scan of an old book. It is the complete work with all text and images. It has been carefully and painstakingly converted into text and manually edited to ensure accuracy and readability. This is the only version available that has been restored in this manner.
Sea Captain • Public Servant • Author
Barton Atkins
1826 – 1901
BARTON ATKINS DEAD.
One of the Oldest Settlers of Buffalo Passed Away After an Eventful Career, The death of Barton Atkins occurred in the family home, 330 Linwood Avenue, on Saturday afternoon [December 16, 1901], Mr. Atkins was born on Dec. 6, 1826, and was therefore nearly 75 years old at the time of his demise.
Mr. Atkins was descended from a family which was long settled in this county. His grandfather, Samuel Atkins, was one of a company of farmers who came from Central New York and settled at Buffalo Plains in 1806. Samuel Atkins and his wife, Anna, were among the 29 founders of the First Congregational and Church Society of Buffalo, which is now the First Presbyterian Church. In 1807 Samuel Atkins built a log tavern at Buffalo Plains, which became a great resort for travelers and Revolutionary heroes and which furnished an asylum to many families at the time Buffalo and Black Rock were burned by the British in the War of 1812.
Barton Atkins, the son of Samuel R. Atkins, made his home in Buffalo until 1865, being engaged for most of the time in lake pursuits. After that he lived in Marquette, Mich., for five years, and then removed to Duluth and became owner and master of the steamer Metropolis, which ran between Duluth and the south shore towns of Lake Superior.
Mr. Atkins, in 1876, went to St. Paul as agent for one of the largest of Western railroads. In 1885 he was appointed United States Marshal for Alaska by President Cleveland, between whom and Mr. Atkins there existed a warm personal friendship.
“Bart, if you do anything dishonest. don’t come back to the United States,” was the President’s injunction to his appointee.
Mr. Atkins was an unusually companionable man. He had a keen sense of humor and was a good story-teller. He had excellent literary taste, read much, and wrote considerable on topics of local history. Two of his published works are “Modern Antiquities” and “The River Niagara.” Mr. Atkins was interested in the Buffalo Historical Society and presented to it a collection of objects gathered by him in Alaska. In 1850 Atkins married Eliza Russell, daughter of Washington A. Russell, who was one of the early settlers of Buffalo Plains. Mrs. Atkins died three years ago.
Mr. Atkins is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Archibald A. Mcleod of New York, and Mr. Arthur R. Atkins of Buffalo. A sister, Mrs. Eliza E. Clarke of Buffalo, also survives him.
Obituary from The Buffalo Evening News
— Monday, February 18, 1901.
Other Books on Buffalo
Nostalgic Buffalo
This book includes the best of the United States Library of Congress’ Detroit Publishing Company photography collection from Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Western New York, and beyond.
Pan-American Buffalo and Niagara Falls – A Picturesque Souvenir is a reproduction of Charles Cutter’s beautiful booklet originally sold at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition held in Buffalo, NY between May 1 and November 1.
This public domain work is a republishing of A. E. Richmond’s 1892 book explaining the evolution of Buffalo – from the Queen City of the Lakes to the Electric City of the World – thanks to the limitless energy provided by the mighty Niagara River.
This public domain work – originally published by Charles W. Sumner in 1886 – consists exclusively of pen drawings of various Buffalo buildings and landmarks in the late 19th century.
This is a fascinating view of early Buffalo. It’s interesting to see where the names of a lot of today’s streets and buildings originated.
– David E.
(Modern Antiquities)
It’s amazing how a large waterfall and a series of lakes can serve as the foundation for the evolution of a major city.
– Nadine P.
(The River Niagara)
I’ve read all of the Buffalo books published by Media Hatchery. They paint an interesting picture of the growth and history of the city. The rebirth is happening now!
– Keith W.
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