NOTE: The given name is spelled as MATHEW and MATTHEW in official records.

     Matthew B. Atkinson, born 7 Aug 1846, was the son of Cornelius Brown Atkinson, born about 1806 in Monroe County, Ohio, and Catherine Brown, the daughter of Michael Thomas Brown & Mary Ann (Unknown). Cornelius Brown Atkinson was the son of James Atkinson and Mary Brown. James served in the Revolutionary War, as did his father Cornelius, his brother Charles, and possibly his brother William.

     The Matthew Atkinson family moved from Monroe County, Ohio to Wood County, West Virginia. Matthew mustered in to serve in Company "K" of the 15th (W) Virginia Infantry on 7 Mar 1864. At the end of the war he served in Company "F" of the 10th West Virginia Infantry.

     On 16 Jun 1870, Matthew married Rachel Jane Clegg, born 10 Oct 1848. Their children were Emerson W., Iva L., Pearl D., Pemberton? J., Harmon G., Leota M., Hulbert H., Perry Tucker, Lotta May, Charles F., and Clara L.

     The death of Matthew B. Atkinson occurred on 4 Mar 1933. He is buried at Vaught Chapel, Leachtown, Wood County, West Virginia.