Atkins, William Avery, 1879-
Dates
- Existence: 1879 - 1958
Biographical Information
William Avery Atkins was born in Indianapolis on July 7, 1879. He graduated from Indianapolis High School in 1897 and Purdue University in 1901.
As a student at Purdue University, he was a member of Sigma Chi, Irving Literary Society, Mandolin Club, Glee Club, and served as class president from 1898-1899. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
Based on correspondence, it is believed that he married Suemma Vajen Coleman in 1907. She died on April 16, 1924, shortly after the birth of their child. The William H. Coleman Hospital was dedicated in her memory. Atkins later married Mary Helen Sayles.
Atkins was superintendent at the E. C. Atkins Company, owned by his father. He was a joint owner of the Spencer Hotel in Indianapolis from 1909 and took over ownership in 1940. He also was a lessor of the Hotel Severin and Indiana Parking Garage.
He died of a stroke December 18, 1958.