The Biographical Dictionary of America/Atkinson, William Parsons

ATKINSON, William Parsons, educator, was born in Boston, Aug. 12, 1820. He was graduated from Harvard college in 1838, and soon after his graduation began to teach. He was appointed professor of English and history by the Massachusetts institute of technology at its organization in 1868, becoming sole instructor in English studies. As a teacher he was very successful, being by nature and education peculiarly adapted to the profession. He was a fellow of the American academy, and editor of the Massachusetts Teacher. In 1889 he tendered his resignation to the institute of technology, and in accepting it the executive committee expressed their deep regret and their appreciation of his services. He delivered many able lectures before literary societies, his last course consisting of five lectures before the young men's Christian union, Boston, on the "Boyhood of Famous Authors." He wrote many valuable works, among which are "Classical and Scientific Studies," and "The Great Schools of England," a lecture on "The Right Use of Books," "History and the Study of History; three Lectures," and a lecture on "The Study of Politics." He died March 10, 1890.