author
Smith D. (Smith Dykins) Atkins
1836–1913
A Civil War officer, newspaper editor, and lawyer, he built a career that moved from the battlefield back to public life and the printed page. His story brings together military service, politics, and the world of 19th-century American journalism.
1 Audiobook
Chickamauga. Useless, Disastrous Battle
by Smith D. (Smith Dykins) Atkins
About the author
Born in New York on June 9, 1836, he moved with his family to Illinois while still young and began working in journalism early in life. He studied at Rock River Seminary, read law, and was admitted to the bar, but newspapers remained a major part of his career.
During the American Civil War, he served in the Union Army and rose from private to colonel, at times commanding both infantry and cavalry brigades. He was later awarded brevet appointments as brigadier general and major general of Volunteers, reflecting the reputation he earned in service.
After the war, he returned to Illinois, resumed work as a newspaper editor and lawyer, and also served in public roles including postmaster at Freeport. He died on March 27, 1913, remembered as a figure whose life connected journalism, law, politics, and military service.