William A. Atwood

On April 11, 1835, Atwood was born in Newfane, Niagara County, New York^[3] born to Asa and Fannie (Gibbs) Atwood. Asa was a merchant who retired to farming. He joined his brother in a stave and cooperage factory at Galt, Canada. Closing the factory in fall of 1869, he returned to Pendleton, New York to farm for two years. During his those two years, he opened a shingle and heading mill which burnt down two and a half years later without insurance. He returned to Canada in the fall of 1863 to operate a business in lumber and shingles until the end of reciprocity treaty in March 1866. He started up the same business in Flint, Michigan with his brother, Jesse, and B.W. Linnington. He married Helen C. Wood, daughter of noted oldest Flint resident, H.C. Wood.^[7]

For two years, he was a Third Ward Alderman.^[7] He was elected as the twenty fourth mayor of the City of Flint in 1882 serving a 1-year term.^[3][4] Many improvements were made to the city in his administration with the water works founded, the first city iron bridge and more. Atwood defeated former Michigan Governor Begole for the Michigan State Senate seat in 1886.^[7] In 1887 began Atwood service in the State Senate from the 13th District serving and chair three committees: on State affairs, on Public Lands and on Railroads. Additionally a new Flint City Charter was approved by the state legislature.^[7]