atkins became editor of freeport's "daily journal" newspaper and also was the city's postmaster for 24 years. he published at least two books; "democracy and dred scott" in 1860 and "abraham lincoln" in 1909. he also wrote "with sherman's cavalry marching through georgia" [chicago: s. harris, 1870, oclc 15122594]. he was the first president of the freeport public library and a member of the board of education. he was also active in veterans' organizations and affairs. atkins died in freeport in 1913, and is buried there in city cemetery.