atkins was born in horseheads, new york, in 1836. he moved to illinois in 1845 and later entered the rock river seminary in mount morris. he also became editor of the town's "gazette" and began practicing law. he was a supporter of and canvasser for abraham lincoln for president of the united states. he was elected prosecuting attorney in 1860. he was the first man to enlist as a volunteer private soldier in stephenson county, illinois upon the outbreak of the civil war.