Atkins, William A. (1879-1958) | Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections

William Avery Atkins was born in Indianapolis on July 7, 1879. He graduated from Indianapolis High School in 1897 and Purdue University in 1901.

He was quite involved in a variety of activities during his school days at Purdue. He was a member of Sigma Chi, Irving Literary Scholar, Mandolin Club, Glee Club, and served as class president from 1898-1899. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Based on correspondence, it is believed that he married Suemma Vajen Coleman in 1907. She died on April 16, 1924, shortly after the birth of their child. The William H. Coleman Hospital, which colsed in 1974, was dedicated in her memory. Atkins later married Mary Helen Sayles. She passed away circa 1966. Atkins participated in many business ventures; he was superintendent at the E. C. Atkins Company, which was owned by his father. He was a joint owner of the Spencer Hotel in Indianapolis from 1909 and took over ownership in 1940. He also was a lessor of the Hotel Severin and Indiana Parking Garage. He was involved with businesses in New York as well.

He died of a stroke December 18, 1958.