Polk Co. IAGenWeb

ATHERTON, A. C. - Of the firm of Robinson & Atherton, steam heating and plumbing business, was born in Anderson, Madison county, Indiana, August 3, 1850, where he resided until fifteen years of age, when he entered the telegraph department of the Chicago & Cincinnati Air Line Railroad. He was shortly promoted to train dispatcher and superintendent of telegraph, where he remained until 1869, when he became connected with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company as train dispatcher, which position he held until February, 1873, when he received the appointment of master of transportation and superintendent of telegraph of the International & Great Northern Railroad of Texas. The yellow fever becoming epidemic in the South, he resigned and returned North against the earnest protest of Mr. Hoxie, general manager. He then assumed his former position on the C. R. I. & P. R. R. In February, 1876, he was appointed general purchasing agent and master of transportation of the Central Iowa Railroad Company, which he resigned January 1, 1878, and returned to Des Moines. He soon after formed a partnership with Mr. Hiram Robinson, in the steam heating and plumbing business. The business of the firm extends widely over the State, especially that of steam heating apparatus for public buildings. Mr. Atherton, or "Cliff," as he is familiarly called, is a man of sterling business qualities, quick perception, clear judgment and possessing a high sense of honor. He was united in marriage to Gertrude, eldest daughter of Hon. Chester C. Cole, December 10, 1874. By this union they have two children: Chester and Alice L.