The Biographical Dictionary of America/Atwill, Edward Robert

ATWILL, Edward Robert, first bishop of West Missouri, and 155th in succession in the American episcopate, was born at Red Hook, Dutchess county, N. Y., Feb. 18, 1840. He was graduated at Columbia college in 1862, and at the General theological seminary in 1864. Ordained a deacon by Bishop Potter, July 3, 1864, he was advanced to the priesthood by the same prelate, April 1, 1865. During his diaconate he officiated as curate at St. Luke's, New York, and immediately on taking full orders, became rector of St. Paul's, Williamsburg, L. I.; he was next curate to the bishop of Vermont, at St. Paul's, Burlington, and in 1867 became rector of that parish. In 1882 he was chosen rector of Trinity church, Toledo, O., where he remained until advanced to the episcopal office. He received the degree of S. T. D. from the university of Vermont in 1883, and was consecrated first bishop of the new diocese of West Missouri, Oct. 14, 1890, his see comprising an area of 36,720 square miles, and embracing a population of 1,388,531 souls. He published a tract on "Confirmation," and numerous sermons and addresses.