Ok. Here is what I know of William.
His parents were from Ireland. He was born to John and Catharine Atkinson on 18 November 1827. This may have been in Ireland or possibly Canada.
In June 1849, William left Illinois for Mississippi. He married a woman named Mary, last name possibly Ledwich. She was born 26 August 1830.
There first child was John Christopher born December 25, 1854 at Cammacks Landing, Issignina County, Mississippi. This child died October 26, 1856 in Jeffferson, Texas.
The second child, William Ledwich Atkinson, was born January 25, 1856 on Julia Street in New Orleans. He died april 28, 1923. He is buried in Rifle, Colorado.
The next child was Richard Atkinson, born 26 December 1858 on Lake Street, Jefferson, Texas. Richard died at the home in Jefferson on June 2, 1860.
The next child, my great grandfather, was Joseph Sumpter Atkinson. He was born on Lake Street in Jefferson on March 18, 1861. Joseph died June 26, 1911 in North Chicago, Illinois.
The last child was Mary Ada K. Atkinson. She was born in Jefferson on December 25, 1863 and died July 11, 1864.
This info was copied from a family bible. I don't know where the bible is.
William died in Natchez, MS on December 25, 1866. Mary died April 1, 1867, also in Natchez. The two living children were sent to live with their grandfather in Lake County, Illinois. I haven't been able to find out how they died or where they are buried.
I have been told that William was a riverboat purser. Chosen for this because he was the only one that could read and write.
I don't know William's middle name. I don't know when he married. But I am beginning to think he met Mary in Mississippi.
You mentioned a census. I have not found him in one anywhere.

Thanks for your help.

Carol