Hon. James Franklin Atwood
10th District
(Franklin County)

"One of the most active and influential members of the Ohio State Senate in recent years is the subject of this sketch. Hon. James Franklin Atwood, jointly with his colleague of the Tenth District, was chosen by the Republicans of district to the Senate of the 84th and 85th General Assemblies of Ohio.

Hon. James Franklin Atwood was born on a farm in Preston County, West Virginia, May 8, 1883. His father, J. C. Atwood was born in Frederick, Maryland. The son, James Franklin received his education in the public schools and high school in Zanesville, Ohio, and two years of Art College, and three years of Law College, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Legal Laws. Mr. Atwood worked and paid his way through college. He was admitted to the Bar and began the practice of law in Columbus, Ohio in 1907, continuing to date.

On November 12, 1904, James Franklin Atwood was united in marriage with Miss. Mamie (Mary) C. Hiltbruner, of Columbus, Ohio. Three children have been born of the union, James Franklin Atwood, Jr., Mary Catherine Atwood and Clara Jeanette Atwood.

In the year 1918, Hon. James Franklin Atwood was nominated as a Republican for election as State Senator in the 83rd General Assembly, but he was defeated at the polls. In the year 1920, he was again nominated for the State Senate, and was duly elected to represent the Tenth Senatorial District in the 84th General Assembly.

In the year 1922, Mr. Atwood was again chosen with this colleague, Mr. Chappelear, of Pickaway County, to represent the Tenth District in the 85th General Assembly, and at the regular session of that body in 1923, Senator Atwood served as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and he proved himself eminently fitted for the responsibilities attached to the position.

Senator Atwood introduced Senate Bill No. 27, to amend the General Code, relative to salaries of elected State officers; Senate Bill No. 93, to provide for the proper maintenance, operation and control of sewerage systems and sewage disposal works; Senate Bill No. 112, to supplement the General Code, by the enactment of sections relative to the custody and support of minor children; Senate Bill No. 169, to change the manner in which the title of automobiles shall be registered, by amending certain sections of the General Code, relative to giving false or short weight or measure by increasing the penalty for such offenses. All of the foregoing bills became laws.

In addition to the Chairmanship of the Finance Committee, Senator Atwood served as a member of the following committees, namely: Colleges and Universities, Fish Culture and Game, Insurance, Judiciary, Public Works, Roads and Highways and Rules.

Fraternally, Senator Atwood is a member of Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America."