F. J. Atwood began his career in the First National Batik of Brandon, Vermont. of which Governor N.F. Sprague was president. Mr. Atwood came to Concordia and assumed the position of cashier in the Cloud County Bank until he promoted the organization of the First National Bank in 1883. He is one of the very best financiers and bankers known throughout the country, is proficient in all the various branches of the great banking system of both continents and where profound calculations are required he is able to cope with and surmount all difficulties. Socially and personally he is a man of superior ability, possessing confidence of his friends and colleagues. He is a man of marked literary talent and likewise a close student, but his retiring nature has retarded the prominence he is entitled to in the literary world.

Mr. Atwood's first wife before her marriage was Miss Jessie Hawkins, of Vermont. She was a woman cultured in the gifts of nature, music and literature and endowed with an intellect which enabled her to keep pace with her talented husband. This young wife and her infant child were separated by death but a few hours. His present wife was Miss Kate Tyner, who is a woman of refined instincts and possessed of many personal charms. Music is her special accomplishment. She has a well trained, high soprano voice. Mr. and Mrs. Atwood are members of high standing in the Presbyterian church. Mr. Atwood is the faithful president and active worker of the Christian Endeavor Society. He is one of the most philanthropic men of Concordia, contributing liberally to the support of all public enterprises of a worthy nature designed for the promotion or benefit of his fellow men. The Atwoods reside in a beautifully appointed home, situated on the corner of Eleventh and Republican streets.