James J. Atkins was born in Kentucky, October 3, 1872, and grew up there. He came to the Bordulac area in 1900, where he farmed until 1908 when he was elected sheriff of Foster County. He served for two terms. After his term was over he operated a farm west of Barlow for several years before moving to a farm south of Carrington.
James Atkins married Golda Sands in Carrington on June 17, 1909. Golda was born January 21, 1886, in Iowa.
Nine children were born to the couple: Turner, Lillian, Robert, Roland, Harold, Helen, Jack, Lyle and Edwin.
Mr. Atkins died in March 1926. Mrs. Atkins died in July 1927. They are buried in the Carrington Cemetery.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 6B