[1] Prior to being a state legislator for the second district, he was initially a farmer, then an auctioneer; and finally a merchant, and owner of a general store.

Atherton was educated in public schools in Franklin County, Massachusetts and attended the Powers Institute.

[2] His civic roles prior to being a state representative were as a moderator at town meetings, and then as selectman.

As an elected member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, he was appointed to the committee on agriculture.

[9] Atherton was a New England descendant of Puritan heritage,[10] whose ancestors had settled in Massachusetts Bay Colony.