Born near Cameron, Virginia, (now West Va.), March 8, 1836. He was educated as a physician and when the war broke out, he enlisted as a private, but soon got a position as assistant surgeon in the 3rd West Virginia cavalry. Later he became surgeon in chief of the 17th West Virginia Infantry and served to the close of the war. After the war he continued in the practice until 1870, when he located at Ainsworth, in the lumber business. In 1881, he was married to Miss Catherine Gray. Dr. Parkinson was successful in a financial way and spared not his means for the advancement of public benefits. He served creditably as a member of the Iowa legislature in the Seventeen General Assembly, 1878, and also as member of the city council, but he never sought office.