My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT BRUCE PARKINSON, attorney, Pittsburgh, a native of that city, is a grandson of John Parkinson, of Carlisle, who was an officer in the militia that defended Baltimore in the war of 1812; he was a master builder, in Carlisle, where he lived and died. His ancestors came from Ireland, but are supposed to have been Danes, passing through England. John Parkinson’s son, John A., born in Carlisle in 1805, came to Pittsburgh in 1827, and engaged in building operations. He was elected a magistrate in 1845, and served until 1860. He died in 1870. He married Ann, daughter of John Cochran, who came to Pittsburgh in 1810, and was appointed a magistrate by Gov. Findlay in 1819, and served until his death, in 1832. John Cochran was one of the original members of the First U. P. Church. He was appointed, in 1819, by Gov. Findlay, a justice of the peace for life. His father, Moses Cochran, was a large linen manufacturer, near Belfast, Ireland, and left there for Scotland, about 1800. From there, with his son, he came to New York, and thence to Pittsburgh, as above noted, engaging in mercantile business. John A. Parkinson was twice married, and Robert B. is the fourth of five children by the first wife, Ann.

R. B. Parkinson was born Dec. 22, 1837, and was educated at the public and high schools of the city. He read law with Francis C. Flanegin, the first district attorney of this county, and also with Marshall Swartzwelder. Was admitted to the bar in 1859, and with the exception of three years spent in military service has since followed his profession. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. G, 140th P. V. I., and served in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, from Chancellorsville to the surrender at Appomattox. He was promoted, after two years’ service as a private, to first lieutenant, and returned home as quartermaster at the end of the war. His full brothers, two in number, were also in the service. Mr. Parkinson has been twice the democratic candidate for Congress from this city, but was each time defeated. With his family he attends the Third Presbyterian Church. His wife, Annie, is a daughter of Benjamin Atterbury. (See his sketch.)