History of Charles G. Parkinson

HISTORY OF CHARLES G. PARKINSON

Through his successful work as a contractor and builder Mr. Parkinson has contributed to the development of Tooele.  Charles Graham Parkinson was born in Lancastershire, England, 11 February 1834, and was the son of Timothy and Ann Fielding Parkinson, both natives of that country.  This family consisted of six children – John, Mary, Charles Graham, Sarah Ann, Timothy, Henry and Amos.  The family became converts to the gospel in England, Timothy Parkinson being the only one of a family of twelve to embrace the new religion and with his family immigrated to America taking passage on the Ellen Maria, an American sailing vessel, 18 January 1853, and landing in New Orleans in March 1853.

From New Orleans, they went up the Mississippi River to St. Louis and from there to Keokuk, Iowa, where they remained several weeks.  At that place a train of immigrants was made up to come to Utah in Captain Cyrus H. Wheelock’s charge.  The train was too large. It was divided, Captain George Kimball taking charge of half.  They arrived in Salt Lake City, 11 October 1853.  From there they came to Grantsville and the father and older sons engaged in farming.  Brother Parkinson died here in 1891, his wife having died in England.

Charles G. grew to manhood in England receiving his education in the common school of that country, learning the trade of metal engraving; being no call for such work here he turned his attention to painting which was his chief occupation.  He established the first photograph gallery in Grantsville, also a small mercantile store.

He has painted many of the residents of Tooele and Cache County and they were fairly successful.  He built a log cabin in 1853 in which he lived until 1904 when he built a fine adobe house living there until he died.  He was interested in sheep raising on a small scale.  Brother Charles G. Parkinson and Miss Hannah M. Clark were married 18 October 1854.  Eight children blessed this union.  She died in 1869.  October 12, 1871, he married Sara Hill.  She was born in Huntingshire, England; came to America in 1871.  Her family came in 1880 and lived in Coalville until his death in 1902.  Her mother died in 1897.  His second wife and he were blessed with twelve children.

He was a Democrat but never held any office.  It was always apparent that he was active.  Church work was much to his liking.  In 1863, he made a trip across the plains for the purpose of conducting immigrants to Utah.  He was the first man to break ground in the old fort at Grantsville; took part in most of the Indian troubles and the coming of Johnston’s army.

Brother Parkinson, during his life has given his hearty support to developing both state and church and commands respect and esteem of all who knew him for his honesty and integrity.  He died in Grantsville 4 January 1907.