History of northern Wisconsin: containing an account of its settlement, growth, development, and resources, an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns and villages, their improvements, industries, manufactories, biographical sketches, portraits of prominent men and early settlers, views of county seats, etc. Chicago: Western Historical Co., 1881. p.1159

Reuben Parkinson, dealer in real estate, residence, 88 Algoma street. He located in Oshkosh in September, 1850; he first engaged in the grocery business with another party; followed the same two or three years, then sold out; he also practice law with his son, D.J. Parkinson, who was an attorney; he has made the real estate his principal business since. There were not over 300 inhabitants in Oshkosh when he settled here, and only two or three small variety stores. He was born in Schoharie Co., N.Y., in 1808; he was married in Erie Co., N.Y., in 1833, to Miss Esther A. Woodard; she was born in Erie Co., N.Y. They had one son and one daughter- Hannah J., now married to Mr. Samuel G. Norton, and living in Jasper Co., Mo.; Joseph Parkinson died in January, 1881, in Missouri. Mrs. Parkinson died in Erie Co., N.Y., in 1838; he was again married in 1840, in Erie Co., N.Y.; his wife's maiden name was Chloe L. Pratt; she was born in New York near Waterloo. They had four children- D.J. Parkinson, who practiced law in Oshkosh, Wis., about eight years, who died Dec. 22, 1878; Morris B., now living in Brooklyn, N.Y., practicing music; Clara, married to Walter R. Barns, a lawyer, and living in Stevens' Point, Wis.; Nellie married Mr. James Cavhaugh, living in Kenosha, Wis., also a lawyer. Mrs. Parkinson died in Oshkosh, in April, 1873.