Thomas D. Parkhouse, who for the past six years has been engaged in the automobile business in Manning, was born in Tama county, Iowa, on the 6th of May, 1873, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Scobel) Parkhouse. The parents are natives of England, from which country the), emigrated to the United States, locating in Tama county in the early day, of the war. The father was for many years identified with agricultural its there, but is now living retired. Ever since he became a naturalized citizen of the United States Mr. Parkhouse has given his political support to the republican party. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Parkhouse numbers four: William, who is a resident of Trayer, Iowa; Thomas D., our subject; Charles, who is living in Redfield, Iowa; and Anna, the wife of John McFarlan, of Wisconsin.

Reared on the homestead of his parents Thomas D. Parkhouse acquired his education in the common schools of Tama county. When he had attained to such knowledge as was deemed essential to enable him to assume the heavier responsibilities of life he left his studies and entered a harness shop to learn the trade. He served his apprenticeship in Trayer, where he remained until the spring of 1895 when he came to Manning and engaged in the harness business. He continued in this line with growing success until 1905 when he became agent for the Auburn automobile. Soon thereafter he established a garage and repair shop which he is still conducting.

On the 16th of February, 1898, Mr. Parkhouse was married to Miss Pearl Parish, a daughter of Henry and Emma (Cooley) Parish, residents of Manning, Iowa, and beside Mrs. Parkhouse parents of the following: Effie, who is the eldest member of the family; Clarence, who is a resident of Omaha, Nebraska; Earl, living in Manning; George, also of Manning; Floyd and Wilbur, both at home; Emma, who is living in Omaha; and Campbell, of Manning. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Parkhouse has been brightened by the advent of four sons: Ralph; Floyd, who is deceased; Harold; and Lyle.

Fraternally Mr. Parkhouse is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, while his political support is given to the republican party.