Robert John Parsons was a journalist and politician in Newfoundland. He represented St. John's East

St. John's East

St. John's East is a federal electoral district in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, that has been represented in the Canadian House of Commons since 1949....

 in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly

Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly

The Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly is one of two components of the General Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador, the other being the Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Newfoundland and Labrador General Assembly meets in the Confederation Building at St...

 from 1843 to 1874.

He was born in Harbour Grace

Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and Labrador

Harbour Grace is a town in Conception Bay on the Avalon Peninsula in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. With roots dating back to the sixteenth century, it is one of the oldest towns in North America. It is located about 45 km northwest of the provincial capital, St. John's...

. Parsons apprenticed as a printer with the Royal Gazette in St. John's

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

St. John's is the capital and largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, and is the oldest English-founded city in North America. It is located on the eastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula on the island of Newfoundland. With a population of 192,326 as of July 1, 2010, the St...

 and was foreman in Henry David Winton's printing office for six years. He became managing editor for the Newfoundland Patriot, becoming owner and editor in 1840. In 1835, he married Eliza Flood. Parsons died in St. John's in 1883.

His son Robert John Parsons, Jr. also served in the Newfoundland assembly.