Is a native of Parish, Oswego County, New York, where he was born on the 8th day of September, 1816? He is a descendant of the English who settled in Connecticut prior to the Revolution, and inherits in great degree the energy and force of character of those pioneers. After attending the common schools he entered the Rensselaer Oswego Academy, where he graduated, and subsequently studied law and medicine.

In 1863, he was elected to the Assembly of this State, and served in that capacity for two years. He has been chosen by his fellow-townsmen to the office of Supervisor, and served four terms. He has also officiated as justice of the peace and assessor. Mr. Palmer has also rendered himself useful in the military, and has discharged the duties of colonel and inspector-general of militia.

September 16, 1835, he united in marriage with Amanda North. They had one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Palmer died February 3, 1840. May 27, 1847, Mr. Palmer married Olive Porter. Their family consisted of one child, who died at the age of fourteen years.

In all matters looking to the welfare of the public, Mr. Palmer is ever found foremost, and has done much towards the advancement of the religious and educational interests of the community in which he resides. He has manifested an active interest in political matters, and is a member of the Republican Party. He has often been called from the store and the farm by his fellow citizens to officiate in various public capacities, and has ever discharged his duties with great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. Mr. Palmer is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. He resides on the farm purchased by his father when he came to this County, and is surrounded by all the attributes of a happy rural home. "History of Oswego County, New York", 1789 - 1877