Mr. Palmer is a native of Columbus, Chenango county, N. Y., where he was born in 1811, and is a brother of the Hon. Grant B. Palmer, the able representative in the House from that county. He received a common school education, and at the age of sixteen was apprenticed to the mason business. His health failing, when about twenty-two years of age, he engaged in the mercantile trade at Eagle Harbor, Orleans county, where he Remained about two years. He then removed into the town of Gerry, Chautauqua county, where he now resides, and where he has always since been chiefly employed in mercantile pursuits. Mr. Palmer held the position of Fourth Corporal in the militia when only sixteen years of age, and about six years afterwards resigned the office of Lieut. Colonel, receiving an honorable dismission from Gen. Welch, of Chenango county. He was one year a Justice of the Peace in Orleans county; has held the position of Post Master seventeen years where he now resides; and has been two years Supervisor. He was formerly a Whig, and after the dissolution of that party, acted with the Americans until they went into National Convention with the South, when he became a Republican. He is one of the most popular men in Chautauqua county, and received every vote, save nine, in the town where he resides, at his election to the present Assembly. Mr. Palmer was married, at the age of twenty-six, to Miss Hannah P. Spurr, of Chenango county, and attends the Universalist church.
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