David J. Palmer

As printed in 1887

DAVID J. PALMER, one of the enterprising farmers and business men of Washington County, resides on his farm upon section 9, Washington Township. He is the son of Samuel R. and Margaret Palmer, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. He was born in Washington County, Pa., Nov. 15, 1839, and was but three years of age when his parents emigrated to Ohio, and seventeen years when they came to Iowa. He was educated in the common schools of Ohio, supplemented by a partial course at Washington College, Washington.

On the call of President Lincoln for 300,000 men, shortly after the commencement of the war for the Union, Mr. Palmer enlisted as a private in Co. C, 8th Iowa Vol. Inf., but was appointed Corporal in the company. The regiment rendezvoused at Canlp McClellau, Davenport, from which place it was sent to Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, in

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Our subject was subsequently discharged, and as soon as his wound had healed sufficiently for him to get around, he recruited a company which became Co. A, 25th Iowa Vol. Inf., and in wliicli he was elected Captain. The regiment was attached to Steele's Division soon after its organization, and at Chickasaw Bayou fought its first battle, Dec. 29, 1862. At Arkansas Post,.Ian. 11, 1863, it had its second engagement, suffering severely, Capt. Palmer being among the wounded, and 7,000 prisoners being captured. After the battle of Arkansas Post, the regiment ma.de several minor expeditions and was then sent to Young's Point, in the rear of Vicksburg. In the siege and capture of Vicksburg the 25th Regiment held a very prominent ])Osition, being on the right of Grant's army. After the fall of Vicksburg it joined the march to Jackson, and took part in the second battle of that name, which resulted in the defeat of the rebel Johnson. The regiment then returned to Big Black River, where it was stationed until September following, when it moved with Sherman's army to Memphis, and was attached to the ist Division, 15th Army Corps, the only division which encountered the enemy on the way.

In June, 1 863, Capt. Palmer was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and from that time on until the close of the war, he was generally in command of the regiment. The 25th Iowa Regiment had a grand record, and saw very much active service.

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Religiously, Col. Palmer is a United Presbyterian, having membership with the Second United Presbyterian Church of Washington. His wife is also a member of that body. Wiiile not a resident of the city of Washington, no man living within its boundaries takes more interest in its welfare or will do more to.advance its interests. In almost every public enterprise, he contributes liberally of his means. Col. Palmer, in his intercourse with his fellowmen, is pleasant and agreeable at all times. He is a good conversationalist, and is enterUiining at all times. The home farm consists of 28(1 acres of land adjoining the city of Washing- I ton, all of which is under a high state of cultivation.

A fine view of the residence of Col. Palmer will be found elsewhere in this volume, to which the attention of the reader is invited.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Washington County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and (1887). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.