Richard F. Palmer

As printed in 1908

RICHARD FREEMAN PALMER, who for some years has lived at Akron retired from active participation in business, was formerly identified Mith some of the city's large industrial enterprises, and owns a large amount of real estate within it.s boundaries. Mr. Palmer was born at Akron, Ohio, IMarch 13. 1840, and is a son of Joseph and Eliza (Freeman) Palmer.

Joseph Palmer was born in England and came to Akron in 1836. Pie was a millwright by trade and the work that brought him to this.section was the building of the locks in the Ohio Canal. Later he assisted in building the Cascade mill, and was identified with that mill for eighteen years. In 1854 he moved to a farm in Medina County, on which he lived until the death nf his wife. He then returned to Akron, making hi home with his on, Richard.

Richard F. Palmer was little more than a school-boy when he found occupation as a driver on the canal, and he continued to work as such until he was eighteen years of age. About that time he entered the high school, where he remained until President Lincoln's call, in 1861, for 75,000 troops, when he enlisted for service in the Union Ai-my. He was for three months a member of Company G, 19th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being stationed during this time mainly in West Virginia. For the following two years he ran a stationary engine and then, in February, 1885, reenlisted, entering Company I, 188th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. During this second term of service, which covered a year, he was located in Tennessee and Kentucky. After being mustered out of the army the second time, Mr. Palmer then bought a canal boat and operated on the canal for some three years. In 1872 he found employment in the office of the Akron Iron Company, remaining there two years. He then entered the employ of Anltman, Miller & Company, becoming their general agent, with headquarters at Tiffin, Ohio, being in their employ for twenty-seven years. Since 1897 Mr. Palmer has lived retired from active business life, but he has many congenial interests to occupy his attention.

Mr. Palmer was married June 9, 1862, to Frances E. Field, who is a daughter of Asa Field. Mrs. Palmer died April 26. 1898, leaving three sons and an adopted daughter. The eldest son, Frank L.. is a resident of Pittsburg. J. Dwight, residing in Akron, is one of the city's representative men and has just been elected a member of the City Council. J. Asa. the third son, is secretary of the Burt manufacturing Company, of Akron. Margaret, the daughter by adoption, is the wife of Willis Bacon, an attorney of Tiffin, Ohio. Mr. Palmer has always taken a laudaV)le interest in (he public matters concerning the development of his citv. Years ago he ser'ed on the Citv Council, in 1871 and 1872. At present be is a member of the Summit County Court House Building Commission.,ju:t completing the erection of a $400,000.00 court house. For maay years he has been Ijrominent in Masonry and is the present eminent commander of Akron Commandery, and served seven years as prelate. He has twice been commander of Buckley Post, G. A. R.

As printed in Centennial history of Summit County, Ohio and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.