MICHAEL J. PALMA

PALMA, SMEDIL, SLEZAK

Posted By: Norma Nielson (email)
Date: 5/16/2004 at 20:12:10

"Among the progressive and prosperous farmers of Richland township is Michael J. Palma, who owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of good land on section 32, Richland township. He was born in Bohemia, Austria, December 13, 1862, and his parents, Jacob and Anna Palma, were lifelong residents of that country.

Our subject was reared under the parental roof and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. In the spring of 1881 he was examined for the army and soon afterward sailed for the United States, thus avoiding the necessity of giving some of his best years to compulsory military service. He arrived in New York in June, 1881, and making his way westward, stopped at Chicago, where he remained for three weeks. Thence he continued his journey to Creston, Iowa, where he secured a position with the Burlington Railroad. He began in a humble capacity as a coal shoveler and section hand but worked his way up to a lucrative position in the car repair shops. He remained in Creston for ten years but in 1891 came to Adair county and turned his attention to farming. For eleven years he operated rented land but in 1902 he purchased eighty acres, to which he subsequently added an adjoining tract of equal size, so that he now holds title to a quarter section of fertile land. He follows general agricultural pursuits and is recognized as one of the substantial farmers of his section.

On October 7, 1886, Mr. Palma married Miss Mary Smedil, also a native of Bohemia. She came to this country with her parents as a child. Mr. and Mrs. Palma have four children: William M., who is farming in Adams county, this state; Alice M., the wife of Fred Slezak, of Adams county; and George and Jennie, both at home.

Mr. Palma casts his ballot in support of the democratic party and has served ably as road overseer. Both he and his wife belong to the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Palma has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his county and is always willing to do anything in his power to furtherr the public welfare. He is well spoken of and has many personal friends."

Source: The "History of Adair County Iowa and its People," Volume II. (Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company) 1915.