PALMER, William H. 1829-1886

PALMER, HICKS

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/14/2014 at 01:39:20

[Waterloo Courier, Wednesday, December 1, 1886, Waterloo, Iowa]

Our people were startled last Saturday by the news of the death of W. H. Palmer which took place that morning, typhoid fever being the fatal disease.

Shortly after last harvest, Mr. Palmer took a trip to Dakota and, since his return, be had been in poor health. About the first of November he was attacked with sciatic rheumatism which was followed by typhoid fever. Although he bore the fever as well as could be expected, yet his strength was not sufficient to sustain him when the fever left him and instead of rallying he sank away and died as above stated.

Wm. H. Palmer was born in Devonshire, England, June 10, 1829, being the eldest of a family of twelve children.

In 1853 he was married to Elizabeth Hicks also of Devonshire, and in 1854 they came to America. After residing about a year in Chicago, they came to Waterloo and remained here until May, 1861, when they moved to Mt. Vernon Township and settled on the farm where they have since lived.

During their residence in this city their only son was born Feb. 20, 1854, and a little over a year afterwards, was taken from them by death. During their long residence in Mt. Vernon Township, they have made Cedar Valley farm the model farm of this section and with every convenience which could be imagined, they have thoroughly enjoyed life. In 1864 and again in 1975, they made trips to their old home
in England and have traveled extensively in this country.

Mr. Palmer was a live, progressive man. He was the first to introduce tile drainage in this county and took great interest in all matters pertaining to the betterment of the condition of the country. He was one of the leading promoters of the building of Mt. Hope church, aiding both by generous contributions of money and time, in its erection. He was a member of the Blackhawk County Early Settlers' Association and was highly respected by everyone who was comprised within the circle of his large acquaintance.

One brother, John Palmer, lives in county, and he has brothers and sisters in Chicago, England and New Zealand. Mrs. Palmer's parents also live in this county.

The funeral services will he held to-day and thus the remains of one of tins county's oldest citizens, a man, who was a kind husband and friend, who was thoroughly honest, honorable and public spirited, will be laid to rest.