PALMER, Charles L. (1855-1950)

PALMER, KNADLER, BRALEY

Posted By: DiAnn Reindl (email)
Date: 3/27/2008 at 00:30:22

Mr. Charles L. Palmer, one of the longest time residents of Britt, passed away Friday, July 14, 1950, at Mason City, where he had been cared for at the Mercy hospital since late June of 1948.
Last rites were conducted by the Rev. Dr. Wm. E. Butler, at the Congregational church Monday afternoon and interment was in Evergreen Cemetery. Darius Lodge 431 A. F.& A. M. was in charge of committal rites.

The following sketch of his life was read by Dr. Butler at the funeral:
Charles Leslie Palmer, son of Paul Decatur Palmer and Ann Maria Kirkland Palmer, was born August 7, 1855, in Erie County, Pa. His parents moved westward in 1858 and settled in Freeport, Iowa, later coming to Hancock County in 1876 and locating on a farm in Ellington Twp.

April 14, 1878, at Forest City, he was united in marriage with Odelia M. Knadler. To this union were born two children - a daughter, Etta Dell (Mrs. E. E. Braley), and a son Clifford G. Two years after their marriage, in 1880, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer moved to Britt, which has been his home ever since.

Mr. Palmer typified the true pioneer man. He saw the town of Britt grow from a small hamlet into a live, progressive business community, playing his part in its growth and development. Mr. Palmer was one of the charter members of Darius Lodge No. 431, A.F. & A. M., Britt and was past master of that organization. He was a member of the Knights Templar, of Mason City and was a charter member of Britt Chapter No. 318, Order of the Eastern Star. He served eight years on the city council of Britt and two years as mayor. He was a farmer, blacksmith and wagon-maker, merchant and banker. He was always keenly interested in agriculture and specialized in driving horses. Horse racing was a hobby.

Mr. Palmer was preceded in death by his wife Odelia, March 29, 1941, after 63 years of married life. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. E. E. Braley, Britt; a son, Clifford G. Palmer, Kasson, Minn.; three grandchildren: Dr. Merle P. Braley, Manson; Mrs. Harry Rehm, Garner and Charles E. Palmer, Kasson, Minn.; four great grandchildren, Edward Miller Braley, Charles Palmer Braley, Barbara Dell Braley all of Manson; and Richard Charles Palmer, Kasson, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Mrs. E. C. Abbey, Britt and other relatives and a lagre circle of friends.

Newspaper Clipping from Family Collection.