Ellsworth Palmer

KINNON, PALMER, RAITT

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/13/2004 at 13:50:58

Ellsworth Palmer is one of those efficient agriculturists who are contributing to the wealth of the county through their labors and he is highly esteemed by all who know him. He was born m Illinois, March 13, 1873, a son of Henry and Eva (Hams) Palmer, both natives of Ohio. The father was a farmer and as a young man emigrated to Illinois, where he engaged in cultivating the soil and raising live stock until 1892. He then sold out and came to this county, buying land in Jefferson township, which he has since operated. His wife is also living.

Ellsworth Palmer was reared in his native state and there obtained his education. He accompanied his parents to this bounty and remained with them until he attained his majority. He then rented land and began farming on his own account. At the end of ten years he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to buy a quarter section of land in Madison township, to which he removed and has since concentrated his energies upon its improvement. He conserves the fertility of the soil by wise methods of cultivation and as he is forehanded in all of the work of the farm and manages the business phase of agriculture well he is able to add to his capital from year to year.

Mr. Palmer was married on the 15th of February, 1894, to Miss Mary M. Raitt, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Kinnon) Raitt, both natives of the east. The father was born in New York and the mother in Pennsylvania. Mr. Raitt was a harness-maker by trade and removed to Madison county in an early day, locating at Patterson. After working at harness-making for several years his health failed and he removed to a farm near Winterset, which he operated during the remainder of his life. He passed away on the 9th of January, 1912, and is survived by his wife, who still resides at Winterset.

Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have three children: Floyd and Herman, both at home; and Hazel B., attending school. Mr. Palmer is a republican and takes the interest of a good citizen in local governmental affairs. His religious allegiance is given to the United Presbyterian church, of which both he and his wife are devout members and their lives are forces for good in the community.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”