Palmer, Anson Hayden 1854-1926

PALMER, ALDEN, SEARS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 7/28/2010 at 14:29:56

Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) June 1926

ANSON PALMER ANSWERS CALL

One of Newburg's Most Valued Citizens Passed Away Monday Evening.

HAD LIVED IN NEWBURG SINCE YOUNG MANHOOD.

Was Widely Known and Unusually Respected--Funeral Held Wednesday.

Again, death has come to claim one of Newburg's most valued citizens. The announcement of Mr. Anson Palmer's death in the early evening of June 21st, brought with it a pall of sadness which gripped the whole community. For, few there be for miles around who did not know and respect him.

Mr. Palmer came to Iowa and to Newburg when he was a young man, bringing to a new country his wealth of youthful energy and splendid ideals for life and citizenship. Hence, he is to be counted among those who crossed the plains as pioneers and, by worthy toil, built the foundations of our great Central West "where" said Lord Bryce, that eminent English statesman, Historian and Friend of America, "the best of American Democracy survives."

A carpenter by trade, Mr. Palmer is known far and wide as a master builder who always thought more of putting quality and satisfaction into his building than of getting profit out of it. "If Mr. Anson Palmer builds it, it will be built right" was a universal comment upon his work. Besides, no worthy community enterprise has gone without his hearty support and cooperation.

At such times as this, as we note the passing one by one, of those who have made up the moral backbone of our community life, we are led to pause and remember that whatsoever of good we possess, as a community, we have as an inheritance from these pioneers, these pillars of the Church and good citizenship. May we be true to our heritage.

Mr. Anson Hayden Palmer was born at Northfield, Ohio, on Sept. 19, 1854, and died June 21, 1926, at th age of 71 years, 9 months and two days. He came to Iowa in 1876, settling on the land south of Newburg which has been his home ever since, now known as the Palmer farm. To this farm he brought his beautiful young wife who was, for 45 years to be his faithful Christian helpmate and companion. Here the family was reared.

Dec. 18, 1877, at Montour, Iowa, he was united in marriage with Miss Abi Alden. This union was blessed with the birth of six children, all of whom survive both parents. Mrs. Palmer died April 24, 1922. The children are: one daughter, Mrs. Myron Sears of Chester Center and five sons, Albert A. of Gilman, Walter A., George W., Chas. Austin, and John S. of Newburg. One brother, Wm. H. and a half brother Henry A. of Altadena and San Francisco, Calif., repectively, also survive the deceased, together with 27 grandchildren and unnumbered friends, all of whom mourn Mr. Palmer's passing.

At the tender age of seven Mr. Palmer's mother was taken by death. In the following year his father remarried, fortunately choosing for his second helpmate one who very soon won the love of the young boy Anson by proving herself a real mother able to take the place of her who was gone.

In his very young manhood Mr. Palmer joined the Presbyterian Church at Northfield, Ohio. Upon coming to Iowa he united with the Congregational Church at Gilman. About four years later, on April 8, 1880, a Congregational Church was organzied at Newburg, holding services in the schoolhouse west of town. Mr. Palmer united with others, becoming a charter member in the new Church. Just four of those original founders of the Newburg church survive the deceased, namely: Mr. George Morris of Grinnell, Mrs. Lucy Morgan of Pasadena, Calif., Mr. James Dewhurst of Huron, Ohio, and our beloved Christian brother and neighbor Mr. John Newcomer.

In 1896 a Church building was erected--the one now in use. Mr. Palmer had a large part in planning and building it. Throughout all the years he gave an active Christian devotion to the Church, attending the services faithfully. He served for many years as Deacon, and no important meeting or activity of the Church lacked his interest and cooperation. Mr. Palmer also served for many years as Justice of the Peace to which office he brought a conscientious administration such as honest men admire.

Death came as a climax to many months of gradually failing health. Those who have cared for him with tender, ministering hands will even more than others remember Mr. Palmer for his patience and fortitude during long weary months of weakness and suffering. His death brings to a close a long and useful career.

The funeral was held from the Congregational Church of Newburg on Wednesday, June 23, at 2 P.M., and interment was made in the Chester Cemetery. Rev. H.S. Wissler of the Chester Church and formerly for eight years pastor of the Newburg Church, preached the funeral sermon. Rev. S.O. Smith of Newburg had charge of the service. The funeral was attended by a very large company of friends from the country around showing the hold this good man had upon the hearts of those who knew him.

CARD OF THANKS

We want to express to all the dear, kind friends who have shown such great sympathy and helpfulness to us during the long illness and the recent funeral of our beloved father our sincere appreciation and gratitude.
Mrs. Myron Sears
Albert A., Walter A., George W., Chas. Austin, and John S. Palmer and their Families.