Nelson Elenson PALMER

  General Notes:

A biography of Nelson E. Palmer says...his grandfather's name was Thomas and and his great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution..his is of English descent on his father's side and a mixture of German on his mothers... that they moved to Noble Co., Indiana in 1844 and arrived in Wisconsin 1852.

History of the Counties of Woodbury and Plymouth IA:
Prof. N.E. Palmer was born in Sullivan, Ashland County, Ohio, November 26, 1838. His parents were Thomas M. and Aldis (Ladd) Palmer, both of whom were from Vermont. His grandfather's name was Thomas, and his great-grandfather was a soldier in the Revolution. He is of English descent on his father's side, and a mixture of German on his mother's. In 1844 the Palmers moved to Noble county, Indiana, and in 1852 to Wisconsin. Here the Professor received his education, graduating in the scientific course of the Point Bluff academy. Here he engaged in teaching and in the lumber business, and held the position of clerk of the board of supervisors of Adams County. In 1869 he came to Sioux City, walking from Fort Dodge, and worked for his board, until he secured a position as teacher, and afterward taught in different parts of the county. For three terms including the years 1879 to 1883, and 1887 to 1889, he ably filled the position of county superintendent of schools. While in office he graded the normal institute of the county, and compiled the first syllabus for institute work used in the county. He has been closely connected with the school work of the county for more than twenty years. He was the candidate for the republicans in 1883 for representative, but was beaten by a small plurality.

Mr. Palmer was married October 31, 1877, to Miss Amelia Gillette, who was born in Clinton county, IA, in January, 1858, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Sleeper) Gillette. Three children have blessed the union, namely: Hertha Edith, born April 31, 1882; Bessie May, born January 19, 1885; Edna Mabel, born August 16, 1888. When fifteen years old, Mr. Palmer lost his right arm by the accidental discharge of a gun, but even with this disability is making quite a success of farming on his half section, near Peiro, where he is at present located.

Nelson married Nancy Amelia GILLETTE, daughter of Henry GILLETTE and Sarah SLEEPER, on 31 Oct 1877. (Nancy Amelia GILLETTE was born on 29 Jan 1857 in Clinton Co, IA and died on 25 May 1940 in Seattle, King Co, WA.)