OBIT: James E. PALMER, 1880, Bell's Mills, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ CITY AND COUNTRY. Things Briefly Told. Mr. James E. Palmer died at Bell's Mills yesterday. He had been ill for a couple of weeks. He was engaged in merchandising at Lloydsville, and was the father-in-law of Mr. Joseph Ramsey, Jr. Mr. Palmer was about 65 years old. Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Tuesday, August 31, 1880 OBITUARY. A Tribune to the Memory of the Late James E. Palmer. From the Zanesville (Ohio) Times. James E. Palmer, formerly of this city, died at Bellwood, Blair county, Pa., on the 30th day of August last, of acute peritonitis, aged 67 years. Mr. Palmer was born at Ballston Spa, N.Y. His father, Levi Palmer, was a distinguished member of the bar of that State and his mother a daughter of Dr. Hunloke Woodruff, a surgeon during the war for independence, and afterwards a physician of high standing in Albany, N.Y. Early in life Mr. Palmer became identified with the business interests of Zanesville, having been the active member of the firm of J. E. Palmer & Co., owning and operating the rolling mills now the property of the Ohio Iron Company, in this city. The failure of a railway and certain other companies carried down the firm of J. E. Palmer & Co. at a period when it had become one of the largest iron producers in Central Ohio. A man of versatile gifts, Mr. Palmer next turned his attention to the law; and practiced with success at Saint Paul and at Cheyenne, subsequently returning to Zanesville, where he formed a law partnership with the Hon. Lucius P. Marsh. During this connection the subject of this sketch exhibited marked ability, in several causes celebrated in the annals of this county. An opportunity offering to return to his original vocation, Mr. Palmer some years since, began a mercantile business at Bellwood, conducting it to a prosperous basis, at a period of life, where most men have either retired on a competence, or fallen by the wayside under their load of cares and years. Mr. Palmer was married early in life to Mary, daughter of Appleton and Juliette Downer, of this city. His married life was an exceptionally happy one, throughout its whole duration of forty-four years, the first twenty of which were passed with Mrs. Downer; she continuing with them during the remainder of her long widowhood. Her sons, Professor John R. Downer, now of Philadelphia, and Hon. E. M. Downer, of Granville, Ohio, maintained relations of the closest and most affectionate friendship with Mr. Palmer, to the day of his decease, and attended his funeral at Bellwood. Apart from his strictly business acquaintance, Mr. Palmer had many attached friends. His intelligence, his courteous bearing, and his wide and liberal culture, made him a favorite wherever his lot was cast. Our older citizens will recall his energetic and effective action during the great Irish famine, which called forth a public acknowledgment, from the Irish Relief Committee, and also, his decisive and bold stand for the Union at the outbreak of the rebellion, when many were timid, lukewarm, or actually siding with treason. Though never in public office, Mr. Palmer yet took, at critical epochs, a lively and earnest interest in politics, in the widest sense of the word. His public utterances were marked by moderation, an advocacy of good government, and a true solicitude for the public weal. A Republican of the conservative school his counsel was often sought, and at times, in a measure, guided the policy of the party in his immediate neighborhood. During his residence at Bellwood he took a hearty interest in local movements, being remarkably vigorous for a man of his years up to a short time before his decease. To his intimates Mr. Palmer was known as a man of high spirit and resolute courage, but withal a kind, gentle and sympathizing nature impelled him to assist the needy, counsel the unfortunate and comfort the bereaved. His wife and seven children of mature years survive him. He died in the bosom of his family, sincerely lamented by a large circle. He was a devoted husband and father, a steadfast friend, a good neighbor, a true Christian, an honest man. Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Monday, September 13, 1880 1880 Bellwood, Blair County census - James E. Palmer, 67, Gen. Merchant Mary Palmer, 60 James E. Palmer Jr., 30 Mary Palmer, 28 Anna W. Howard, 33, daughter Samuel Howard, 38 Bessie Howard, 12 James K. Howard, 8