Greetings! I am looking for information on John Boynton Palmer, born October 13, 1826, in Plattsburg, New York. He was the son of Rep. John Palmer and Charlotte Theresa Sailly. John B. Palmer moved to Detroit, Michigan in the 1840s, where he was a merchant and one of the trustees of the Detroit Savings Bank. He was connected (or in business with) his brother-in-law, James A. Hicks. In 1858, Palmer moved to Watauga County, North Carolina, and built an estate known as “Grasslands.” The area became Mitchell County in 1861, and is in present-day Avery County, North Carolina. In July 1862, Palmer become colonel of the 58th North Carolina Troops; and in September 1862, led the regiment into the fray at Chickamauga, Tennessee, where Palmer was wounded. In November 1863, Palmer was transferred to the Department of Western North Carolina, where he was in command until early 1865 when he took a field command in the same area. Following the war, Palmer moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where he worked in the textile business with the Childs family. Palmer once again became involved in the banking industry, and later the railroad industry. In 1879, Palmer bought 70 acres of orange groves in present-day Winter Park, Florida. Palmer Ave in Winter Park and the canal which now features the boat tours, are both named for Colonel Palmer. Palmer died on December 10, 1893, in Florida, I believe. He is buried in the Elmwood Cemetery in Columbia, South Carolina.

Palmer married Frances “Fannie” Marvin Kirby on October 12, 1852. She was from Brownsville, Jefferson County, New York, the daughter of Col. Edmund Kirby and Eliza Brown. Mrs. Palmer is buried beside her husband in Columbia. There was at least one son, Edmond Kirby Palmer, born ca.1854, and also buried in Columbia. There might have been a daughter.

I am working on a biography about Colonel Palmer, to be published later this year. If you have any information relating to Colonel Palmer, or his wife, please contact me.

Thanks for the help.

Regards,
Michael C. Hardy
PO Box 393
Crossnore, NC 28616
www.michaelchardy.com