Background
Palmer, David J. was born on November 15, 1938 in Washington, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of Samuel R. and Margaret (Munce) Palmer.
Palmer, David J. was born on November 15, 1938 in Washington, Pennsylvania, United States. Son of Samuel R. and Margaret (Munce) Palmer.
Educational public schools.
Enlisted as private in Company C, 8th Iowa Regiment, August 10, 1861. Attached to Army of the West, later to Army of the Tennessee. Severely wounded at Battle of Shiloh.
Organized Company A, 25th Iowa Regiment.
Promoted captain, 1862. Lieutenant colonel, 1863.
Participated in siege of Vicksburg, battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, expedition to relieve Knoxville, and Atlanta campaign. Mustered out at Washington, 1865.
Engaged in farming at Washington, Iowa, since close of war.
Auditor Washington Company, 1876-1880. Member Iowa Senate, 1891-1898. Railroad commissioner of Iowa, 1898-1915.
Frequent delegate to Republican national conversations
Elected commander-in-chief G.A.R., September 1914. Member Iowa Commandery Loyal Legion.
Member State Council Defense. Clubs: Commercial (Washington, Iowa), Grant (Des Moines).
Married Letitia Helen Young, October 25, 1866.