Background
Palmer was born in Candia, New Hampshire, he was the seventh of eleven children born to Joseph and Abigail Palmer.
Palmer was born in Candia, New Hampshire, he was the seventh of eleven children born to Joseph and Abigail Palmer.
Palmer graduated from Phillips Exeter, and from Dartmouth College in 1858.
Palmer taught at the Boston Latin School, and in the schools of West Cambridge, Massachusetts. After he left teaching Palmer was engaged in the ice business in Boston with Nathan B. Prescott. under the name Prescott and Palmer. In 1872 the Jamaica Pond Ice Company was formed from the amalgamation of the Prescott and Palmer Ice Company and three other firms.
Palmer served as the treasure and later president of the Jamaica Pond Ice Company.
In the 1881 mayoral election Palmer was defeated by Doctor Samuel A. Green. In the Boston city election held on December 12, 1882, Palmer was elected Mayor, with a majority of 2,187 votes over Doctor Samuel A. Green, the candidate of the Republican and Citizens parties.
Republican Party, Democratic Party.