William Palmer (deceased), one of the earliest pioneers of this section of the country, was born in Sudbury, Rutland county, Vt., June 20, 1799. He was a son of William and Abigail Palmer, formerly of Dutchess county, N.Y. His grandfather, Elias Palmer, was of English descent. William and Abigail Palmer had a family of seven children - three sons and four daughters - all of whom are deceased. The subject of this sketch was the youngest. He received his education in his native state, and was married Jan.1 3, 1823, to Mary Barton, a native of Addison county, Vt. Six children were born to them - William George, residing in Macoupin county; Mary A., wife of John C. Dannels; Franklin, who died in infancy; Henry R.; Harriet S., wife of Milo Stowe, and Martha J. Mr. Palmer in 1830 immigrated to Illinois with his family, which at that time consisted of his wife and three children, making an overland journey of over two months. He located west of White Hall, where he remained two years, then removed to the southeast quarter, fo Sec. 14, T. 9, R. 10, making one of the first permanent settlements in the township in which he lived for more than 40 years. He was one of the commissioners appointed by the court of Jersey county to establish the boundary line between Greene and Jersey counties, which duty he performed satisfactorily to all. He was for three years, one of the county commissioners, and was appointed postmaster under VanBuren's administration, being one of the first postmasters in the county. About the year 1845, Mr. Palmer, by a premature discharge of powder, while blasting rock, lost his eyesight, and although in darkness for the last 29 years of his life, he was constantly cheered, and his pathway brightened by the love and kindness of his numerous relatives and friends. He was one of the substantial citizens of the community in which he so long resided, and highly esteemed and honored by all. His death occurred April 20, 1874.