My Genealogy Hound

James A. Palmer, farmer, was born in DeKalb County, Tenn., October 12, 1854, and is the son of Edmund Palmer and the grandson of James Palmer, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and one of the leading farmers of DeKalb County. Edmund Palmer was born in Virginia, and moved with his parents to Tennessee when a small lad. He grew to manhood in DeKalb County, Tenn. He here married Miss Rhoda Pistol, and afterward located on a farm in DeKalb County, where he remained until 1859, when he moved to Missouri and located on a farm in Lawrence County, Mount Vernon Township. To his marriage were born nine children, seven now living: Bethel A., Thomas H., Mary A., Sarah E., M. P., Cordelia J. (wife of Moses Johnson) and James A. Mr. Palmer was a very strong Union man, and at the commencement of the late Civil War he and two of his sons enlisted. He rendered honorable and active service until disabled by sickness, from which he never fully recovered. His wife, nee Rhoda Pistol, was of German descent, and died February 9, 1883. Mr. Palmer was one of the successful farmers of the county, and owned 260 acres of good land. He was a carpenter by trade, and assisted in building the Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and the Baptist Church on Honey Creek. He died in 1884. His son, James A. Palmer, attended the common schools of Lawrence County, and reached his majority on the farm. August 8, 1886, he married Miss Missouri A. Ragain, who was born February 9, 1869, and who was the daughter of Edward R. Ragain, of Lawrence County. After marriage they located on the farm where they now live. Mr. Palmer also owns a fine farm on Honey Creek. He is a Republican in politics.