My Genealogy Hound

William Palmer, whose untimely death brought sorrow to his devoted family and deep regret to a wide circle of friends and business acquaintances in Milford, Oakland County, was one of the substantial citizens and progressive business men of the town. Mr. Palmer was born near Montreal, Canada, February 19, 1848, and was a son of Walter and Maria (Hunn) Palmer, natives of England.

Walter Palmer migrated in young manhood to Canada and from the Dominion came to Milford, Michigan, about 1850. By trade he was a tanner and currier and for a time was employed here in the old Peters’ tannery. His death occurred in 1861, when the late William Palmer was 13 years of age. The other children left fatherless were two daughters, — Maria and Mary Ann. Mrs. Palmer contracted a second marriage, becoming the wife of Henry Caruss, and the mother of a daughter, Henrietta. Mrs. Caruss still survives, at the age of 78 years, and resides at Walled Lake, Commerce township.

William Palmer was educated in the common and high schools at Milford, and in young manhood learned the carpenter’s trade with his uncle, Edward Hunn. This he successfully followed until 1899 and specimens of his fine workmanship may be found in the village and all through the township of Milford. In the latter year he became associated with the Milford Manufacturing Company, in the plant at Milford, continuing with it until its suspension. In July, 1903, in partnership with H. Nacker, he assisted in the re-organization of the business and the plant was started into operation under the firm name of Nacker & Palmer. Prospects were most encouraging and there seemed to be every promise of a bright future for the business under the management of these two practical and reliable men, when the sad accident happened to Mr. Palmer on September 3rd, seven weeks after the starting of the machinery, which caused his death four days later, September 7, 1903.

Mr. Palmer was a man of the highest integrity and held the esteem of all who knew him. He also possessed more than the average business ability, and in every relation of life was a man whom it will be hard to replace.

In 1871 Mr. Palmer was married to Anna L. Wallace, who is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (McKee) Wallace, who were natives of Ireland. A family of nine children, with the bereaved widow, survives, namely: Walter; Nellie and Roger, twins; Bertha; Delia; Judson; Clarence; Mamie and Mabel. Roger is the only one married; he was united to Georgia Stewart, and they have one child, Stewart.

Although Mr. Palmer had never united with any religious body, he was a moral man, and in his views favored the Methodist Church. He contributed liberally to both religious and educational movements. The family residence on Huron street is one of the most comfortable and attractive in the village.