Henry W. Palmer, son of Henry and Lydia B. Palmer, was born at the parental home east of Leaf River March 12, 1866; and died at his home in Leaf River, January 28, 1936 at the age of 69 years, 10 months and sixteen days.

He was united in marriage on September 25, 1895 to Miss Emma Kendel also of Leaf River. To this union were born five children: Mrs. Grace Light; Paul; Mrs. Vaida King, of Mt. Carroll, Ill; Mrs. Wilda Benson, of Detroit, Mich.; and Howard, of Genoa, Ill. His death makes the first break in the family circle, he being survived by his wife, all the children and 7 grandchildren. Two sisters, Mrs. Nora Pyper, and Mrs. Nannie Stine also survive him.

His entire life had been spent in and around Leaf River. The farm on which he was born was homesteaded by his parents upon their arrival from Maryland* and became in the course of time his family home, and has been operated since his retirement twelve years ago by his son Paul. It is difficult to estimate the contributions to the life of our communities of such stalwart residents as are represented by Mr. Palmer and his people. Their very lives are shrouded in their fine residential farms; in these small towns and villages; in the fraternal and social organizations such as the Grange of which Mr. Palmer was a charter member, to which they have given so much of their time and loyalty. As one by one, time creeps on and removes them from our midst, we shall have recalled to us their true worth to our life and culture. We shall miss them, and need them, but we can only pledge them our continued loyalties to those things they regarded as best.**

[*incorrect. His parents, Lydia Beeler and Henry Andrew Palmer, were married in IL, then established the farm]
[**taken from a typed carbon copy found in the papers of Howard J. Palmer]

DEATH, TUESDAY MORNING OF LEAF RIVER RESIDENT

The death of Henry W. Palmer, native of Leaf River Township and for the past twelve years estimable resident of Leaf River village, occurred Tuesday morning, January 28, [1936] at his home in that community, death being due to heart affection. He was born in Leaf River Township, March 12, 1866 and pursued the vocation of farmer most of his life, retiring about twelve years ago. He was married September 24, 1895 to Miss Emma Kendall, who survives his passing with three daughters, Mrs. Grace T. Light, Leaf River; Mrs. Vaida King of Mount Carroll; Mrs. Wilda Benson, Detroit, Michigan; two sons, Howard of Genoa, and Paul of Leaf River. Two sisters, Mrs. Nora Pyper and Mrs. Nancy Stein both of Leaf River and six grandchildren also survive. The funeral will be held from the home Friday afternoon at l:30 o'clock with services at two o'clock at the Christian Church, Rev. R.M. Powers, Methodist pastor, officiating. Burial will be in North Grove Cemetery. [source: Vaida Palmer King newspaper clippings]

Granddaughter Pamelia Stuart Palmer, daughter of Howard J. Palmer and Virginia Stuart Lowe, was born the day following the death of Henry. Virginia was pleased to have a girl instead of another Henry!

Contributed by Carol Palmer Schmidt

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