H. H. Hardesty's History of Wetzel County, West Virginia
John W. Palmer was born and wedded in Wetzel county, his birth occurring March 7, 1845, and his marriage consummated January 12, 1865. He chose for his wife Cynthia A. Hibbs, who was born in Wetzel county June 1, 1845, and of their union eight children were born: Ulysses S., October 4, 1865; Franklin B., June 18, 1867; Lacy L., August 2, 1869, died January 21, 1870; Clarmenza, November 24, 1871, died August 24, 1872; Eliza Leone, June 16, 1873, died March 15, 1877; Lysander, December 16, 1875; John W., September 5, 1878; William J., May 10, 1881 - the living children all at home. John W. Palmer was a good soldier, always at his post of duty during his term of enlistment in the civil war. He entered the army October 2, 1861, and received honorable discharge November 20, 1864. He served in Company K 1st West Virginia Infantry, and took part in all its battles except the second Manassas. George Palmer, father of John W., was a soldier of the 1812 war. He died in Wetzel county in 1864. The mother of John W. Palmer, whose maiden was Penelope Hart, died March 27, 1883, in this county. The wife of Mr. Palmer was a daughter of William and Barbara (Bradford) Hibbs. Her father, who had been a soldier of the 1812 war, died in Centre district, and her mother is still living in that district. Farming and stock-raising engage the time of John W. Palmer, and he has served his district, Proctor, as school trustee. His postoffice address is Marion, Wetzel county, West Virginia.
Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen H. H. Hardesty, 1898.
John W. Palmer was born in Wetzel county, W. Va., March 7, 1843, and was a son of George and Penellopa (Hart) Palmer, deceased. He united his fortunes for life with Cynthia A. Hibbs, daughter of Wm. W. Hibbs, June 1, 1865. Of this union were born the following children: Usilis, Franklin B., Lacy, dec., Clara M., dec., Eliza l., dec., Lisander, John W., William J., and Quincy L., dec. Comrade Palmer served in the war of the Rebellion with distinction and honor, being enrolled Oct. 2, 1861, at Wheeling, W. Va., in Co. K, 1st W. Va. April, 1863, he was granted a leave of absence of eight days and returned to duty at end of time. In 1864 he was detailed for sharpshooter. Among the battles in which he took a prominent part may be mentioned: Winchester, Fredericksburg, Port Republic, New Creek, Snickers Gap, Cedar Mt., 2d Bull Run, New Market, Piedmont and Lynchburg, receiving an honorable discharge Nov. 20, 1864, at Wheeling, W. Va. Our subject's father and his wife's father both served in the war of 1812. Comrade Palmer is a member of Philip Bier Post, No. 17; he has been road supervisor, school director and overseer of the poor; he is engaged in farming and his postoffice address is Marion, W. Va.
