[p. 738] formerly proprietor of the creamery at Energy, Shenango Township, was born in Washington County, Penn., May 5, 1845, son of George and Prudence (Hathaway) Palmer. His paternal grandfather came from Ireland at an early day and settled in Washington County, where he engaged in farming and was well enough thought of to be made a justice of the peace, in which office he served for forty years.
George Palmer, father of Harvey L., grew up on the farm and resided in Washington County all his life. He followed agriculture and stock-raising and was an industrious and respected citizen. In politics a Democrat, though no politician. He died in 1850 at the age of sixty-two years. The family was one of great longevity. One of George Palmer's brothers lived to the remarkable age of 107 years, another to that of ninety-three, another to that of ninety-four, and a sister attained the age of ninety-seven. The record of this family is in brief as follows: Emeline, who married George Bilman, both being now deceased; Betsey, who married Joseph Hamilton, both being now deceased; Sarah, a twin sister of Betsey, who married Enoch Hickson and now resides in Cannonsburg, Washington County; Rachel, who is the wife of George McGiboney of Washington County; Maria, now deceased, who was the wife of John Sheets, who is also deceased; Joseph, deceased, who served in the Civil War as a member of the Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; Daniel W., who is a resident of Duck's Mill, Washington County, Pennsylvania; Zephaniah, who is deceased; Cynthia, who married F. Boyles, both being now deceased; Martha, deceased, who was the wife of Joseph McClure; Harvey L., the direct subject of this article; and John H., twin brother of Harvey, who resides in Shenango Township. The parents of this family, both of whom are now deceased, were members of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, Washington County.
Harvey L. Palmer at eleven years of age, being an orphan, went to Pittsburg, where he attended school and worked in a shoe store for about three years. Afterwards he was employed for some time in a grocery store. About 1866 he entered the grocery business for himself, opening a store at No. 149 Fulton Street, remaining in that location until 1871. He then came to Shenango Township and was engaged in farming for about a year and a half with his brother-in-law. Subsequently he started a milk depot and grocery business in New Castle. In 1885 his wife died and he sold out and established the store now operated by his son, dealing in general merchandise. This business he carried on until 1906, when he sold it to his son, D. A. Palmer, who is the present proprietor. July 20, 1907, he bought the creamery at Energy, Shenango Township, which turns out about 700 pounds of butter per week, and which proved a profitable industry. This he sold in August, 1908. In politics he is a Republican, but has always declined to hold office.
Mr. Palmer was first married to Mary Jane, daughter of David Aiken, of Shenango Township, she having been born in the same year as himself. Of this union there were five children, three of whom grew up. They were as follows: Martha Densy died at the age of three years. David A., born in 1873, was graduated from the New Castle High School and took a two years' course at Duff's Business College, Pittsburg. He became associated in business enterprises with his father, and as above noted is now the proprietor of a thriving business. He married Mary Ellen Trusel. Hugh is a resident of Pittsburg. William resides in Sterling, Colorado. The fifth child, a son, twin of William, died when a week old. The mother of these children, Mrs. Mary Jane Palmer, was a member of the Center U. P. Church from girlhood until her marriage, at which time she joined the First Presbyterian Church at New Castle. She was always active in church work and was highly esteemed as a Christian woman and good neighbor. Her death took place in 1885. Mr. Palmer subsequently married for his second wife, Miss Catherine A. Breckenridge, of Shenango Township. The family are members of the Third United Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Palmer was formerly trustee for a number of years.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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