Thomas Palmer (1835-1889)

Thomas Palmer was born on 13 Aug 1835 at Stonington, CT. He was the son of farmer Alden Palmer (1802-1876) and Nancy Davis Palmer, who were married on 10 Oct 1831. Alden Palmer was the son of Thomas & Lucy Palmer of Stonington. Besides Thomas, Alden & his wife had seven other children: Harriet Jane, Mary Rossiter, Alden Jr., Lucy Woodbridge, Eugene, Emeline, and Eliza Babcock, all born in Stonington. The 1860 Census lists Thomas a drover, living at his parent’s farm and likely working for his father. He was still living at Stonington when he registered for the Civil War draft. No record of him having served, further research would have to be conducted. Thomas is not enumerated with his parents in 1870.

Thomas Palmer married Minnie Pond on 15 June 1874, daughter of Orlando Pond & Lucia Farr. The couple married at Independence, Iowa, after the time period of this correspondence offered here. The 1880 Census shows the couple living at Iowa, with Thomas working as a traveling salesman and their eldest daughter Harriet having been born in Iowa in 1875. Thomas was later in business in New York City and resided at Brooklyn. Thomas and his wife had at least three children: Harriet Elizabeth, and twins Grace Madeline & Roy Elbert. Thomas’ siblings were intermarried with the Noyes family of Stonington, as well as other Palmer families (cousins) of Stonington.

One enveloped is addressed to “Messrs. Palmer & Rhodes” in care of “Henry Rhodes, Esq.” of South Trenton, New York. Henry Rhodes (1803-1877) of Trenton, NY married Thomas’ cousin Bridget Matilda Palmer (1807-1903). Bridget was born at Stonington, CT, she married Rhodes and they settled at South Trenton, NY, where Rhodes was known as one of the town’s oldest residents. Bridget was the daughter of Lemuel Palmer (1767-1850) and Abigail Davis (1778-1832), who were the maternal grandparents of Thomas Palmer.

Thomas Palmer died on 24 Oct 1889. His wife Minnie was still living in NYC when the 1891 city directory was published, listed as a widow.

The correspondence offered here is from the 1850s, before Thomas married and while he was still living with his parents at Stonington, CT. Most of the letters are incoming letters to Thomas Palmer, generally written by family, or business associates. The letters reveal information about the social history of the family during this time period, as well give a look at business he was involved in. Some of the letters are from friends.

Examples of Letters:

“Chicago Oct 6^th /56

Friend Tom,

I meant to have written you long before this, but my time has been taken up, all the time since I have been here. How is everything in Stonington, the same as ever I presume, quiet, still quiet; how different is Chicago, all is confusion. Every man seems to be hurrying yes, even the vey dray man seem to urge their steeds to their utmost speed, such driving as we have here, I should think the horses would die in the streets, they have some fine specimens here of horse flesh, and mules too, any quantity of them I assure you.

I am in a wholesale dry goods house here and have to work hard early and late, from early until the small hours begin to come…

Chicago is a fast place for one to live in, Sundays the young men are generally out driving their nags and boxing the speed and good qualities, Sunday is more of a holiday than a holy day with some here, but not with me, I respect the Sabbath and keep holy, although I have not been inside a church since I left Connecticut for the far off West as it is termed with some…

Write me soon on receiving this…Yours truly S.B. Palmer” [S.B. Palmer writes three letters to Thomas Palmer, all dated 1856-1857]

“Columbus Nov 8, 1857

Friend Thomas,

I received your long looked for letter in answer to the one I wrote you some three or four months ago, a few days since. Was glad to hear from you and take the first opportunity to answer it. I think the Westerly people are doing a brisk business in the wedding line for these hard times. I was rather surprised to hear that Hannah Weed was married. I thought you had a mortgage on her, but I suppose you changed it for better property. By the way do you call at Father Randals any now days? I suppose you remember the last time we were there, did not we have a rich time. I would like to go there once more and have them carry on as they did the last time we were there. The first time you see Sarah you must kiss her once for me and a number of times for yourself.

You wish to know when I think of coming home. I have calculated all along to go home next summer, but I do not know now as it will be so that I can go. Mr. Stanton told me a few days ago that he thought he should discharge Mr. Wilson (the head clerk) in the spring and get a boy and if he should do so I hardly think I shall get home this summer.

Things look pretty blue here at present on account of the hard times, money scarce and trade dull. It is rather hard on the merchants but there has but very few of them suspended in this city yet. Our retail trade is pretty good we take from100 to 150 dollars a day in cash.

I do not think of anything more worth writing. Joseph & myself are well. Give our best respect to all your good people and to all our many friends.

From you friend, Chas L. Noyes”

“My dear Brother,

I thought I would write you a little note as Hal says that I may send it in his letter. I have not much news to tell you. Jesse & Charles Hull were here the other evening, and as Father & Hal had gone to the point and Jesse of course wanted a game of whist, so I played with him & Moll with Charles. We beat them two games out of three, just as we finished the last game, Father and Hal came, so I gave my hand to him. I went to singing school a week ago Sunday night and had a splendid time. Johnny was there. I do not go to school at all, and some days they will not let me play out of doors any. I get pretty lonesome sometimes and shall be glad if I ever get well of having boils. I had a real bad one on my arm this week. I hope you will answer this and come home before long.

Your affectionate sister, Eliza

We have heard from the Penguin she is on her way to California”