William H. Palmer

William H. Palmer

• William H. Palmer was born circa 12 March 1806 in Kentucky.
• He married Lucinda Caldwell.
• On March 13, 1848, the Texas legislature passed the bill to establish a state prison. The language of the law indicated clearly that the new prison would be a place where inmates would be forced to abide by strict rules of behavior and discipline and would work so as not to be a burden on the state's taxpayers. The law required the governor to appoint a committee of three to select a site for the new institution. The location chosen should be no larger than 100 acres and should cost no more than $5 an acre. The three committee members, John Brown of Henderson County, William Palmer of Walker County, and William Menefee of Fayette County, ultimately selected Huntsville as the home for the new state facility. Upon making their selection, the three men purchased 4.8 acres of land at a total cost of $22 on which to construct the prison buildings. In addition, they spent $470 for a tract of ninety-four acres of heavily timbered land nearby. These holdings, along with separate gifts from private citizens of rock and timber in the vicinity, enabled state officials to begin construction almost immediately.
       From "Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville," The Handbook of Texas Online, Texas State Historical Association.
• On 25 April 1848, Green Wood recorded in his travel journal: Arrived at Col. Palmers about Sunset & remained there all night. He has Some rich Black Prarie & very fine corn Surrounded by Pine Woods. He lives in pine land near east Sanjacinto, some good sandy land. Treated well & no charge. Lives 12 miles from Trinity.
• The following appeared on 27 April 1848 in the Democratic Telegraph and Texas Register: Judge Menifee and Col. Palmer, two of the commissioners appointed by Gov. Wood to select a site for the Penitentiary of the State, met at Washington on the Brazos, on Saturday the 15th inst. The law allows the commissioners sixty days to make the location. Mr. Brown the other commissioner, has probably joined the others by this time and they are engaged in visiting various sections of the State to examine the most eligible sites. . . .
       But we will not enlarge upon the advantages, which, we believe, Huntsville possesses over any point in the State as a site for the Penitentiary--satisfied as we are, that the commissioners will make a proper choice. They are all gentlemen of sterling integrity, practical sense, and sound judgement; we have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Judge Menifee or Mr. Brown; but they have both rendered good service to the State, and their names are familiar to the Texian people; Judge Menifee has long been a resident of this country, and has held high and responsible offices under the by gone Republic
       Col. Palmer we all know. He is one of our most esteemed citizens--an honest, plain, strong-minded farmer, and an influential member of society.
       We are gratified that the Governor appointed such men to the discharge of so important a trust.
• The following appeared on 13 July 1848 in the Democrat Telegraph and Texas Register: We learn from the Huntsville Banner, that Judge Brown, Judge Menifee and Col. Palmer, the Penitentiary Commissioners, arrived in that town on the 1st July from the west. All three appeared to be in fine health.
• William H. Palmer and Lucinda Caldwell appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1850 in Walker County, Texas. Other members of the household included Mary Elizabeth Palmer.
• He was a farmer, according to the 1850 census.
• William H. Palmer became a widower at the 4 November 1855 death of his wife Lucinda Caldwell.
• He married Cornelia E. Allen, by license issued on 21 February 1857 in Walker County, Texas.
• William H. Palmer and Cornelia E. Allen appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1860 in Huntsville PO, Walker County, Texas. Other members of the household included Anna Willena Palmer.
• He was a farmer, according to the 1860 census.
• William H. Palmer and Cornelia E. Allen appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1870 in Huntsville PO, Walker County, Texas. Other members of the household included Anna Willena Palmer, William Palmer and Lucinda C. Palmer.
• He was a farmer, according to the 1870 census.
• William H. Palmer died on 8 October 1871.
• His wife Cornelia E. Allen became a widow at his death.
• He was interred at Palmer family cemetery, Walker County, Texas, in a pasture across from the Dodge-Oakhurst water well.

• Last Edited: 4 May 2013