Biography of George A. Palmer (dates unknown )
History of Montgomery County, Missouri (National Historic Company, 1885).

George A. PALMER was born on the family farm in Lincoln county and was reared to farm work.

George A. PALMER and Miss Margaret GILMORE were reared together, and spent time almost daily, so very naturally they became betrothed. In 1849, Margaret left the area with her family, to go west to California. In 1850, at the age of 18, he went overland to California, as well (a 6 month journey), to join her. Upon his arrival, he was unable to find the GILMORE family. He remained on the Pacific Coast for 5 years, principally in mining, but also teaming and herding cattle. In 1855 George returned to Lincoln county, and found his betrothed had returned as well, and learned the reason she had not been awaiting him on the coast.

There had been a sad scene on the plains during the GILMORE journey west. Robert GILMORE and wife, along with three sons and daughter, Margaret, were traveling, and water was scarce. At that time, the fatal effect of drinking the alkali water was little known by the generality of people. While on the way, and almost perishing of thirst, the family came to a beautiful fountain of crystal water, which seemed to them a special gift of Providence. Having tasted the water, the father and mother and one son were soon cold in death. Margaret and one brother narrowly escaped death, themselves. Owing to the death of her parents, Miss GILMORE returned to Missouri with her brother shortly after George's departure, and so did not meet her betrothed until after his return to the scenes of their childhood, after five long years.

They married early in 1856. They resided and farmed in Lincoln county until 1871, when they moved to Montgomery county and farmed a successful 680 acres of land.

File submitted to HERITAGE PAGES of LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSOURI by Neal Underwood, 22 May 2006.  Link change or update: 12 August 2006

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