John M. Palmer (politician)
| John M. Palmer | |
|---|---|
 |
|
|
United States Senator from Illinois |
|
|
In office March 4, 1891 – March 3, 1897 |
|
| Preceded by | Charles B. Farwell |
| Succeeded by | William E. Mason |
| 15th Governor of Illinois | |
|
In office January 11, 1869 – January 13, 1873 |
|
| Lieutenant | John Dougherty |
| Preceded by | Richard James Oglesby |
| Succeeded by | Richard James Oglesby |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John McAuley Palmer September 13, 1817 Eagle Creek, Scott County, Kentucky |
| Died | September 25, 1900 (aged 83) Springfield, Illinois |
| Political party |
Free Soil (1848–52) Democratic (1852–56; 1872–1896) Republican (1856–70) Liberal Republican (1870–1872) National Democratic (1896) |
| Profession | Soldier |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1866 |
| Rank |
 Major General
|
| Commands | XIV Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John McAuley Palmer (September 13, 1817 – September 25, 1900) was an Illinois resident, an American Civil War General who fought for the Union, the 15th Governor of Illinois, and presidential candidate of the National Democratic Party in the 1896 election on a platform to defend the gold standard, free trade, and limited government.
Palmer switched political parties throughout his life, starting out a Democrat. He became in turn an anti-Nebraska Democrat (against state sovereignty on slavery), a Republican, a Liberal Republican, returned to being a Democrat, then ended as a Bourbon Democrat. He said, "I had my own views. I was not a slave of any party," and added, "I thought for myself and [have] spoken my own words on all occasions."
Born at Eagle Creek in Scott County, Kentucky, Palmer's family in 1831 moved to Alton, Illinois. They were very poor, but he later worked his way through college. In 1839, he was admitted to the bar in that state. Palmer married Malinda Ann Neely in 1842 and had ten children with her. His early careers included being a lawyer, school teacher, coopering, and selling clocks.
...
Wikipedia