Marion Palmer, a substantial farmer of Valley Township, is descended from an old American family of English origin. His grandfather, William Palmer, was farmer of Indiana. His son, M. T. Palmer, the father of our subject, was born in that State, and was reared to farm life, but in the latter part of his life he became a physician. He was married in Indiana, to Caroline Tuel, and to them were born seven children who grew to maturity: Marion, Sumner, Abraham L., Mary M., Alexander R. (who died in 1889, at the age of twenty-five years), Hiram T. and Della. After marriage the father moved to Mercer County, Illinois, where he lived on a farm about three years. In 1852 he came to Council Bluffs, remaining one year, and then came to what is now Big Grove, Belknap Township, where he remained until his death in August, 1882, at the age of sixty-one years. Both himself and wife were members of the Baptist Church, and politically he was a Republican. His widow is still living on the old homestead.

Marion Palmer, the subject of this sketch, was born in Mercer County, Illinois, April 5, 1851, and was early inured to farm life. He was but two years of age when he came to Council Bluffs with his parents. After his marriage he settled on his present farm, which then consisted of forty acres of wild land, but which he has since converted into a fine fertile farm of 200 acres. He is engaged largely in the stock business. He has taken an active interest in the cause of education, and has been School Director and also Road Supervisor. Politically he is a Republican, and stands deservedly high among his fellow-citizens for his sterling worth.

November 24, 1883, Mr. Palmer was married to Lizzie J. Scott, daughter of William and Jane (Jeffries) Scott. The father is an old settler of this county, and is still living on his farm near Oakland. He came from Ohio in 1869, and is the father of six children: Lizzie J., Lydia, Charles, Lillie, Theodore and Mary. The father was a soldier in our great civil war, and is respected in the community in which he lives. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are the parents of four children: Myrtle, Gertrude, Ernest, and an infant unnamed.