The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1893-04-26
OBITUARY.
Joshua Sears Palmer.

Of paralysis, at his home in this city,
yesterday morning. He was stricken
| about two weeks ago while sitting in his
parlor. He will be buried from his late
residence Saturday afternoon at 2
o'clock.
Joshua Sears Palmer was born in
kennebunk, Me-, November 20, 1924, and
was therefore in his Goth year. His father
was Hon. Barnabas Palmer, leading
Democrat of York county, and some
what prominent in state politics. The
son was educated in the schools of his
native town, and at the age of 16 enter
ed Bowdoin College in 1910. Four years
later MI. Palmer was graduated in a
class of 40, one of the largest and ablest
ever graduated from Bowdoin. Among
his classmates were Judge William Writ
Virgin, late of the Maine Supreme Court,
Hon. Samuel j. Anderson of Portland,
Henry K. Bradbury of Hollis, the late
Judge Charles w. Goddard, D. R.
Hastings of Fryeburg, Horatio G. Her
rick, sheriff of Essex county, Mass, for
many years; Charles W. Larrabee of
Bath, just appointed collector of that
port; President Josiah L. Packard of the
Iowa State University. For time after
graduation Mr.. Palmer's tastes led him
towards the law, and he began his studies.
But he did not finish them, preferring a
commercial life. Becoming associated
with Mr.. Jeremiah Dow, whose daughter
became his first wife, Mr.. Palmer was
for several years member of the firm of
Hobbs, Thaxtec & Co., and large whole
sale dealers in drysgoods, their store be-
ing where that OF Manson G. Larrabee
now stands. Mr.. Dow was also engaged
ISOLATION that Mr.. Palmer's attention
was turned to the business which after
wards received most of his attention. In
that business he was for time associated
with the late John E. Dow, the firm be-
ing Dow & Palmer Then with Mr.
Sterling Dow and Mr. Horace Anderson
he formed the firm of Palmer, Dow &
Anderson. Later this became the firm
of Palmer & Anderson; and within the
last few years, by the consolidation with
the firm of w. D. Little 6 Co., the firm
became Palmer, Anderson & Co.
In 1868 the Portland Glass Company
was formed with Mr.. Palmer as treasurer.
This company began manufacturing in
1854, its factory being near the present
sugar refinery. Up to 1867 at least, and
perhaps a little later, Mr.. Palmer con-
tinued treasurer of this company.
In politics, Mr.. Palmer, like his father
before him, was stalwart Democrat. In
1856 he was elected a member of the
Board of Aldermen, and about this time
was for two years treasurer Of the city.
He held no other political office for many
years until Mr.. Cleveland, at the begin
| ming of his first administration, made
Mr.. Palmer postmaster of Portland.
This Office he held from August 2, 1885,
to 1890, making term of five years.
Mr.. Palmer was a cultured gentleman.
In his younger days he travelled in Eu-
rope. He was a fine appearing man, of
good figure, and in youth of noticeably
graceful carriage. AS a reader he ex-
celled, and one of his favorite ways of en-
PERTAINING his friends was by reading to
them selections from fayorite authors.
In earlier years he attended the First
Parish church, but later became interest
ed in Spiritualism, a belief which has
for many years had his most careful
thought and most serious reflection.
Mr.. Palmer was twice married. His
first wife died in 1857. In 1889 he mar
ried Mrs. Nellie S. Bronson of Toledo,
Ohio, who survives him. He had no
children by either marriage.
Mrs. Geo. d. Robinson.
The many friends of Mr.. George D.
Robinson, the we'll known caterer, and
family, will be panied to learn of the
death of his beloved wife, Maria r..
which occurred yesterday morning. Mrs.
Robinson had been an invalid nearly all
winter but she bore her sufferings with
great fortitude and patience until she
passed painlessly away. She was "a years
of age and leaves six children. She was
Miss Brothers of Montreal, where she
had brother, well known contractor.
Mrs. Robinson possessed the love and
esteem of all who knew her. The funeral
will take place this morning from st.
Dominic's church.
Francis G. Hayes.
Mr.. Francis g. Hayes, the well known
stabler, died at his residence yesterday.
The late Mr.. Hayes was man much re
spected. He was member of Ligonia
Lodge of Odd Fellows and of the Port
land Relief.
William Bickford.