JAMES WILLIAM PALMER

This little history was written in the Blanding paper at the time of Father's death.

Blanding, San Juan County, Utah

February 23, 1931

James William Palmer died here Friday, Feb. 20, 1931 at 9 AM following a rather long illness. His family had taken him to Cortez, Colorado for special treatment but being unable to benefit him there he was returned home again where he died under very peaceful conditions at the ripe old age of seventy three.

He was born in 1860 at Provo, Utah County, Utah and moved to Meadow Valley, to Springdale near Zion Canyon, then to Orderville, Kane County, Utah where he lived the United Order for ten years. James W. Palmer was married as a young man to Mary Ann Black at Orderville in 1879 (she died the next year.) He married Olive Myrtle Black in 1881 and Eva Minerva Black in 1883. Together they pioneered, following settlement in Old Mexico, Colonia Diaz in the state of Sonorra, Mexico and San Jose, Colonia Juarez, Coralles, and Colonia Pacheco in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Because of poor health in Mexico James W. Palmer and one family moved to Blanding, San Juan County, Utah before the 1912 Mexico Revolution. The other family followoing when they were hounded from their homes in 1912. A large family survives. Twenty two children, one hundred and six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A fitting service was held Saturday, Feb. 21st before a large house of repectful posterity and friends. The speakers were David Black, James Caroll and W. H. Redd. Brother Palmer's life was held as an example of thoroughness, honesty, and order at the handicapped by all the hardships of pioneer life.

Family Statistics of James William Palmer

James William Palmer, son of Zemira and Sally Knight Palmer born 23 Sep;t. 1860 at Provo Utah County, Utah. Sixth child in a family of six sons and six daughters. Christened 29 June 1873. Baptized 29 June 1873. Endowed 25 June 1879. Married 25 June 1879 to Mary Ann Black. Married Olive Myrtle Black 7 Dec. 1881, to Eva Minerva Black 1883. Died 20 Feb 1931. Buried 21 Feb. 1931. Father of 22 children. 12 sons, 10 daughters. From 1860 to 1883 pioneered Utah. 1883 to 1885 pioneered Arizona and from 1885 to 1910 pioneered Old Mexico. Lived at Blanding, San Juan County, Utah from 1910 to 1931. Lived "United Order" ten years. Was farmer and rancher by trade. Held responsible civil positions. Held all offices of Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His life a worthy example of thoroughness, honesty, and order at the handicapped by all the hardships of pioneer life.

-------------10 living sons, 2 sons dead. 9 living daughters, 1 daughter dead.

-------------Total posterity living and dead 20 Feb. 1931 was 133. Total posterity 15 Oct. 1950 was 204.

Last Updated: October 2020