US Senator, Vermont Governor. Son of Stephen and Susannah Palmer. Fourth son in family of four sons and four daughters. Lost part of one hand in childhood accident when he fell on ice while carrying axe. Completed elementary studies in Hebron. Studied law in Hartford. Moved to Chelsea, Vermont, 1802. Completed law studies, admitted to bar, and practiced. Lived in various towns throughout northeastern Vermont before settling in Danville. Caledonia County Probate Judge, 1807-08, 1811-17. Clerk of County Court, 1807-15. Vermont House, 1811-1812, 1818. Married Sarah Blanchard of Danville, 1813. Seven children, five survived to maturity. Justice, Vermont Supreme Court, 1816-18. US Senate, 1818-25. A loyal Democratic-Republican, voted for Missouri's admission to Union as slave state, earning resentment from anti-slavery constituents who did not accept his states' rights justification. Farmed and practiced law. Vermont House, 1825-1826, 1829. Organized first convention of Vermont's anti-Masonic party in Montpelier, 1829. Delegate, State constitutional conventions, 1828, 1836, 1848. Elected Governor as anti-Mason, serving 1831-1835. Proposed successful 1833 law that any person administering oath in secret organization such as Masons would be fined. Advocated 1834 law to suspend charter of Vermont’s Masonic Grand Lodge. These laws had impact on Vermont Masonry for more than ten years. When Legislature could not select a governor after over 60 ballots in 1835, withdrew as candidate. Lieutenant Governor Silas Jenison became acting Governor. Unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Governor, 1836, losing to Whig Jenison. Vermont Senate, 1836-37. Active in farming until shortly before his death.