Reuben Jonathan Palmer

Duane's take

Here's how the marker tells it, and I'll give it to you straight. Reuben Jonathan Palmer was born on January 18, 1829, in Appomattox County, Virginia, the son of Reuben DeJarnette and Martha P. Palmer, whose maiden name was Christian.

He came up educated, too, the kind of man who walked out of Randolph-Macon College with something to show for it. Then, in 1856, he did what a lot of ambitious men were doing in that era. He pointed himself toward Texas.

Montgomery County is where he landed, and Montgomery County is where he made his name, as a lawyer. Now, a good lawyer in Texas at that time didn't stay out of politics for long, and Palmer was no exception. He served in the 9th Legislature of the State of Texas, and then came 1861, the year the whole country held its breath.

Palmer was there for the Secession Convention, standing inside one of the most consequential rooms in Texas history. He had a family beside him through all of it. He married Frances Winifred, the daughter of Robert G. and Agnes Branch, Agnes having been born a Wood.

Together they had three children: Robert Guerrant, Cora Christian, who later became Cora Blanding, and Edward Gray. Three children, a law practice, a seat in the legislature, a role at the Secession Convention. That was the life of Reuben Jonathan Palmer.

He died on March 20, 1868. Not quite forty years on this earth, and yet the marker stands.

What the marker says

(January 18, 1829 - March 20, 1868) Born in Appomattox County, Va., son of Reuben DeJarnette and Martha P. (Christian) Palmer; he was educated at Randolph-Macon College. Moved to Texas in 1856. A Montgomery lawyer; served in 9th Legislature, State of Texas, and in Secession Convention, 1861. Married Frances Winifred, the daughter of Robert G. and Agnes (Wood) Branch. Had three children: Robert Guerrant, Cora Christian (later Blanding), and Edward Gray. Recorded - 1972