Friend Palmer was born in Canandaigua, New York on May 7, 1820. He came to Detroit at the age of seven and was educated in the public schools and at the University of Michigan. He was in the book binding business and in real estate; he was also an historian and author. He married Harriet Witherall, the daughter of Judge B. F. H. Witherall and they had three children. He was the cousin of Senator Thomas W. Palmer.

Palmer was appointed Assistant Quartermaster General for Michigan at the beginning of the Civil War and held that position until 1866 when he was appointed to the head of that department under Governor Crapo. He remained Quartermaster General until 1871. Palmer led a full and active life and died at the age of 86 after a short illness.

Born: May 7, 1820
Died: October 9, 1906
Buried: Section A, Lot 98