John M. Palmer

Biography

John M. Palmer was a prominent American politician known for serving as a U.S. senator from Illinois, serving briefly as military governor of Illinois during the Civil War, and running as the nominee of the National Democratic Party in the 1896 presidential election. He also served as governor of Illinois from 1869 to 1873 and championed civil service reform and sound money policies.

Palmer’s long public service career reflected his commitment to unity and constitutional government during a turbulent era, and he now rests in Carlinville City Cemetery as a figure of political history.