William A. Palmer was born in Hebron, Connecticut on September 12, 1781. Palmer graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Law. He was admitted to the bar and began to practice Law in Chelsea, Vermont. Held numerous positions in Vermont and was a judge of the State supreme court of Vermont 1816-1818. In 1818, Palmer was elected to the United States Senate and served until 1825. He was also a delegate to the Vermont State Constitutional conventions in 1828, 1836, and 1850. He was elected Governor of Vermont in 1831 under the Anti-Masonic ticket and stayed in office until 1835. Palmer died on December 3, 1860 in Danville, Vermont.