Robert Moffett Palmer
American politician (1820–1862)
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Robert Moffett Palmer (December 14, 1820 – April 26, 1862) was an American diplomat.
Ambassador Robert Moffett Palmer | |
|---|---|
| |
| 5th United States Minister to Argentina | |
| In office October 5, 1861 – c. April 12, 1862 | |
| Preceded by | John F. Cushman |
| Succeeded by | Robert C. Kirk |
| Pennsylvania State Senator | |
| In office 1857–1861 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 14, 1820 |
| Died | April 26, 1862 (aged 41) |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Isabelle Seitzinger |
| Children | 6 |
Biography
Palmer was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey on December 14, 1820 to a family of judges and politicians.[1] At age 9 his father moved the family to Pottsville, Pennsylvania and Palmer began learning the trade of printing.[2][3][4] He would eventually become editor of the Pottsville Emporium, a local paper, and later marry Isabelle Seitzinger in 1840. In 1845 he would join the bar before going on to be appointed District Attorney of Schuylkill County in 1850.[5]
Palmer would act as a Republican delegate for Pennsylvania to the Republican National Convention in both 1856 and 1860.[3]
Palmer would take a seat in the Pennsylvania State Senate in 1859 as a Republican.[2] He would eventually becoming Speaker of the Senate in 1860 and get reelected in 1861.[1][5][6]
While serving as the Speaker, Palmer would be selected by President Lincoln to serve as the United States' Minister Resident to the Argentine Confederation.[2][7] He would represent the United States to Argentina from 1861 to April 12, 1862.[4][8][9] On February 25, 1862, he would move the U.S. legation from Parana back to Buenos Aires, following the reunification of the country.[10]
Palmer died on April 26, 1862, off the coast of Brazil, aboard a ship that was returning to the United States from Argentina. His body was buried at sea in the Atlantic Ocean.[3][11] He died leaving a widow and 6 children.[2][5]