Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 September 1891 — THE NEW COMMANDER. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE NEW COMMANDER.

Captain John Palmer, of the G. A. R.,and His Creditable War Record. The newly elected Commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, Captain John Palmer, of Albany, N. Y., was born on Staten Island, March 22, 1842. His war record is an excellent one. On Sept. 10, 1861, he enlisted in the Ninetyflrst New York Volunteers, and was constantly with that regiment until it was mustered out July 3, 1865, taking part in all its engagements. He was seriously injured at the battle of Five Forks in the combined charge of cavalry and infantry. By force of his soldierly qualities he attained successively the grades of Corporal, Sergeant, Sergeant-Major, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Adjutant, and Captain. Since the war he has been engaged in the painting and decorating business at Albany. He is one of the best-known and most popular members of the order of his State, is a charter member of Lew Benedict Post, No. 5, Department of New York, and was for several terms Commander of this post, which, with head-iuarters at Albany, is one of the largest and most influential posts in the country. He was twice elected Commander of the Department of New York, and in 1879 was

chosen Senior Vice Commander-in-chief, acquitting himself with credit in all these important positions. Being thus placed in the direct line of promotion to the highest office in the Grand Army, his election was assured the moment the delegates from New York determined to unite upon him as their choice. He is a forcible speaker, a good presiding officer at department and national conventions, and has frequently been placed at the head of important committees by both State and national encampments.

JOHN PALMER, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, G. A. R.