Luke Palmer
Born: November 20th, 1851
Died: October 6th, 1932
Obituary
Luke Palmer, 80 years of age, native of Burlington and veteran member of the Bar association, passed away at his home shortly after 2 o'clock this morning after a serious illness of some ten days. A fine gentleman, capable attorney and a man ever interested in the welfare of his city, he will be sincerely mourned by all who knew him. Mr. Palmer was born here Nov. 20, 1851, the son of Luke and Mary e. Palmer, pioneer residents. He won his B.A. degree in 1872 at Knox college, Illinois, and for a time was in the law office of Hall and Baldwin in the city, later spending a year in the law school at Harvard university. He next entered the law office of N.C. Berry in Boston and in 1875 graduated from the Boston law school Returning to Burlington he practiced law here for three years, and in 1875 graduated from the Boston law school. Returning to Burlington he practiced law here for three years, and in 1878 he went to Colorado where he remained for 10 years, during which time he was a county judge for five years. Upon the death of his mother he came back to this city in 1888 and has since continued his residence here. In addition to his law practice he has transacted considerable real estate business. Mr Palmer wed Mrs. James Gilbert in 1900, who survives. Also, surviving are one daughter, Mrs. I. L. Sorenson of Glade Water, Tex; four step-children, Mrs. Glenn H. Topping of Seattle, Wash; Mrs. C. S. Courtwright of Cedar Rapids; Capt. Charles Gilbert, U.S. army, now stationed in Hawaii and John Gilbert of Reno, Nev. Mr. Palmer was a Republican in politics and was a member of the First Congregational church. He was identified with Beta Theta Pi, college fraternity, and was active in charity work in Burlington. For years, he has served on the board of the Burlington hospital, president of Aspen Grove Cemetery association and long has been prominent in the affairs of the Bar association. The body was removed to Prugh's chapel and will be taken to the residence, 303 South Sixth street, Saturday morning. Funeral services will be held at the residence at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with burial in Aspen Grove Cemetery.