Acalus Lockwood Palmer

Who was Acalus Lockwood Palmer?

Acalus Lockwood Palmer QC was a Canadian politician, lawyer and judge.

Palmer was born in Sackville, New Brunswick, to Philip Palmer and Sarah Ayer. He was educated in Sackville, studied law with Edward Barron Chandler and was admitted to the bar in 1846. In 1850, he married Martha Ann Welden. Palmer practiced law in Dorchester until 1867 when he moved to Saint John. In the same year, he became a Queen's Counsel. He ran unsuccessfully in Northumberland County for a seat in the provincial assembly before Confederation and again unsuccessfully for the City of St. John in 1870. Palmer was elected to the Canadian House of Commons as a member of the Liberal Party of Canada on October 12, 1872 to represent the riding of the City and County of St. John, New Brunswick and he was re-elected in 1874. He was defeated on September 17, 1878.

In 1879, he was named a judge of equity. Palmer also served as president for the New Brunswick bar association.

His brothers Rufus and Martin served in the New Brunswick assembly.