James Bardin Palmer

Who was James Bardin Palmer?

James Bardin Palmer was an Irish-born land agent, lawyer and politician in Prince Edward Island. He represented Charlottetown in the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island from 1806 to 1818.

He was born in Dublin, the son of Joseph Palmer. Palmer was admitted to practice as a solicitor in Ireland in 1791. He left for London sometime before 1800. Unsuccessful there, he arrived on Prince Edward Island in August 1802 as a land agent for the Reverend Raphael Walsh of Dublin, who owned Lot 11. Palmer was admitted to the Prince Edward Island bar in November 1802. In 1803, he married Millicent Jones.

Palmer was named to the Legislative Council in June 1806. He resigned from the council in October that year and ran successfully for a seat in the legislative assembly. Palmer was associated with a group known as the Loyal Electors, a group critical of the island's ruling elite. He resigned from his seat in 1809, and in October og that year, was again named to the legislative council. He served as adjutant general for the militia, inspector of public accounts, master and registrar in Chancery and inspector of roads for the colony.