Born in Connecticut, Dr. George Culver Palmer (1839-1894) graduated in 1859 from the Connecticut Literary Institute and according to the 1860 census was a teacher. He attended the University of Michigan beginning in 1861 both in the literary department and the medical school. After completing medical school in 1864, he came to the Michigan Asylum for the Insane in Kalamazoo where he was an assistant physician. He served as Assistant Superintendent under Dr. Edwin Van Deusen in 1873 and became the Medical Superintendent by 1878, a position he held until 1891. Under his tenure he created the Colony Plan which led to the creation of Colony Farm at Asylum Lake and also reduced the use of medical restraints. He resigned to become the director of Oak Grove, a private sanitarium in Flint. In 1894 he passed away and was buried in North Stonington, Connecticut.

Dr. Palmer’s parents were Abel Palmer (1801-1872) and Sarah Main Palmer (1816-1866). He had two brothers Alonzo A. Palmer (1836-1866) and Caius C. Palmer (1846-1885). Not much is known of Alonzo, who was three years older than George, however in the 1860 census he is listed as a teacher like his brother. All indications are that Alonzo stayed in Connecticut. In the letter written by George to Alonzo, George describes Alonzo having some type of heart ailment. He says that it would not be possible for Alonzo to think about going into medicine. As far as the west, he felt the air is “bracing for weak beings” and if he went he should wear flannel undergarments. He also wants to sent him money. The letter was written in October. Alonzo passed away two months later in December and also is buried in North Stonington, Connecticut.