Palmer family.

The Palmer family came to Halifax County, Virginia, from England with the early settlers in the 17th century. A branch of the Palmer family came to Florida from the Pendleton district of South Carolina, settling in Monticello in 1829. Martin Palmer brought 9 children, slaves, and household goods, and was a successful planter and owner of a store and tavern. The home that he built was similar to the family home in Halifax County. It is still owned by the Palmer family, operated as a bed and breakfast.

The Palmer family cemetery is also on the grounds, the only family cemetery in Jefferson County still associated with a family home. One son, Thomas Martin Palmer, was the first physician in a family that went on to have 14 physicians. Dr. Thomas Martin Palmer was born in 1821 and served as surgeon for the 2nd Florida Infantry. His brother, son and nephew all went on to become physicians, starting a trend. Three Palmer family members served as Presidents of the Florida Medical Association.