B. M. Palmer - Unknown

National Society of Colonial Dames of
America in Tennessee

First Presbyterian Church - Chattanooga, Tennessee
		Portrait #1504
Subject/Title:	Palmer, B. M.
Artist:	Unknown
Date Created:	unknown
Owner/Location:	First Presbyterian Church 554 McCallie Avenue Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Frame Dimensions:	35 1/2 x 30 1/2
Image Dimensions:	29 x 24
Materials/Media:	Oil
Date Documented:	7 June 2008
Condition:	Good

Description:	Head and shoulders to waist view of subject wearing black tuxedo with white shirt and bow tie. He has dark hair and beard streaked with grey.
History of Work:
Notes:	Dr. Benjamin Morgan Palmer, Presbyterian minister and a soldier. - In Chattanooga August 21, 1863 to observe a day of fasting and prayer appointed by President Jefferson Davis. Dr. Palmer, from New Orleans, Louisianna, was in the pulpit of the (First) Presbyerian Church, Chattanooga, in prayer when the Federal Army began bombing the town from Stringer's Ridge. The prayer was continued though the church's bell tower was shelled. All in the audience quietly vacated the building and retired to safety, leaving Dr. Palmer alone. The Union Army then took possession of the building as a hospital and destroyed the pews. The church was vacated in 1866 by order of General Thomas, and the government provided some funds to restore the structure to be worthy of worship services.