Living

Memorial ceremony honors pair who served in the Civil War

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Daniel Chaplain Camp #3, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War with the Sarah Elizabeth Palmer Tent #23, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War held a memorial ceremony May 18 to honor Civil War veteran George Downing and Civil War nurse Sarah Elizabeth Palmer.

Contributed photo
MEMORIAL CEREMONY — Taking part in a May 18 ceremony in Dover-Foxcroft honoring Civil War veteran George Downing and Civil War nurse Sarah Elizabeth Palmer were front, from left, Eric Boothroyd and Estella Bennett and back, Howard Black, Wayne Bennett, Jim Annis, Jim Austin, Molly Bennett, Mary Annis and Jennifer Sylvain.

Downing was a member of the Second Maine Infantry and came to Dover in 1864 where he worked as a cabinet maker, furniture dealer and later an undertaker. He served as town clerk and was on the board of selectmen as well as belonging to several civic organizations. Downing died in 1915 at the age of 79.

Palmer was born in Sebec in 1831 but moved to Dover when she was a young child. She graduated from Foxcroft Academy and at the beginning of the Civil War she volunteered as a nurse under the direction of Dorethea Dix. At the conclusion of the war she remained in nursing until returning to Dover in 1868.

In 1890 Palmer was granted a pension from the government for her services during the war and also became an honorary member of the C.S. Douty Post, GAR. Palmer died in January of 1894.

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