William T. Palmer at the age of 18 joined the Bristich 61st Regiment in Winchester, England and was transported to the island of St. Helena, where he served for two years as part of the Superior Guards who were in charge of guarding Napoleon Bonaparte.  After Napoleons funeral in 1821, he was transferred to other duties until he was discharged from service after 15 years in Toronto, Canada.  He went to college, and was married.  Then he moved to New York for a few years, working on building the railroad betwen Rochester and Auburn.  In 1840, he moved to Michigan with his family, settling in Battle Creek.

He was locally known as a well respected member of the community, working as a gardener.  In 1881 he invited the Chicago Times to come interview him in his home, so that he could tell his story of his time on the island of St. Helena and the death of Napoleon Bonaparte.  It is a fascinating account from a man who experienced a part of history.

For more information on Michael Delaware, visit: https://michaeldelaware.com

Watch the YouTube video on William Palmer: https://youtu.be/wrkf5pej4dw