John William Palmer (August 20, 1866 – November 3, 1958) was a U.S. Representative from Missouri.

Born on a farm near Macks Creek, Missouri, Palmer attended the local schools.

He attended the University Medical College at Kansas City, Missouri, in 1894 and 1895.

He attended the law school of Lincoln-Jefferson University, Hammond, Indiana, in 1896.

He was admitted to the bar in 1897 and commenced the practice of law in Climax Springs, Missouri.