William Adams Palmer (September 12, 1781 – December 3, 1860) was an American lawyer and politician.

He resided in several Vermont towns and attempted to establish a law practice before settling on Danville.

Palmer became active in politics as a Democratic-Republican and served in offices including probate judge of Caledonia County.

The Anti-Masons opposed secret societies, especially Masons, who they argued controlled several institutions including the government in defiance of democratic principles.

[2] During childhood, he lost part of one hand in an accident when he slipped and fell on ice while carrying an axe.

Palmer was admitted to the bar in 1805 and practiced in Brownington, Derby, and St. Johnsbury before settling in Danville.

[6] In 1818, Palmer was elected to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of James Fisk; was re-elected and served from October 20, 1818, until March 3, 1825; first as a Democratic-Republican and from 1823 as a National Republican.

[citation needed] During his tenure, imprisonment of females for debt was abolished, fourteen new schools were established, seven new banks were chartered, and legislation was enacted to expand the railway system.