History:

In 1815, New Haven Township was the first Township to be established within Huron County. Caleb Palmer was the first settler in New Haven Township. Mr. Palmer was originally born in Horse Neck, Connecticut, in 1775. As a surveyor, he had explored the New Haven Township area early in his life. Eventually Caleb brought his wife, Harriet Smith Palmer, to this region. He purchased land in 1810, and established the first settlement with his family in 1811. He built the first permanent home in New Haven Township, located along the Huron River on the north side of Green Bush road. At this time his family consisted of his wife and two children. The couple would eventually have four children. Their daughter Ruth was the first child born of settlers within the newly found area.

Caleb Palmer performed many duties within the newly founded Township. He was the first Justice of the Peace, elected November 24, 1815, and served this position until 1822. He also served as the first postmaster in New Haven, and was one of the first Commissioners of Huron County in 1815. Mr. Palmer was also the first treasurer to the newly organized Township in 1815.
Caleb Palmer is buried in the Old Cemetery, located across the road from Maple Grove Cemetery. As seen in the picture below, he is buried beside his second wife Catharine Sheldon Palmer. It is assumed that his first wife, Harriet Smith Palmer who died in 1818, is also buried within this cemetery in an unmarked grave.

A memorial has been erected in front of Caleb Palmer's original monument denoting his accomplishment as the first settler in New Haven Township.