It is my privilege to write about my family in Lonoke; one of its early pioneers. My great grandfather was Daniel Radcliffe Boone. He arrived in Arkansas sometime before 1883 and served the town and its people, ministering to the town's needs at a time when doctors were scarce and money was not plentiful. He was known simply as Doc Boone to the townsfolk during those times and was well known in business and civic circles until his death at the age of 69, June 9, 1923. He began life in Hernando, DeSoto County, Mississippi on September 11, 1854. His family had themselves been pioneers of early Mississippi, arriving from Johnston County, North Carolina in 1830. He was named for his grandfather, General Daniel Boone, a planter who brought his family to the Mississippi territory during the great western migration after the Choctaw land treaties made land available to the early settlers. His grandfather was prominent during his life as one of a small group of Baptist civic leaders who established Wake Forest College, and also establishing the Baptist Church in Hernando. Dan's father was Capt. William J.A. Boone who attended Wake Forest's first class and married Dan's mother Augusta Ann White in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Dan's older sister was Louise Miller Boone. She too came to Lonoke after her brother, later to marry Capt. Pat Wheat upon the death of his second wife, Ms. Reynolds. Louise was a devoted wife who proved to be a blessing to him in his declining years. Dan's earliest memories must have been of war ravaged Mississippi during and after the War. His father had been commander of Company D in the First Mississippi Regiment and had suffered injuries during the numerous campaigns he fought, ending at his capture at Fort Donelson.. His 1st Lieutenant was none other than Lemuel Hall, M.D. who was to become Lonoke's first town's physician a couple of decades after the war. In fact, Capt. Boone probably arrived and permanently settled in Lonoke in the early 1880 when invited by Dr. Hall perhaps before the arrival of his son. His health already poor and weakened since the War. He served and was involved in his church's affairs and no doubt carried his faith and selfless service to Lonoke. He was first mentioned in the Lonoke Democrat of October 16, 1876 "Bro. Boone preached at the Baptist Church Tuesday evening" He would travel occasionally back to Hernando until he finally permanently settled on October 23, 1884 as noted in the town's newspaper: "Mr. Boon, father of Dan Boone the young druggist, arrived in town from Mississippi Monday to visit his son." He most likely remained in Lonoke until his death July 13, 1885 at his son's home of what was then termed a "malignant carbuncle" Dr. Hall provided him a space in his family plot at the City Cemetery where he now rests besides Dr. Hall and his son. When Dan arrived in Arkansas he was a widower following the untimely death of his first wife, Anna Moore Jones in 1877. Their offspring was daughter, Eulalie Lee Boone, their only child. She remained close to her father leaving after her marriage. He was now alone and unencumbered that he had not thought of anyone else in his life for marriage or any other close relationship until sometime around 1884-85 when he caught the attention of Martha Jane Munroe. He was he was 31 then and she 19. Martha was one 9 daughters of Major and Mrs. L.W. Munroe. Mr. Munroe was a respected and wealthy businessmen and land owner in the county. The original tree that was the town's namesake stood in his front yard. After the Civil War he loaned money to many people in Prairie County in need when there was a shortage of capitol for farmers and merchants to recoup their loses. No doubt he was suspicious when someone took an interest in one of his daughters. He was not eager for anyone to take his daughter's hand in marriage who couldn't provide adequately for them as well as he. As dowries were still common practice in 19th century America, he could not help but be suspicious of other's motives. But Major Munroe must have surely known that he couldn't hold his daughters indefinitely. He was also rather philosophical and felt that fate played a role in bringing his 9 daughters. As his children were born in Brownsville legend has it that it was said that he blamed this town for having 9 daughters and no sons. He was noted to have said, "if you live and drink the water in Brownsville you'll only have daughters"! As he was unsure that he would not get the Major's approval Dan, Martha and several of the townsfolk hatched a plot. When the date of the secret elopement arrived a lookout was posted to watch Mr. Munroe when he'd walk home for lunch and a nap as he was wont to do. During his afternoon absence Dan and Martha were quietly married. When he discovered their betrothal after the fact it was said he exclaimed, "Ah....that man from Mississippi....he'll probably throw her in the Mississippi River"! All worked out well in the end. The families were close and had worked together in many ventures. Dan Boone's son (Dan Munroe Boone) would be involved in settling Mr. Munroe's estate after his death in 1911. Dan Boone's earliest business realtions in Lonoke was with F.G. Swaim, whom he co-partnered with by 1883 as the town was in need of a druggist. This announcement was made in the paper on April 19, 1883. Swaim and Boone Having opened a new drug store on North main Street, three doors west of A.G. Ragland's store All kinds of goods generally kept in the drug store As cheap as the cheapest All we ask is give us a trial Swaim & Boone Lonoke ***********Arkansas Brownsville was still a viable but fading town after the railroad came through Lonoke. Many people were already moving in to town while Mr. Boone quietly and ambitiously built his business. The first store was located in a small wooden building at the site was to become the Bank of Central Arkansas.The drug store was such a success that he bought out Mr Swaim's interest in 1893. He sold many popular tonics and potions that were the rage at the time. Advertisements in the paper of 1890 extolled the benefits of Try Boone's Bilious Buttons ******* "C.C.C. Certain Chill Cure" is pleasant to take and harmless. Children like it. Guaranteed to cure Chills and Fever. Large bottles 50 cents. ********** His business prospered well that he would eventually build his brick building on Front Street in 1903. Today the building has been lovingly kept by Mr. Boyette and enjoys the status as being listed in the National Historic Register. Dan and Martha built their home on Front St. which stood until a fire claimed it in the early 1950's. It was in this home that their 6 children were born; Louise, Dan, Wellington, Lem, William, and Allie Mae Boone. Louise would marry James Boyd whose family were longtime Lonoke residents. Dan would marry into the Laferty family from Little Rock. Lem would marry my grandmother Ledora Couch. Allie Mae would marry James Abraham. William Boykin Boone never married as his life was cut short at the age of 21 during World war I. Dan Boone was elected Mayor in 1889 and served until 1892. Among the many ordnances that were passed to make the town more "civil":