The Van Buren press., 1877-06-05
Death of Hon. B. F. DanIey.

There will be many saddened homes
throughout the State, on learning of the
death Of Hon. Ben jamin +. Danley, one
of our oldest citizens. He died at the
Capital Hotel at $50 o'clock, Thursday
morning, after short but painful illness.
Though not entirely unexpected to a
few OF his intimate friends, when his
death became known, it east gloom over
the entire city among all classes Of peo-
pie.
Col. Danley was native of Missouri,
where he was born in March, 1924 He
removed to Arkansas, with his parents,
about the year 1888, and settled in Pu-
laski County. Though reared on farm,
he received good common-school edu-
cation. Soon after he became of age,
the war between the United States and
Mexico occurred. He entered the SER
vice of his country as private in Capt.
Scion Bourland's company, Of Yell's reg
iment On the promotion of Capt. B. to
Major, c. c. Danley, the elder brother of
Col. D., was made Captain. Col. Dan
ley served throughout the contest, and
at its close returned to Little Rock. In
lS48 he was elected Sheriff of Pulaski
County. In 1850 he was reelected, and
in 1852 he was elected member of the
Lower House Of the General Assembly.
In 1856 he was again elected Sheriff, re-
firing in 1857. He then devoted his
time to planting, until the commence
ment of the war between the States, in
1871, when he entered the service of his
State as the commander of regiment of
cavalry. In 1862 he was assigned by
Gen. Hindman to the position of Provost
Marshal General of the Department, a
position he held throughout the war.
Returning to his home, in 1865, Col. D.
resumed his his planting operations, which
he continued up to the time OF his death.
! He was one of the most successful plan
tiers in the Arkansas Valley.
Notwithstanding his quiet tarm-life,
Col. Danley took an active interest in
the politics of the State, and during
the very dark period Of reconstruc-
ton. his counsel and means were everat
the disposal Of those seeking a deliver
ance of the people rom oppressive rule.
| During the Brooks Baxter contest, in
1874, he held a commission as Brigadier
General and served throughout The strug-
gle as the chief-of-staff to Gen. Churchill
| The Legislature, at its recent session,
elected him n member Of the State FL
nance Board, position he held at the
time Of his death.
The parents OF Col Danley diod ia
this county. He had five brothers, and
one sister, all of whom preceded him to
the last resting place. Ills eldest broth
cr, Col. C. c. Ranlcy, at one time Audi
tor of the State, and for many years cd
itor of the Gazette Capt W. B. and
Capt. James Danley, both prominent
river men, were all well and tavorably
known throughout the State.
Col. Danley was married in 1854 to
Mrs. John n. Boyle, of Kentucky, who
survives Der husband, and attended him
in his last hours. The fruit Of this mar
just two years of age.
Col Danley was Il man of strong ma
tive intellect, an upright citizen, and be-
loved by all who knew him. His death
is not only a loss to the immediate family
but to the community in which he lived,
aud to the State at large.
Rapidly the links which bind the pres
cnt to early days in Arkansas are being
broken. A few more years, and all the
old pioneers will sleep with their fathers
Peace to the remains Of the honored
dead. r. gazette.