Today, I have fun 10 facts about Daniel Boone and 10 popular jobs of the colonial times when Daniel Boone made his contributions. And grab my unit study on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.
This hands-on activity is learning how to create a useful medicinal item from a plant source just like an apothecary in colonial times.
Many people today, even modern science, still use plants and plant based products to treat illnesses inside and outside of the body.
At home essential oils are a favorite of many for treating simple things topically.
We are going to utilize the essential oil made from the lavender plant to create a salve that can safely be used for many ailments.
For example, ailments include:
- rashes
- bug bites
- burns
- sunburn
- acne
- psoriasis
- scrapes
- eczema
- stings
- scars
- diaper rash, and
- dry itchy skin.
Your child will enjoy creating their very own “medicine” like the apothecary of long ago.
With this craft you could also easily dive into a study on flowers and plants and their medicinal uses.
10 Facts About Daniel Boone
- He was born October 22, 1734 in Pennsylvania when it was still a colony.
- Daniel grew up in a Quaker home in Pennsylvania.
- He was best known as an American explorer and frontiersman, but he was also a surveyor, land spectator, and a militia officer.
- Daniel Boone was a Shawnee chief’s adopted son after he and his party were captured.
- He did NOT in fact wear a coonskin cap even though he is often portrayed in illustrations wearing on but preferred a classic flat, broad-brimmed hat.
- While Boones grammar and spelling were poor, he could sign his name unlike other frontiersmen who just marked it with an X.
- Boone married Rebecca Bryan on August 14, 1756. They had ten children together- six sons and four daughters.
- Boone was described as being about 5 foot 8 or 9 inches tall. He had blonde hair and blue eyes.
- The Shawnee, during his capture, named him Sheltowee (Big Turtle).
- He died September 26, 1820, in Missouri of natural causes.
Next, many professions of the colonial times were learned by being passed down from parent to child or through apprenticeships rather than at schools.
Colonists would often trade goods and services as payment as they began to specialize in specific areas.
Moreover, here are 10 trades of the colonial times that you can dive deeper into.
Colonial Period Jobs
- Apothecary- An apothecary was basically the equivalent of today’s pharmacist. They created medicines from plants, minerals, and herbs from the area and then sold them. They would often prescribe medicines and sometimes even perform minor surgeries. Much like today’s pharmacies they would also offer other items like tobacco, spices, candles, etc.
- Blacksmith- The Blacksmith held a very important position in the community. They used a forge to create as well as fix iron items like: horseshoes, tools, nails, ax heads, hinges and kitchen utensils to name a few.
- Chandler (Candlemaker)- Earliest settlers made their own candles but eventually there were candlemakers who had shops where candles were usually made and sold using tallow by dipping the wick repeatedly until the desired thickness was reached. Bayberry and myrtle could also be used for wax in addition to tallow.
- Cobbler (Shoemaker)- This trade was another very important one as people spent a lot of time walking, cobblers made and repaired shoes for the colonists. Some specialized in making men’s boots, or maybe just women’s or children’s shoes.
- Cooper-The cooper was in charge of making watertight containers such as vats, tubs, troughs, barrels and buckets. These containers might store everything from wine, flour, and gunpowder as well as tobacco.
5 More Colonial Jobs
- Wheelwright- This profession was responsible for making and repairing wheels used on carriages and wagons. They needed to have the skills to make and fix wheels that were strong enough to be used on rough, new colonial roads.
- Gunsmith- This job took care of repairing and making firearms for the community, for the most part they worked on repairing existing guns from England. They needed to be skilled in working with metal as well as wood.
- Milliner – One of the few businesses that could be owned and operated by women at the time this was where you went to get items for sewing such as needle, thread, or cloth or purchase already made clothing items like bonnets, aprons, and cloaks.
- Printer- A colonial printer was responsible for printing many items, including things like newspapers, legal documents, books, proclamations, and pamphlets. Rather than just typing and printing with benefit of a spell check, setting up the type for each printing was done by hand and might take hours to do
- General Storekeeper- This profession was an important one as they carried many basic goods that people needed, everything from coffee to gunpowder and sugar to buttons. This was a hub for the community and often people would gather here to talk politics as well as trade goods.
Books About Daniel Boone
Also, look at some of these fun books.
10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study
Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.
Struggle against the Shawnee defenders of Kentucky. Drawing from popular narrative, public record, documentation from Boone's own hand, and recollection gathered by 19th-century antiquarians, the author employs the methods of the new social history to produce a portrait that defines Daniel Boone and the times he helped shape.
Called the "Great Pathfinder", Daniel Boone is most famous for opening up the West to settlers through Kentucky. A symbol of America's pioneering spirit Boone was a skilled outdoorsman and an avid reader although he never attended school. Sydelle Kramer skillfully recounts Boone's many adventures such as the day he rescued his own daughter from kidnappers.
The bestselling book—more than 1.5 million copies sold—for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is—now a Prime Original Series created by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Greg Mottola (Superbad).
In this digital age, there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.
From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.All ages
Written for readers age 10 and up -- enjoyed by adults!In search of open spaces and land to call his own, Daniel Boone fearlessly led a band of brave settlers into the bountiful Kentucky wilderness. Daniel's expert hunting ability, incredible outdoor survival skills, and courage under fire helped his companions stay alive in a dangerous and unknown land despite threatening encounters with soldiers, Indians, and even other settlers.
The book includes the following pockets:
- Introduction to Explorers of North America
- Christopher Columbus
- John Cabot
- Hernando Cortes
- Jacques Cartier
- Sir Francis Drake
- Henry Hudson
- Daniel Boone
- James Cook
- Lewis and Clark
- John Wesley Powell
Born in Pennsylvania in 1734, Daniel Boone cut a path west, carving his name into trees. Although he endured repeated property losses, he became a household name and was greatly admired for his surveying skills and the many claims he laid, opening the west for further settlement.
Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!
Accidents happen and nature can be unpredictable, which is why this ultra-portable survival kit is a must-have for casual nature explorers and slightly more adventurous campers in need of essential outdoor guidance that they can carry along with them.
Titles In This Set:The Blizzard ChallengeThe Desert ChallengeThe Jungle ChallengeThe Sea ChallengeThe River ChallengeThe Earthquake ChallengeThe Volcano ChallengeThe Safari ChallengeThe Cave ChallengeThe Mountain ChallengeThe Arctic ChallengeThe Sailing Challenge
A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky
More Daniel Boone North American Explorer Activities
- Make a Fun and Easy Salt Dough Daniel Boone Wilderness Road Map
- What Did Daniel Boone Wear And Easy Fringe Shirt Activity for Kid
- 30 Fun Resources for Learning About Daniel Boone
- Daniel Boone Explorer Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop
- Daniel Boone Activities Cooking Easy and Delicious Johnny Cakes on the Trail
- Daniel Boone – North American Explorer
- Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study
- Daniel Boone American Frontiersman History Lesson.
- Daniel Boone Exploration DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas.
Finally, look at this fun hands-on lavender salve.
How to Make an All Purpose Lavender Salve
You will need:
- ¼ cup of beeswax pastilles (yellow or white)
- 1 Tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 10-15 drops lavender essential oil
- Craft stick or spoon for stirring.
- Small glass container with a lid
How cute is this little mason jar I had on hand?
It made the perfect size container for our little “recipe” today.
Directions:
Combine beeswax and coconut oil in a microwave safe container. I like to use a measuring cup with a spout because it is easy to pour into the container when ready.
Heat in 30 second increments until completely melted.
Add vitamin e and essential oil and stir well with a craft stick.
Pour carefully into your container.
Set it aside undisturbed. Allow it to set.
It should be a little thicker than store bought Neosporin once set.
To use, simply scoop out a small amount and rub onto the affected area.
The heat from your body will help it melt into your skin. What do you think? Ready to give it a try?
