By definition, a pioneer is someone who ventures into unknown and unclaimed territory to settle. This implies that preparations are made before setting forth into uncharted regions. In this respect, Daniel David Palmer was uniquely equipped for his unusual mission in life.

D.D. was born on March 7, 1945, near Toronto, one of six children born to Thomas and Catherine Palmer. His father was a shoemaker and later a grocer.

Contrary to widespread opinion, D.D. was well-educated in a manner which today would be termed "non-traditional." He and his brother, Thomas J., were taught by John Black, a country schoolmaster who gave them a basic education, including instruction in natural sciences and classical languages. Both Palmers became voracious readers for the rest of their lives. The level of education they obtained was considerable. Thomas J., or T.J as he was known, was a successful publisher of eight newspapers during his career.

During the Civil War, many Americans fled to Canada in order to avoid the conflict. This swelled the Canadian labor pool so the two Palmers sought employment in the United States. D.D. was 20 years old when he and T.J. arrived in the States in 1865.

Eight months after his arrival, he became a schoolmaster in Muscatine County, Iowa, teaching 50 pupils in the classic one-room schoolhouse of the prairies. His personal journal indicates a fondness for mottoes and simple poems designed to indoctrinate youth with a proper moral foundation. Here are a few thoughts, testimony to his life-long concern for a healthy physical and spiritual life:

*** "Excelsior, higher and higher, but only step by step."

*** "Study first, play afterwards."

*** "The best physicians are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman."

*** "The mill cannot grind with the water that is past."

*** "Little deeds are like little seeds, they grow to flowers or to weeds."

*** "He who obeys God's laws finds him a father. He who disobeys them, finds him a judge."

After several years as a school teacher, Palmer became a horticulturist near New Boston, Illinois. His nursery sold fruit-bearing plants across the country. John Mason's invention of the canning jar in 1857 made preserving foodstuffs possible. Palmer capitalized on it, spending the better part of 10 years selling berries and honey.

His considerable writing skills served him admirably in his business. He developed an extraordinary well-bearing large black raspberry which he called "Sweet Home." It received top billing in all of his marketing efforts.

One such ad described "Sweet Home" like this:

"It is the foundation and beginning of happiness; it makes the countenance brighter, the world looks gay, delightful and pleasant; it makes happy homes, and healthy, cheerful people to live in them."

Palmer was also a very religious man. He read his Bible frequently, underlining lines and verses to such an extent that the entire book was black with markings. He involved himself with Spiritualism, a popular concept of the mid-19th century. D.D. relishes philosophical and metaphysical discussions, often traveling many miles on foot or horseback to attend.

His lifelong reading and study habits nurtured his interest in science and humanity. There was an insistent whisper in the ear of this man who had not yet found his ultimate niche in life. D.D.'s style was to move onward and upward, searching for opportunities to increase his knowledge and utilize his talents.

One such opportunity was provided by a man named Paul Castor, who was gaining recognition as an outstanding healer in Ottumwa, Iowa. He had an extremely large practice as a magnetic healer, a healing art introduced into the United States in the 1830s.

D.D. learned quickly and well, soon practicing with vigor and acting as his own publicist. He propounded his thoughts amid testimonials, developing a steady clientele in the process. He created a highly successful advertising program, selling himself through the Educator, his own newsletter that was sent to patients and the general public.

Notes from his journal reflect his thoughts about magnetic healing: "Commence treatment by allaying the fear of disease or drugs. Silently measure the patient. Grief causes suffering and disease. Give yourself a treatment, first be sure that you are O.K. The mind must be cured as well as the body, as the mind so is the body."

Palmer avidly continued reading books, newspapers and periodicals. He observed and carefully scrutinized all forms of health practice. Palmer had a unique need to study. He lived with two intellectual sides, the scientific and the metaphysical. Eventually, the pragmatic and abstract sides were to meld in the creation of a well-defined and dramatically different healing art, that of chiropractic.

Clearly, the capstone of his life was the codification of the principles which became the science, art, and philosophy of chiropractic. D.D. fought for his purpose with spirit, and though his opinion changed at times depending on circumstances, he steadfastly carried forth with the burning desire pioneers share in the evolution of their concepts.

As was the case throughout his life, Palmer's writings constantly reflected his increasing insight and study of mankind. About chiropractic he wrote the following in his newsletter:

"Man is a physical and spiritual epitome of the Universe. The spiritual is the cause of action. Action is life. The spiritual always did exist, always will. It is eternal, it is changeless. The linking together of the spiritual and the physical makes it our duty to keep the corporeal frame in proper alignment."

In the twilight of his life, Daniel David Palmer was often called "Old Dad Chiro." It was an affectionate title befitting the patriarch and founder of chiropractic. It was born out of an era when respect and honor graced elders. Perhaps the following quote best depicts D.D. Palmer and the aims and objectives of his life: