This is an EXTREMELY lengthy document. I only copied and pasted the Dover reference. There is also a PONDER reference along with this. http://searches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/ifetch2?/u1/data/la+ind ex+1019971909083+F Natchitoches Parish History, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana Submitted by: Gaytha Carver Thompson Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana The Southern Publishing Company, 1890 The Chaplin family may be said to originate at Fort Jesup, and when Mrs. Clarke died, Judge Chaplin became heir to the property. Clark's log house tavern stood where A. Dover resides, and J. H. Gallion's log dwelling where W. M. Cook's dwelling is, and his log store house where L. Daniel's store is located. James E. Keegan settled three miles west in 1853, W. A. Ponder five miles west in 1853, J. H. Cox close by, preceded them. Rauscheck, a Russian, who was discharged at Fort Jesup, located three miles southwest, and Philip Wagley resided on the site of the city, near Lake Clark. Stokers and other pioneer families of Sabine located along the old Mexican trail, but comparatively little progress was made until the railroad was built. In 1881 the New Orleans & Pacific Railroad survey was made and the road built. May 1, that year, Robeline was surveyed for C. Chaplin, and additions made by N. Stamper, but not until September were town lots staked. James E. Keegan moved his large home from the plantation into the new town; K. B. Wilson opened a saloon opposite James McCook's store of later days; N. A. Stamper's store room was built in August, 1881; Hughes & Carter's grocery was opened soon after, and they were followed by Hopkins & Barber, and John Decker. C. J. Smith opened the second salon; William Edwards the first livery; M. Brown the third hotel, and Mrs. Howe the fourth;' James McCook;'s dry goods store was established later, and Walter D. Hopkins opened the railroad office; but in December, 1881, he vacated the office, leaving $1,500 to be accounted for. The years 1882 brought several new traders hither. The Gays opened a general store, A. E. Cassady a drug store, Nash & Sons, L. Daniel and the Lees general stores, and B. D. Loper a saloon. In 1883 general stores were opened by F. J. Cook & Co., M. C. Fisher, W. W. Page and Mrs. E. C. Lovett, a livery stable by T. E. Dodd and a grocery by Martin Brown. The older traders made many improvements. Hill & Calwell's cotton market store, John Blake's large store, Cox & Thomas' and the Lindsey store were all brought into existence. In 1884 Stamper's steam mill and gin was constructed and Hogue entered the firm of Gay Brother. During this year the business center began to change