My Genealogy Hound

William H. McDaniel. The father of this respected citizen, John McDaniel, of Scotch origin, was born near Lexington, Ky., January 25, 1799, but grew to manhood in Virginia, where he married Miss Nancy Calvert, of Welsh descent. Soon after that event they decided to move, the tales related of the rich valley beyond the “Father of Waters,” inspiring them to seek a home in the then new territory of Arkansas, coming of ancestors who were used to conflicts with the Indians, and the hardships of pioneer life, they did not hesitate to start for this new land of promise. Their trip was made by boat to a point several miles above the mouth of L’Anguille River, where they landed in 1824, and set ashore their worldly goods, consisting of one pony, two cows, and what household goods the pony could haul on a sled, and 12 1/2 cents in money. With his family, which then consisted of his wife and two children, and with no guide but the compass; Mr. McDaniel struck out through the forest and staked off the farm now owned and occupied by the principal of this sketch. At that time there were not more than twelve families within the limits of the present St. Francis County. Upon the breaking out of the war, Mr. McDaniel was worth over $75,000 in lands, negroes and stock, all accumulated in a little over thirty years, in a wild and unsettled country, and upon a start of only one shilling; such a record is marvelous, and shows the latent force and energy, which was lying dormant in the character of John McDaniel when coming to this locality. Mr. McDaniel lived to a ripe old age, and died October 31, 1869, his wife surviving him only four years. She died September 15, 1873, aged seventy-four years and six months. Ten years after their arrival here, January 17, 1834, was born William H. McDaniel, who, together with his brother, John L., are the only survivors of this pioneer family. The early life of William H. was spent on the farm, helping his father clear up the land which he had settled when coming to Arkansas; the outbreak of the war found him still on the old homestead, but with the enthusiasm of a patriot, and the love of his native State burning in his breast, he enlisted in the Thirteenth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry. Entering as a private, his bravery and good conduct were soon rewarded by his being promoted, first to the position of orderly-sergeant, then first lieutenant, and after the battle of Shiloh to the rank of captain. He participated in the battles of Belmont, Shiloh, Richmond and Murfreesboro (where he was wounded and disabled for a short time, also being wounded at Chickamauga) then at Missionary Ridge, and a number of other hard-fought battles, among which was the battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864. In August, 1864, the Captain was sent west of the Mississippi, to gather up recruits for the service, and while on duty, in October of that year, was captured and taken to Chicago, and then to Johnson’s Island, where he was held until the close of the war. Then returning home, he has since been engaged in farming in this county, with substantial success, and now owns 1,480 acres in one tract, having 900 under cultivation. His principal crop is cotton, and he owns his own cotton-gin and saw-mill, and a supply store to furnish goods for his tenants. On January 24, 1867, Mr. McDaniel married Miss Mollie E. Fondrew, of Tennessee They are the parents of three daughters: Willie, Nannie and Ada. Several years ago Mr. McDaniel moved his family to Forrest City, where he has since lived, and has been a member of the city council for a number of years; also a member of the school board, and at one time was coroner of the county.