Dallas County, Arkansas

Page 715-16
William L. DANIEL,farmer and stock-raiser, Pine Grove, Ark. Where it necessary for us to include in the sketch of Mr. DANIEL, any items pertaining to his ability as a farmer and stockman, perhaps the greatest compliment that could be paid him would be for us to pint out his fine farm, which is being skillfully managed and cultivated, and upon which he makes quite a specialty. He was born in Haywood County, Tenn., in 1841, and is the son of William DANIEL, who owes his nativity to North Carolina, his birth occurring in that State, in 1813. The latter was married in Tennessee, to Miss Sarah (DICKINSON) DANIEL, a native of Alabama, born in 1815, and they resided in the former State until 1844, when they emigrated to Dallas County, Ark., settled near Tulip, and were among the pioneer settlers. They improved a farm there, and there resided until 1856, when they removed twelve miles south and improved another farm. In 1870, they went to Hot Springs County, where the father died June, 1888. The mother died in May of the following year. Both were members of the Missionary Baptist Church for many years, and Mr. DANIEL was a deacon for thirty years or more. He was a clerk of Judson Baptist Association many years, was also clerk of Saline Baptist Association after his removal to Hot Springs County for some years, and was moderator of the same until his death. He was a man of excellent Judgment and was esteemed by all. He was first deputy sheriff of Dallas County, and in 1860 was elected sheriff of the same, his popularity being so great that he was re-elected three terms, serving five years in succession, and being legislated out in 1865. In 1874 and 1876 he was county and probate judge of Hot Springs County. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years, and was an active worker in church and other matters of moment. His father, Ephraim DANIEL, who died in North Carolina, when William DANIEL, Sr., was quite small, was reared by a Quaker in North Carolina, until nearly grown. The maternal grandfather, Isaac DICKINSON, died en route from Alabama to Tennessee. He was a farmer by pursuit. William L. DANIEL was the third of ten children, eight now living, and received but little schooling. In March 1862, he joined Company B, Eighteenth Arkansas Infantry , and fought at Corinth twice, Inka and Port Hudson. He was parolled and came home, and soon after joined the Twelfth Arkansas Infantry at Mark’s Mill. From there he went to Marshall, Tex., and surrendered May, 1865, as sergeant. returning home he married in 1866, to Miss Mary G. HARRISON, who was born in North Carolina, in 1847, and who is the daughter of Kelm & Mary HARRISON. Mr. & Mrs. HARRISON came from Granville County, N.C. to Dallas County, Ark., in 1866, and the father in 1874. They were members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mrs. DANIEL died on November 23, 1876, leaving five children- two sons and three daughters-all living. Mr. DANIEL’s second marriage occurred on January 3, 1878, to Miss Julia A. CLARK, the daughter of Frank & Fannie CLARK, who died in Camden when Mrs. DANIEL was small. The latter was reared there and died in 1881, in full communication with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first wife was also a member of that church. Mr. DANIEL purchased his father’s farm and the latter moved to Hot Springs, but in 1873 he sold that farm and purchased his present one, on which were small improvements at that time. He now owns 100 acres under cultivation, and 160 acres in all. He is a Democrat in politics, and the first presidential nominee for whom he voted was Seymour, in 1868. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, St. John’s Lodge, Holly Springs, now Russell Lodge, and was senior warden. He has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church since 1856, and his children are members of the same. His father’s family were all Baptists and respected citizens.