Daniel McDaniel (abt. 1680 - 1734)

Husband of Sarah (Brown) McDaniel — married before 1715 in Chowan Precinct, North Carolina

Descendants

Died 18 Feb 1734 at about age 54 in Windsor, Bertie County, North Carolina

Biography

Daniel McDaniel was a North Carolina colonist.

The McDaniel family is a sept of the great Clan Donald, whose seat is on the Isle of Skye. It includes many of the glens in the surrounding area. Whether Daniel McDaniel was born in Scotland is not currently known. He has repeatedly been mistaken for the Daniel McDaniel that was transported aboard the Scipio in 1715, but that ship sailed to Antigua. This was a different man, who was in Virginia over a decade earlier.

Daniel McDaniel was born about 1680. This is inferred by the assumption that he was either apprenticed or an indentured servant of Mr. George Golland. If he was indentured it was probably for seven years, which was customary at the time. Since his term of service seems to have ended in 1702, this would place the start at 1695. Given an age of eighteen at that date would give a birth date of 1677. The term could have been for four years, or as noted he could have simply been a hired hand. The date of 1680 is a best guess given either of these assumptions.

Daniel McDaniel was listed as a tithable in Lawnes Creek Parish,Surry County, Virginia in 1702. He is counted in the household of George Golland, along with Lodowick Crafford and five black slaves. This is evidence that Daniel was either employed by Golland or indentured to him.

The next year he is listed with one Joseph Iron, and which may mean he was no longer indentured or employed by Golland.^[1]

Daniel married in Surry County about this time. His wife appears to have died and left him with a son. This is documented in the will of Lawrence Fleming:

To Robert Watkins my plantation I live on with all the land thereto belonging. To James Davis the use of the Plantation John Revell now liveth on until ye said Revill’s youngest Son that now is, shall come to ye age of 21 years, then I give sd. Plantation to son of sd. Revelle. To John Revelle the debt he now oweth me and to be disposed to schooling of his youngest son to whom I likewise give a cow. To Daniel Macdaniell the debt he oweth me to be disposed of as schooling his son, John Macdaniell, and give him a cow. The rest of estate I give to be equally divided between Mr. John Watkins, his six children, wife, four sons and two daughters. Appoints Mr. Robert Watkins, Exer. To Phillis Fort my riding horse. 8 Dec, 1710. prob: 25 Feb., 1710. Wit: Edward Bayley, Sam’l. Williams, Elias Fort. ^[2]

In the suit of Richard Rogers vs. Daniel MackDaniel, the plaintiff demanded special bail whereupon Richard Blow became the defendant’s bail, and judgment granted plaintiff for 50 shillings. ”Special bail” was a relatively uncommon occurrence. It meant that, if the defendant failed to pay, the special bail would pay on his behalf – or, in the extreme case, would serve his time in debtor’s prison. Richard Blow’s relationship with Daniel McDaniel must have been a reasonably close one to undertake this action. ^[3]

Richard Blow was not of a disposition to stand in for just anyone. He was probably a brother-in-law to Daniel. Both of them are found a few years later in North Carolina. Daniel was trading back and forth between the two colonies and settled about the conclusion of the Tuscarora War around 1714.

Daniel McDaniel met and married young Sarah Brown at least by July 1715 . Her father Thomas Brown deeded them a gift of land of 100 acres: Thomas Brown of Chowan and wife Christian to Daniel McDaniel 19 July 1715, gift to son in law 100 ac adj Old Tree Swamp. wit. Jacob Lewis. Val Brasswell^[4]

Some time after marrying young Sarah Brown, Daniel moves a few miles away closer to the Roanoke River. Daniel is very active buying and selling tracts of land over the next decade.

Daniel was part of a robust expedition of Captain Robert Patterson's militia company from Meherrin Creek to Meherring River ':

Early Carolina Travels

Capt. Robert Patterson's Company from Meherrin Creek to Meher- ring River and see up the River of both sides April 11th, 1720. William Brasswell, William Ricks, William Boon, John Dew, Jr., John Rogers, Gilbert Monk, William More, Dan'l Mackdonell, John Smith, (Creek) John Crosby, John Molton, Sr., John Molton, Jr., John Jar- nikin, John Jackson, John Gainey, John Hunt, John Colson, John Proctor, John Bailey, John Nelson, John Barden, John Tailor, John Page, John Gardner, John Folk, John Smith, Sr., John Carsey, William Vinson, William Gainey, William Folk, William Elliott, Timothy Hinds, Nickles Culver, Robt. Brasswell, Tho. Vinson, Tho. Bonner, Tho. Gainey, Tho. Boon, Tho. Horne, Tho. Jarnikin, William Brown, David Vinson, James Allingnow, James Denton, William Reed, Sr., William Reed, Jr., Matthew Copps, Aron Drack, Larance Hobey, Richard Horne, Wiliam Archdecon, Arthur Wiliams, Richard Washington, Robert Sherrod, Edward Howes, Nicholas Perree, Matthew Silver, Joseph Williams, Owen Mackerare, Joseph Boon, Nicholas Boon, Sam'l Canaday, Rich'd Brasswell,_____ Joyner,____ Howell,______ Howell, Tho. Mayer, Tho. Britte, Benj. Ricks, Joseph Durden, Pete Hayes, William Hayes, John Brasswell, Tho. Stonehous, Tho. Cassey, Joel Hutcheson (constable), William Carel, Linerd Langston, Francis Fibush, Lues Ford, William Wilson, Jonathan Chrismus, Samuel Whetly, John Dew, Henry Turner." ^[5]

Daniel and one Robert Atkins were hired to transport certain minister in the colony. The minister died on the trip and the two buried him. An inquiry into the incident was documented by the provincial courts.

Read the Petition of Coll Maurice Moor and Mr John Porter attorney to John Walker Admr of the Estate of Ebenezr Taylor Clerk Deced in the words Vizt that the sd Ebenezar Taylor being possessed of a very valuable Estate Consisting in Goods and Money of this Government to the value of divers hundreds of pounds And in the Course of his Mission Travelling by water from Bath Towne to Coor sound he fell Sick & Dyed and not without Suspicion of some foule practices of one Daniel Mack Daniel & others who Transported him upon whose Death the said Daniel Mack Daniel being in possession of the Goods and Money belonging to the sd Ebenr Taylor confederating with one Robert Atkins (as is supposed) Embezzled or stole most of the money at least Two hundred and Ninty pounds whereupon process being Issued against the sd Mack Daniel and Atkins who were attached to answer Felony who thereupon deposited in the hand of the late Chief Justice the aforsd sum of Two hundred and Ninty pounds that was stolen from the sd Ebenr Taylors Estate and the sd money stil remaining in the hand of the late Chief Justice as forfiet praying that the Equity the sd John Walker hath unto the said money may be considered of And that such an order may be granted them as that the sd late Chief Justice may deliver the sd money to him that so he may be Enabled to pay the Debts of the Dec̄ed &c

Ordered That Coll Frederick Jones late Chief Justice have notice hereof and that he attend this Board at Mr Badhams house at Edenton to morrow by Ten a Clock in the forenoon either in person or by his attorney to Shew Cause why the sd money should not be delivered as prayed for

Thursday morning this Council met according adjournmt

Present as before

Coll Frederick Jones having been ordered to attend this Board upon the petition of Maurice Moor and John Porter &c this day and the sd Jones not appearing nor sending any satisfactory message

It is the opinion of this Board that the moneys lodged in the hands of the sd Coll Jones, late Cheif Justice as a pledge for the appearance of Robt Atkins and Daniel Mack Daniel at the General Court ought to have been delivered to the present Chief Justice with the General Court papers and records And thereupon It is Ordered that the sd Coll Frederick Jones do imediately pay to Christopher Gales Esqr Chief Justice or his order whatever money he has in his hands as aforsd for the appearance of the aforsd Robt Atkins and Daniel Mack Daniel and for his so doing this shall be his sufficient warrant and in case of failure hereof The Attorney Genll is hereby ordered to take proper measures for the recovery of the same^[6]

Deeds & Conveyances

John Milton, to Daniel McDaniel. 200 acres adjoining lands of John Crosby, and Thomas Vincent; July 17, 1717. Test, Robt. Hicks, William Braswell.^[7]

Daniel McDaniel assigns above tract to Thomas Brown. John Blackman & wife Elizabeth to James Parker Feb. 12, 1722. 20 pds. for 320 A. on Yauerah Swamp “betwixt” Thomas Kirby & Daniel McDaniel, Wit: Needham Bryan, Thomas Sealy Aug. Ct. 1723

A 379 DANIEL MACKDANIEL & WIFE SARAH to LAWRANCE HOBBY Nov. 10, 1724 14 pds. for 600 A. adj. WILLIAM BRASWELL on Yorworhah Swamp. Patent date March 9, 1717. Wit: JAMES BRYANT, THOMAS WILSON, W. MAUL Feb. Court 1724

B 11 THOMAS WHITMEL to JOSEPH TURNER of Isle of Wight Co. Va. Aug. 10, 1725. 40 pds. for 460 A. on SS Moratock River Adj. JOHN NAIRNE in “Cheastfield” at Cypress Swamp. Adj. DANIEL McDANIEL, JOHN HAMILTON. Wit: JOHN NAIRNE, JOHN BROWN. Aug. Court 1725

B 64 DANIEL MACK DANIEL & WIFE SARAH to JOHN WILLS, JUN. of Norwick Parish, Va. Nov. 8, 1725. 20 pds. for 240 A. on SS Moratock River. Adj. JOHN NARON, JAMES TURNER, HENRY TURNER. Wit: JOHN BRYAN, JOHN SPEIR, WM. BROWN. Nov. Court 1725

B 309 DANIEL MACKDANIEL & WIFE SARAH to HENRY TURNER Aug. 7, 1727. 10 pds. for 200 A. On SS Morattock River Adj. JOHN NAIRN, JOHN WILL (JUNIERS). Patent dated Aug. 4, 1723. Wit: JOHN BENBO, NATHANIEL PIGOTT. August Court 1727

B 310 DANIEL MACDANIEL & WIFE SARAH to THOMAS TURNER May 8, 1727. 10 pds. for 200 A. On SS Morattock River Adj. JOHN NAIRN, “WHITMELL’S corner”. Patent date Aug. 4, 1723. Wit: JAMES TURNER, JOSEPH TURNER. August Court 1727

November 10, 1724 Daniel Mackdaniel & wife Sarah to Lawrance Hobby 600 acres for 14 pounds, adjacent William Brasswell on Yorworhah Swamp, patent 9th March 1717. Witnessed by James Bryant, Thomas Wilson, W Maul. ^[8]

13 August, 1728 Daniel MacDaniel (McDaniel) to Anthony Lewis of Isle of Wight Co., VA, £24 for 410 acres on Beaverdam Swamp at Spring Branch, adjoining John Crosbey (Crosby), Thoms ___inson. Tract granted by patent on 9 March 1717. Witnesses: Leonard Langston, John Nairrur. August Court 1728. Edw. Mashborne, D.C/C. ^[9]

G 117 John Lewis of Isle of Wight Co. Va., to Benjamin Hill Nov. 3, 1740. 12 pds. for 400 A. “…Land whereon my father Thomas Lewis formerly lived… which the said Thomas bought of Daniel McDaniel as by said patent bearing date ninth day of March 1717…” At Beaver Dam Swamp on Spring Branch. Adj. Thomas Venson, John Crosbey. Wit: Alexander McCullock, William Mannsell, Sarah McCullock. N.C. Court July 27, 1748.

His will was written on April 16, 1733 and proven on May 2, 1734 MacDaniel, Daniel. Bertie Precinct April 16, 1733. May 2, 1734. Sons: Nicholas, Daniel, James (negroes to each). Daughters: Ann and Sarah McDaniel. Wife and Executrix: Sarah. Witnesses: John Anderson, Alex. Wight, John Bryan. Original missing. ^[10] Aug 15, 1733 The last Will & Testament of Danll. MCDANIEL was proved by the Oaths of John BRYANT & John ANDERSON Evidences thereto and at the same time Zerah MCDANIEL whole & Sole Exx. thereto took the Oath of an Execx.^[11]

April 16, 1733, proved 2 May 1734 of Bartie Precinct

Son Daniell – four heifers and 3 calves, 1000 pounds of pork

Son Archbell – Negro boy Seasur

Son Elexander – man Jack

son James – man Dick, plantation where I now live, a horse

daughtrer Mary Mackdaniell – bed

Wife Sarah – horse, bed

Daughter Anne Mackdaniell – horse

Daughter Sarah Macdaniell – horse

Rest of my moveable estate to my wife and her children that are lawfully born of her one body.

Executrix was wife Sarah

Witnessed by Jno. Anderson, Alexr.. Wright, John Bryan

(source: Bradley’s abstracts of the Sec. of State wills)

David Gammon’s abstract has the same names as above but he adds “that my remaining estate is to be divided between my wife Sarah and my children”.

Bertie County, NC, Court Minutes, 1724-1739,Book I, Haun 90

Courthouse on Timber Branch” Aug 1733…

The last Will & Testament of Danll. MCDANIEL was proved by the Oaths of John Bryant & John ANDERSON Evidences thereto and at the same time Zerah MCDANIEL whole & Sole Exx. thereto took the Oath of an Execx^[12]

Slaves

The slaves named in his will:

• Seasur
• Jack
• Dick

Sources

1. ↑ https://andersonnc.wordpress.com/daniel-mcdaniel/
2. ↑ Wills and Admin of Surry County, VA 1671-1750, Eliz. T. Davis Book 6, p.44.
3. ↑ https://genfiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Blow-Records-Surry-County-1.pdf [Surry County Orders 1691-1713, p389 Blow Records Surry County]
4. ↑ Chowan County Deeds #755 p.177
5. ↑ [ https://play.google.com/books/reader?printsec=frontcover&output=reader&id=j9YUAAAAYAAJ&pg=GBS.PA443 ' NC Genealogical&Historical Register' Hathaway Vol I, 1901 page 443]
6. ↑ Minutes of the General Court of North Carolina North Carolina. General Court March 27, 1722 – April 07, 1722 Volume 02, Pages 463-473
7. ↑ North Carolina historical and genealogical register, Volume 1 edited by James Robert Bent Hathaway pg 299
8. ↑ Bertie County, North Carolina Deed Book A #379
9. ↑ Colonial Bertie County, North Carolina, Deed Books A-H, 1720-1757, by Mary Best Bell, Deed Book C p 57
10. ↑ Abstract of NC Wills p229 http://tinyurl.com/m7ltwr5
11. ↑ Bertie Co. NC, County Court Minutes 1724-39
12. ↑ https://andersonnc.wordpress.com/sarah-mcdaniel-widow-and-john-anderson/