My Genealogy Hound

NELSON McDANIEL, farmer, Sec. 20; P. O. Downs; one of the old settlers of McLean Co., Ill.; born in Monroe Co., Va., Nov. 26, 1815; his father, William McDaniel, was born in Virginia, where he followed farming until 1832, when he emigrated to Indiana and located in Boone Co. and followed farming there until his decease, which occurred in 1853. He was married in Virginia to Nancy Gore; she was born in Shenandoah Co., Va.; she died in Indiana about the year 1841; they were the parents of ten children, of whom six are now living. The subject of this sketch emigrated to Indiana when 17 years of age, and made his home with his father until 25 years of age, when, upon Dec. 16, 1840, he was united in marriage with Lucinda Gapen; she was born in Boone Co., Ind., Nov. 16, 1822; she died September, 1855, leaving seven children — Parisade, Daniel, William S., Zachariah, Sarah N., Joseph N., Lucinda Le Roy; his marriage with Naomi Matthews was celebrated September, 1856; she was born in Virginia in 1827; they have three children by this union — Mary F., Caroline and Charles S. Upon the marriage of Mr. McDaniel, he farmed upon land given him by his father, for twelve years, when he emigrated to Illinois and located upon Sec. 2, Downs Township, in April, 1852, coming all the way in company with Eber Hornor by team, the trip consuming eleven days; upon arriving here, he commenced farming upon his present place, where he has since lived; he now owns 160 acres, all of which is under good cultivation. Of town and school offices, he has had his full share, having been elected the second Supervisor of Downs Township, which he held for two years; he held the office of Town Collector some four years, and School Director seven years, and other petty offices; he was the first Collector in Downs Township, and as Collector he has successfully handled the funds of Downs Township for four years.