Was born in the state of South Carolina, in the year 1823, and remained there until the year 1836, when he removed with his parents to the state of Illinois, and settled on section 23, in Barry township, Pike county. He remained at home and labored on his father's farm until the year 1844, when he was married to Miss Angeline Blake. She was born in the state of Maine, in the year 1823, and moved with her parents to the state of Pennsylvania, in the year 1834, and remained there until the year 1842, when she emigrated with her brother, Leander Blake, to Pike county, Illinois, where she remained until her marriage with Mr. McDaniels.
Levi McDaniels, the father, and Elizabeth McDaniels, born Jennings, the mother of William, were both born and raised in South Carolina, where they were married. They emigrated to the state of Illinois in the year 1836, and are still living, in the enjoyment of good health.
Wm. McDaniel has always been engaged in farming and raising stock and has been very successful. He commenced life in very limited circumstances, but through energy, industry, and good management, he has become one of the wealthy men, and is one of the most successful pork-raisers in Barry township. Mr. McDaniel is a man of education, and possesses good business abilities. He has held some of the most important offices of his township, and has always discharged his duties satisfactorily to his constituents. He has always lived a quiet and peaceful life, and has maintained the warmest affection for his government. Much of his success through life he justly attributes to the many good qualities of his wife, who has ever been to him a help-mate, indeed. Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel have seven children — two of their children are married, and doing well. The other five remain at home, single.