Few men held the respect and esteem of their fellow citizens more than Duncan Thomas Daniels, and his passing brought sorrow, not only to his family and closest friends, but also to the entire community in which he lived.
Mr. Daniels was born March 29, 1861. He was the youngest son of Duncan S. and Kizzie Gregory Daniels. Duncan Daniels was one of the pioneer settlers and developers of what is now a part of Pulaski and Dodge Counties. His holdings at one time prior to his death amounted to several thousand acres of land. This perseverance and ability to increase his material wealth was due to his Scotch-Irish ancestry. He was a faithful member of his community church and his activities as a deacon and as a precinct judge were long remembered by his survivors.
Duncan T. Daniels early stepped out on his own resources, where his Scotch thrift soon became paramount. By hard work he established himself as a leading farmer and citizen in the southeastern corner of Pulaski County. His Christian character and determined spirit won for him the trust and respect of his business associates and friends. It is said of him that his word was his bond and that he never had an enemy in his entire life. People in want and adversity ever found his a willing hand to help them out of their despair.
Mr. Daniels was a conscientious member and supporter of the Baptist Church and was many times responsible for some charitable deed. He looked upon citizenship as a duty and was always in sympathy with any movement for civic improvement. His advice and opinion on municipal or community affairs were sought and valued by others in authority. Several times he was urged by friends to enter the race for county offices, but his modest and retiring nature prevented him from making this move. However, he did serve on the county board of education for several terms.
On March 13, 1884, Mr. Daniels married Sara Elizabeth Lancaster. She was a descendant of early settlers from the House of Lancaster in England. Her ancestors first settled in South Carolina, later moving to Burke County, thence on to Pulaski. Of this union nine children were born. They are in order of their birth as follows: Cornelius Cleveland (married Stella Buchan), Stella Daniels Wilcox (married J. C. Wilcox), Lilla Daniels Woodard (married T. J. Woodard), Otis Daniels (died when seven years old), Clarence Wilson Daniels (married Gene Slade Finleyson), Ola Mae Daniels Mathews (deceased; married G. W. Mathews), Eunice Daniels Martin (married H. M. Martin), Ellen Daniels Hadden (married J. C. Hadden), William Franklin Daniels (unmarried).