The Daniel family legacy dates back to the 1600s, starting with an Irishman named James Daniel. The family history includes involvement in the Revolutionary War and migration to Georgia. The name "Daniel" likely originates from "McDaniel" with a Hebrew meaning. The African American branch of the family began as slaves but embraced freedom after the Civil War, choosing the name "Daniel" as a symbol of their new beginning.
Levi and Lena were part of the Daniel plantation in Oglethorpe County, Georgia, owned by Robert Daniel. Details about their lives are limited, but they were hardworking individuals on a prosperous estate that cultivated tobacco and cotton. Levi's origins trace back to Africa, specifically Angola. Following emancipation, many family members stayed in the region, continuing their farming legacy.
Abram and Laura, newly freed slaves, married after emancipation and had a large family despite the challenges of the time. Disease was prevalent, impacting their children's lives. Their descendants, including Cicero, Ella, and George, played significant roles in Oglethorpe's history, where settlers from North Carolina and Virginia established themselves on fertile land awarded through various acts and lotteries.