A Life Remembered ~ Daniel McPhail

The following information was contributed by Carole Nurmi Cummings, a Dutch descendant from the 1600s and a cousin.

▪ Occupation: Saddle, Coach & Harness Maker

The McPhail family of Baltimore has, throughout the years, been intimately tied to the history and political climate of the City of Baltimore, Maryland. They were active in the community serving in positions of import. All of them became leaders in one capacity or another. Some of Daniel's sons were officers in the Mexican and Civil Wars and received awards for their brave service. It is readily apparent that this family was taught the morals of hard work and service to mankind. We stand in appreciation of those they have blessed.

Daniel McPhail operated a saddle/leather goods business in Baltimore. Advertisement of his business can be found in early news of "The Baltimore Patriot and Mercantile Advertiser". You can double click on an advertisement shown to the right in order to better read the document.

It is believed that he was the Daniel McPhail serving under Captain Thomas Warner (39 Regiment Maryland Militia-Sept. 12, 1812). This regiment was stationed in Baltimore, Maryland during the War of 1812 bombardment.

His sons went on to serve the city in a variety of ways.

William McPhail, the eldest son, who was living in Baltimore, was active in the political community of that city. He served as president of the second branch city council, and, at times, acting mayor in the absence of Mayor Swann. He was an active merchant in the Hat Industry of the city. He was instrumental in the acquisition of Druid Hill Park.

John McPhail, the second son, served the city as a Civil Engineer.

The third son, James Laurence McPhail, was involved in the beginning of the Baltimore Fire Department and was Provost Marshal of Baltimore during the Civil War. James helped capture some of the conspirators in the Lincoln Assassination.

Daniel H. McPhail, the fourth son, who is buried in Green-wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, was the Maryland Commissioner of Lotteries and was presented a sword by the City of Baltimore for gallant service in the Mexican War.

The fifth son, Leonard Cassell McPhail, also buried in Brooklyn, New York, was a noted physician in the city, and served in the Mexican war.

Death Notice

Departed his life last evening, after a short illness, DANIEL MCPHAIL, in the 49th year of his age. His acquaintances and friends of the family, are requested to attend the funeral services from his late dwelling, No. 8 New Church street, on Sunday Afternoon at 3 o'clock.

▪ Source: Baltimore Gazette and Daily Advertiser, Baltimore Maryland, Volume 72 Issue 12030 page 2, October 24, 1829

Probate

THIS IS TO GIVE NOTICE, That the subscribers of the City of Baltimore hath obtained from the Orphans' Court of Baltimore County, in Maryland, letters of administration on the personal estate of DANIEL McPHAIL, late of said county, deceased.

All persons having claims against said deceased, are hereby warned to exhibit the same with the vouchers thereof to the subscribers, on or before the first day of May next, they may be otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of said estate. All persons indebted to the said estate, are requested to make immediate payment. Given under our hands the 31st of October, 1829.

Mary McPhail and William McPhail, Adm'rs

Source: Baltimore Patriot, Vol. XXXIV, Issue 106, Baltimore, MD, October 31, 1829 page 3.