Daniel Marion Teeter: A Pioneer's Journey
## Early Life and Family Background
Daniel Marion Teeter was born in September 1838 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to Martin Archibald Teeter (1812-1858) and Sarah Jane "Sally" Petray (1815-1853). The family didn't stay in North Carolina long, as young Daniel spent his formative years in Pope County, Arkansas, where his father operated a sawmill. Growing up in rural Arkansas, Daniel learned the value of hard work early, splitting his time between farming and working in his father's mill until he reached nineteen years old.
Life wasn't easy for the Teeter family in Arkansas. Daniel's mother Sarah Jane passed away in 1853 when he was just fifteen, and his father Martin died five years later in 1858. These early losses shaped Daniel's character and likely contributed to his decision to seek new opportunities in the West.
## The Great Journey West
In 1857, at just nineteen years old, Daniel embarked with his brother, J. W. Teeter, on what would become one of the defining adventures of their life. On May 7th, they started for California by way of the plains, traveling with ox-teams, three wagons, and an impressive drove of 1,400 head of cattle. This wasn't just a simple migration - it was a massive undertaking that took nearly four months of "long and tedious march" before reaching Salt Lake City.
The winter of 1857-1858 in Salt Lake City tested Daniel's resolve like nothing before. He and his companions endured "many hardships" during those cold months, but it was here that Daniel made a decision that would define both his character and his survival strategy for the journey ahead. Witnessing the severe hunger and desperation of the Mormon settlers, Daniel agreed to trade his cattle for flour - a deal that was far from equitable, but one that reflected his compassionate nature. Despite being in a particularly vulnerable negotiating position as stranded travelers, Daniel harbored no resentment toward the Mormons, understanding that they too were struggling to survive in the harsh conditions of the Utah Territory.
This exchange would prove both a blessing and a curse for the journey ahead. When Daniel and twenty-seven others set out on foot for California on April 13, 1858, facing a daunting 800-mile trek, they carried with them the flour obtained from this trade. It would become their primary - and often only - sustenance during the harrowing months that followed.
The journey from Salt Lake City to California was nothing short of harrowing. Picture young Daniel and his companions trudging across vast stretches of desert and mountain terrain, their feet their only means of transportation. They crossed "large bodies of snow" while being "scantily clad," exposed to harsh weather conditions that could kill an unprepared traveler. The constant threat of "wild savages" meant they had to remain vigilant even during their few moments of rest. Perhaps most challenging of all, they survived on flour alone for much of the journey - a monotonous and barely adequate diet that left them weak and malnourished.
When Daniel finally arrived in Danville, Contra Costa County, in June 1858, he had completed one of the most remarkable pioneer journeys of the era. The young man who had started as a mill worker in Arkansas had transformed into a hardened survivor, shaped by months of unimaginable hardship and determination.
## Building a Life in California
After arriving in California, Daniel quickly found employment and remained in Danville until October 1861. He then moved to Alameda County, where he would spend the rest of his life. His early years in California were marked by constant movement as he sought to establish himself - he farmed for three years on a portion of the Dougherty Ranch, then moved to the Bernal Ranch near Pleasanton for two years. Recognizing the importance of education, Daniel took an eighteen-month course at the college in Alamo, Contra Costa County. This was particularly remarkable considering he described himself as "entirely uneducated" when he arrived in California. After completing his studies, he engaged in teaming and freighting to Washoe for two years with moderate success.
Daniel's persistence paid off when he leased a farm on the Bernal Estate, which he occupied until 1874. That year marked a significant milestone - he purchased his own place comprising 250 acres situated close to the town of Livermore, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising.
## Marriage and Family Life
### First Marriage - Caroline Arnett
On June 27, 1870, Daniel married Caroline Arnett (1849 1882), a native of Missouri, in Alameda County. Their union was described as "happy and prosperous" and produced five children: -
**George Willson Teeter (1871-1873)
**John Alexander Teeter (1874-1876)
**Flora Emeline Teeter (1876-1960))
**Frank Ransome Teeter (born 1878-1950)
**Sallie Teeter (1880-1882)
Tragedy struck the family when they lost three of their children in a very short time. On December 1st., the same year Sallie passed, Caroline succumbed to consumption (tuberculosis) in the prime of her life, leaving Daniel to mourn her loss along with their two surviving children, Frank and Flora Elisabeth.
### Second Marriage - Cynthia "Susie" Braly
On August 9, 1883, Daniel married Cynthia A. "Susie" Braly (1857-1935) in California. This marriage is reference in a database on Ancestry called "Colusa. Miscellaneous Records." This marriage brought new joy to Daniel's life and significantly expanded his family. Together, they had seven children: -
**Mary Alice Teeter (1884-1973)
**Helen Lee Teeter (1885-1982)
**Marion Daniel “Dannie” Teeter (1886-1888)
**Thurman Shadrack Teeter (born 1888 -1972)
**Jane Cynthia Teeter (born 1891-1963)
**Desmond Monroe Teeter (1893-1981)
**Alvina Clifton "Dixie" Teeter (born 1898)
## Later Years and Legacy
As Daniel aged, he transitioned from active farming to a more retired lifestyle. The 1920 census shows him living with his wife Susie and several grandchildren, having earned the title of "Retired" at age 81. In 1926, he and Susie were living at 2901 Madison Avenue in Oakland, California. Daniel's final years were spent surrounded by his large family. When he passed away on April 21, 1928, at the remarkable age of 89, he left behind his wife Susie and numerous children and grandchildren. His obituary noted that he had been a resident of California since 1858 (though he actually arrived in 1858) and had been "a frequent visitor" to Martinez, where his daughter Mrs. Frank Kennedy lived.
## Historical Context
Daniel's life spanned a remarkable period in American history. He was born during the presidency of Martin Van Buren, lived through the Civil War, the California Gold Rush aftermath, and the transformation of the American West. His journey from Arkansas to California in 1857-1858 placed him among the thousands of pioneers who helped settle the Western United States during one of the most significant migration periods in American history.
His experience with the Mormon community in Salt Lake City came during a particularly tense time known as the Utah War (1857-1858), when tensions between the U.S. government and the Mormon territory were at their peak. The hardships Daniel and his companions faced during their escape from Salt Lake City were typical of the challenges faced by many non-Mormon travelers during this period.
## Final Resting Place
Daniel Marion Teeter was laid to rest in Roselawn Cemetery in Livermore, Alameda County, California, in Section J. His tombstone bears the simple inscription "Father, A Native of Tennessee" - a fitting tribute to a man who traveled far from his birthplace to build a new life in the American West. His wife Susie joined him there when she passed away in 1935, and they rest together as a testament to their long and fruitful marriage. Daniel's story is one of resilience, determination, and the pioneering spirit that helped build California and the American West. From his humble beginnings in Arkansas to his final days as a respected landowner in California, he embodied the American dream of the 19th century.
Daniel Marion Teeter is my 2nd Cousin 3X Removed.
My name is David Lynn Teeter, son of Earl Anthony Teeter, son of Jesse Teeter, son of Elijah Teeter. I currently and have resided in Chico California since 1987. Served in the USNavy in the 1990s as a Missle Technician on the USS Nevada SSBN 733 (Blue crew), Ohio class Trident Submarine. I am 53 years old, raided in Hawaii. Graduated from Chico Senior High School in 1989. As of the last two years I am a Barber. My phone number is 530-636-3695 or contact me at dlteeter84@gmail.com.
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