The History of the Daniel Family Model A

Foreward

This document is a collection of accounts regarding the Daniel Family model A. The car has been in the family since it was purchased in April of 1931. It has passed through the hands of five generations of Daniels as of 2025, and is approaching its 100^th birthday. I am archiving and documenting as much information about the vehicle I can before old photos and letters fade with the passage of time and members of the family.

The title of the vehicle reflects that it is a 1930 Ford Model A. The serial number on the engine block reflects that it was manufactured in March of 1930. When the body was manufactured, I am unsure of at the moment. Since it was purchased in 1931, and the great depression had just started, I imagine it rolled off the assembly line completely around Sept of 1930.

The following account is from Margaret Daniel, my dear Nana who was a well educated woman, and just as much of an archivist and historian as I am and I intend to follow in her footsteps of ensuring the rich history of this vehicle is not forgotten.

The Model “A”

Bought in Temple, TX by William Richard Daniel and his daughter, Estelle Daniel in April of 1931. Letters to Mamie Daniel, wife of W.F. Daniel, Floydada TX from Estelle Daniel says,

“I’ve got the new car Saturday (this would be probably the 2^nd week in April, 1931). We (meaning William Richard and Estelle) went 50-50 and registered it in our names.”

W.R. Daniel died on Dec. 16, 1942 and Estelle had full ownership. She continued to live in the Daniel home and married Fred Marsten in Feb. 1943. Estelle drove the car until her death, Oct. 6 1961.

William Foster Daniel, brother to Estelle, went to Temple after her death and brought the Model “A” home with him. It was still in good shape after 30 years of continued use. He had some refurbishing done on it and had it painted light grey and black trim – The original color was brown.

Foster kept the car in a garage on the Daniel homeplace, and W.R. and Bill Daniel (his sons) would get it out and drive it in the Old Settlers Parade in Floydada TX.

Foster Daniel died Jan 9, 1976. W.R. Daniel bought the car from the Daniel estate in 1976 and moved it to the barn on his farm in the McCoy community. The car was entered every year in the May Old Settler’s Parade in Floydada and many other parades in Lockney, Petersburg, and Plainview TX.

In Sept 1980, W.R. bought a membership in the Roaring Springs Ranch Club and he started bringing the car by trailer to Roaring Springs each year and in the Old Settlers Parade. He won lots of trophies for “Best Antique Car at Roaring Springs” and also some 1^st place trophies from Floydada.

In 1986 he took the Model “A” to Childress to have it overhauled some. (See bill attached, $404.44) but other than this, he has been ??? on it, except for registration, oil changes, gas, and tires. Last reading of the mileage, 1995 it showed it registered _____. Not bad for a 64 yr. old car!

In his will, W.R. Leaves the car to his son, William Richard Daniel Jr, with the stipulation that he keeps it in the family and passes it on to a family member of his.

All of the grandchildren – as well as our daughter, Ilene, have enjoyed riding in the car – and the pictures show them with us enjoying being a part of the family and sharing in the activities and parades of which the model “A” is “front and center”

-Written by Margaret Evans Daniel, wife of W.R. Daniel, Floydada TX, Sept. 1995.