"Daniel Abial McCall, the subject of this sketch, was born at the family homestead, Lot 23, in the 4th Concession of Charlotteville, in the year 1831.
"His father, the late Major Daniel McCall, also his grandfather, Duncan McCall, were among the pioneer settlers of Norfolk
County. Major Daniel McCall claimed to have been the first white child born in the
County. The McCall family were of the brave United E. L. stock, of that people that fought for the king in the war for American
Independence. They left their comfortable homes in the States and with their helpless ones journeyed wearily to these shores to build up another British country under the flag that they had on many a battlefield risked their lives to defend.
"Educated admidst the memories of these struggles, he became a true Canadian, allied to the Conservative
party. Politics were more than an empty name to him. He believed in a Canadian nationality with British connection, and to this work he gave cheerfully his strength, thought and means; and his loyal, consistent political life has left its impress on his community and native County.
"At the age of thirteen he chose a mercantile career, entering the store of P. E. Young, of
Vittoria. After a service of eight years he started business on his own account at St
Williams. In this new field he found ample room for his industry, and for forty years he conducted a large business in merchandise, lumber, timber, shipbuilding and farming, giving during the greater part of his long term employment to a larger number of people than any other person or firm in the County.
"During this business career he found time to attend to the affairs of the township and County, filling respectively the offices of Councillor, Reeve and Warden. Born and reared upon the farm, he was most active in the affairs of the Agricultural Society as officer and exhibitor.
"For many years one of the most capable business men in his locality, he was called upon to arrange the affairs of a large number of
people. It can be said of him that he fully appreciated the claims society held upon him, and he never refused a request that it was in his power to
grant. He never shirked a duty nor abused a trusted. Couscientious, steadfast and true was the man, and his death, on the 27th February, 1893, after a few days' illness, alike thrilled and shocked the
community. (The people that for a generation he had been provider, employer, arbiter, counseller, companion and friend.)
What words can portray the grief of the wife and companion of thirty-eight years, and family gathered about him. The strong one, the faithful one, the patient one is stricken low.
"The meek, merciful and pure of heart, they shall see God!
"The funeral services were held at his late residence on March 1st, by the Rev R. W. Johnstone, when, borne by the strong arms of the young men of the village, he was followed by a large concourse of his
friends. He was taken to the family plot in the cemetery, near by where his parents were laid, and there committed to his last resting-place."
