Benjamin McDaniel was born in Mississippi in 1888. His mother was Alice McDaniel. Private First Class McDaniel was initially sentenced to life in prison. His sentence was reduced to 19 years and 3 months and was recommended for parole in 1924. Private First Class McDaniel quit school at the age of 12, having only matriculated to the first (1) grade. He worked on his father’s farm. At the age of fifteen he ran away from home and eventually enlisted in the Army in December 1911. Private First Class McDaniel had a troubled career as a soldier. He was frequently in minor trouble and had a bit of a drinking problem, having began consuming alcohol at the age of 15. He was confined to the “workhouse” for one (1) month in Birmingham, Alabama.

In 1924, Private First Class McDaniel’s report to the Clemency Board indicated that he was diagnosed with anemia. The certifying physician also noted that he was “quite despondent and he will probably develop a true psychoses if not soon released.” In light of the physicians certification the Board recommended that his sentence be remitted. Private First Class McDaniel was granted parole May, 1924.