I don't know if this is any help, but living near some of my ancestors in 1850, Chatham County, is a Thomas McDaniel (42) and Susanna (38) with sons John W (18) and Alexander (16). No idea if or how these McDaniels relate to yours, but thought I'd send the info. Also, there is a record of a "Rachal" McDaniel and James M Ward marriage in Chatham, 1 Sep. 1865, but there is no Rachel or Rachal on the 1850 Chatham census.
Nancy