The original owner of this house was James Doyle (Sr.) who had settled the area around 1828 after emigrating from Ireland. His son, James Doyle Jr. was born in Margaree Forks and after attending the Arichat Seminary (1854) and St. F. X. College (1855) started an illustrious teaching career. Many of his students went on to continue their education including ten who became priests and eight who entered the medical field as doctors. In 1884 he moved to the west coast of Newfoundland and founded a community that became known as Doyleville.

The third owner was James Coady (Jim the Tanner) who had connections to the Doyle family when he married Sarah Doyle, daughter of Moses Doyle who was the second Irish settler (1824) to what was known as Doyle's Bridge.

The McDaniel connection goes back to 1815 (by some estimates) or 1800-1805 according to J. L. MacDougall, "History of Inverness County" to Miles McDaniel. Miles McDaniel was the first settler from Ireland to settle the Margarees. His daughter, Eliza, married Martin Coady who settled the area with his brothers, John and Peter between 1830 and 1831. Martin's son, James, married Sarah Doyle (as above) and their contribution to the community and society in general was significant in the accomplishments of their children and grand-children. A son, Rev. Moses Coady, had a distinguished life as well as a grand-child, Rev. Dr. M. M. Coady. The Coady tradition continues to thrive.

In the 1940's the house was sold to an American couple, who then sold it to a family from Glace Bay. In 1986 the old homestead was purchased by a proud William Austin McDaniel. William died soon afterward, a young man who wished to restore the property as a keepsake for the family. William's parents are the present owners and custodians of an important building and landmark.

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© MUNICIPALITY of the COUNTY of INVERNESS