|
Home Advertising Biographies Business Directories Cemeteries Census Class Reunion Family Bibles Family Links History of Madison County Location Lookups Maps Madison County Links Marriages Mortality Schedules Newspaper Clippings Obituaries Ohio County Formation Perpetual Calendar Photo Album Queries Surnames Who Are They? Wills Contact us
Search Engine
| Member | |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
The importance that attaches to the lives, character and work of the early settlers of Madison county, and the influence they exerted on the cause of humanity and civilization is one of the most absorbing themes that can possibly attract the attention of the local chronicler or historian. If great and beneficent results "that endure and bless mankind" are the proper measure of the good men do, then who is there in the world's history that may take their places above the pioneer. To point out and lead the way; to make possible our present advancing civilization, with its happy homes, its arts and sciences, its discoveries and inventions, its education, literature, culture, refinement and social life and joy, is to be the truly great benefactors of mankind for all time to come. This was the great work accomplished by the early settlers and it is granted that they builded wiser than they knew. Among the pioneer families of Madison county who are still identified with this locality, no family is better known than that which bears the name Markley. A worthy representative of this family in past years was he whose name forms the caption of this review, a man who, through all his years, stood ever as an exponent of those things which tended to upbuild the community and advance the general public welfare. Because of his sturdy character and exemplary life, he is eminently deserving of specific mention in the annals of Madison county.
Philip Markley was a native of Madison county, having been born in Somerford township on August 12, 1825. His parents were Jonathan and Mary (Cryder) Markley, both of whom were pioneer settlers in Madison county, where Jonathan eventually became the owner of four hundred and thirteen acres of good farming land. Jonathan Markley was twice married. To his first union were born three children, namely: John, Gabriel, and Adam, all of whom moved to Wells county, Indiana, in the year of 1836. To him and his second wife, Mary, were born eight children, Philip, whose name forms the caption of this sketch; Jonathan, who settled in Clark county; Samuel; Jacob B., who located also in Wells county, Indiana; James; Mrs. Nancy Pemberton; Mrs. Mary Fix; and Mrs. Jane Hannah, who moved to Bates county, Missouri. Philip Markley inherited fifty acres of land from his father's estate, and, when twenty-one years old, bought fifty acres more, this forming the nucleus of the splendid estate which he finally owned. He endured all the privations and hardships incident to the life of a farmer in those days of comparatively crude implements and primitive farming methods, but he was energetic and wide-awake to his opportunities, laboring industriously and persevering in the face of obstacles and discouragements. He ever stood for that which was best in the life of the community, in which he spent the greater part of his long, useful, unselfish and benevolent career.
In this connection, it is worthy of note that the old Markley homestead in Somerford township is the oldest farm residence now standing in central Ohio, it having been erected in the year 1813, by one Levi Cantrell. This house is situated on the beautiful eminence on the old Federal road leading from Springfield to Columbus, and one mile north of the village of Summerford. The site of this house is on a natural terrace situated a few rods north of the headwaters of Deer creek. The main structure of this now historic house was built of hewed logs, with a wing on the west side thereof, which wing was detached a few years ago. The interior of the remainder of this old landmark is in a fair state of preservation, while the exterior is marked and dimmed with the rust and dust of age.
One of the most striking features connected with this old homestead is the double willow trees, one of which was planted by Grandmother Kate Markley, about the year 1815, and the other by Mrs. Nancy Roberts Wilson, in 1825, and now overshadowing a bubbling spring of pure water. The tree, from a mere twig, has assumed gigantic proportions, measuring twenty-seven feet in circumference, and there are limbs that measure from two to three feet in diameter.
This house was used in pioneer days as a tavern or inn by John Roberts. Valentine Wilson, an early settler and who became one of the most extensive landowners in this section of Ohio, courted and married two of his wives in this house. Mr. Wilson was the owner of this place at the time of his death. The illustrious Henry Clay, of Kentucky, while en route to and from Washington, D. C., was wont to make this old tavern one of his favorite stopping places. John Markley, who later occupied the old homestead, was a lineal descendant of Gabriel Markley, who at one time owned the place, and was also the paternal ancestor of the Markley, Prugh and Potee families of this county.
Philip Markley was married three times. In 1847 he married Catherine Kiskaden, of Clark county, who was an aunt of the distinguished and much beloved acress "Maud Adams." To this union was born two children, James and Vitoria Markley, both of whom died shortly after the death of their mother in 1850.
In 1851 Philip Markley married Eliza Jane Atchison, whose death occurred in 1861. To them were born six children–the first born being twins: James A., deceased, and William A., of Wells county, Indiana; Jacob M., of Indianapolis, Indiana; Jonathan F., Maria and Eliza Jane. Of the daughters, Maria is the wife of Jerry SHIRE of Lagrange, Indiana, and Eliza Jane is the wife of I. T. ALLEN, of Wells county, Indiana.
In 1861 Philip Markley married his third wife, Susan T. (BALES) WHITAKER, a widow, and they became the parents of five children, Philip M., of Morris, Minnesota; John G., of Delaware county, Indiana; Harvey K. and Bertha B. SQUIERS, of Jackson county, Michigan; and Rosa M., wife oF Dr. Charles E. GAIN of London, Ohio.
Philip Markley, after a long and useful and honorable career departed this life at the age of seventy-five years. he was a member of the Christian church at Summerford, while his wife, Susan T., was a devout Methodist.
Jonathan F. Markley, son of Philip and Eliza Jane (ATCHISON) Markley, was born on December 20, 1856, in Somerford township, on a farm adjoining the one now owned by his cousin, Charles G. Markley. He spent his boyhood days under the parental roof, securing his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. He assisted his father in the operation of the home farm, and upon reaching mature years he bought a part of the old home farm, situated along the national road. He erected the residence on the top of Markley hill now occupied by the Kimball family, and there he made his home until 1911. His present farm was formerly known as the Daye WOOSLEY homestead, and was occupied by Thomas WOOSLEY, who now lives in Somerford township. The place comprises ninety acres of fertile and productive land, which, under the careful management of Mr. Markley, is being developed into one of the best farms of the locality. Mr. Markley has erected a set of splendid farm buildings, commodious, well arranged and equipped in an up-to-date manner, which indicates him to be a man of progressive tendencies and modern ideas. The home is located about a mile from the Madison-Clark county line, and is known as the "Clover Leaf Farm."
In 1890 Jonathan F. Markley was united in marriage with Mary S. MINSER, of Madison county, Illinois, but who had, for a time, lived with her Grandmother GUYTON in Clark county, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Markley have been born the following children, all of whom are living: Alta, the wife of Ross WILSON, of Clark county; Philip, married Mae PAUL and operates a farm near the old homestead; Harold, Noel, Hattie, Cleo and Marjorie are at home with their parents.
In his political views, Jonathan F. Markley is a Republican, as have been practically all the other male members of his family before him, while, in matters religious, he also follows the family predilection and affiliates with the Christian church. Mr. Markley is a busy man, but he finds time and opportunity to take an interest in matters pertaining to the progress and growth of his community and county, keeping abreast of the times on all questions of vital interest and being regarded by all as a leading citizen. In this locality he is highly regarded by his neighbors and acquaintances.
PHILIP MARKLEY, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Somerford Township, Madison County, Ohio, August 12, 1825 and is a son of Jonathan and Mary Markley. Philip, at twenty-one years of age, engaged in farming; he bought fifty acres of land, and his father gave him fifty acres more, to which he has since added until he owns, at the present time, 413 acres of fine land, in a high state of cultivation. He has been married three times; his first wife was Catharine Kiskeder, to whom he was married in 1847. She died September 12, 1849, and in October, 1851, he was united in marriage with Eliza J. Atcheson, by whom he has five children living, viz., William A., Jacob M., Jonathan F., Marie and Eliza Jane. His second wife died May 20, 1861, and he was united in marriage with his third wife October 6, 1862, and by her has five children living, viz., Philip M., John G., Harry K., Bertha R. and Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. Markley are church members, he belonging to the Christian Church and she to the Methodist.
Submitted by
This is a volunteer project. We depend upon feedback from our visitors. If you have information to share or have resources relating to Madison County, we would love to hear from you.
Design by 
Hosted by Ancestral Sites