Markley - George L.
Source: Atlas of Montgomery County (Chicago: Beers, 1878)
MARKLEY, George L, PO Crawfordsville, Blacksmith, is a native of Montgomery
co PA settled in this county in 1874.
Source: H. W. Beckwith History of Montgomery Co IN (Chicago: HH Hill, 1881)
George L. Markley, blacksmith and wagon-maker, Crawfordsville, was born
March 30, 1855, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Abraham
and Susan Markley. Both died in 1862 leaving George on the cold charities of
the world.
He lived with his uncle until sixteen years of age, then served three years'
apprenticeship in the blacksmith shop of his brother-in-law, George W. Nyce,
of Towamencin township Montgomery county, Pennsylvania.
He next engaged in a carriage shop at Lynlexintgon, Bucks county,
Pennsylvania, and in 1874 came to Crawfordsville, and was employed for some
time as bridge-carpenter on the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western
railroad. He then began work for Charles Murphey, and in six months bought a
half interest of Mr. Murphey and carried on the blacksmithing with him until
1876, when he became sole proprietor. His trade has increased, until now he
employs five hands. Besides owning the blacksmith shop he has a half interest
in the wagon shop adjoining, which he bought in 1880, the firm being known as
Smith & Markley.
They manufacture wagons and do other heavy wood-work, while Mr. Markley
conducts the blacksmithing in a shop about 42x 150.
His trade during the last year has been as much as in the three previous
years, which proves success.
Mr. Markley is a strong republican and an Odd-Fellow. He was married March
18, 1877, to Eva I. Swift, daughter of A. Swift, of Peru, Indiana.
She was born June 15, 1856. Mr. Markley's grandfather Markley fought in the
War of 1812.
By energy and perseverance Mr. Markley has made his way.