Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 383-384.

WILLIAM D. MARKLEY.

Among the prosperous native-born farmers of Harrison township, Wells County, Indiana, William D. Markley stands most prominent. He is a son of John and Malinda (Wilson) Markley, was born April 25, 1841, and Harrison township has always been his place of residence.

John Markley, the father of William D., came from Madison county, Ohio, to Wells County, Indiana, in 1836, and entered one hundred and eighty-five acres of forest land in section 18, Harrison township, where there had about half a dozen settlers preceded him, including Dan and Adam Miller, Thomas Van Horn and Higgins Gentry. Mr. Markley put up the inevitable log cabin for temporary shelter and set resolutely to work to clear up a farm, or rather to clear off the heavy timber surrounding his cabin. He added gradually to his possessions until he owned about six hundred acres, but continued to make a dwelling of his original cabin the remainder of his life. He was a fiery public-spirited gentleman and did all his means would allow in assisting financially the making of public improvements. He was well known throughout the county of Wells, although a quiet, unassuming man, and was recognized as a useful citizen and a good neighbor, being deeply mourned at his death, which took place in the faith of the Christian church, and his name is still kept green in the memory of his surviving relatives and friends. In politics he was a Republican, but never was officious or intermeddling in forcing his views upon others, and as a farmer was one of the most successful stock raisers in his township. To John and Malinda (Wilson) Markley were born eleven children, of whom eight grew to maturity, namely: Rachel, now the wife of Stephen Adsit; Rev. J. J., of Lancaster township; William D., with whose name this biographical record opens; Ellen, widow of Ben Studabaker; Matilda, married to Capt. E. Y. Sturgis; Lewis P., of this township; Samuel, of Elwood, Indiana; Wilson, still in this township.

William D. Markley was reared to farming on the old homestead, but was given an opportunity to attend school three months each year until he was eighteen years old. He was quite apt at his studies and on relinquishing these engaged in teaching school in Wells County until he was twenty-three years of age, when, in 1864, he married Miss Mary E. Dougherty, a native of Darke county, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Margaret (Studabaker) Dougherty, as well as a sister of the Hon. Hugh Dougherty. To the marriage of W. D. and Mary E. Markley were born five children, viz: Cora, who was a teacher in Wells County for several terms and was then married to Jules Meredith; Franklin, deceased; Carrie, wife of Earnest Morrow; Anna, married to Arthur Markley, and Jane, wife of Gus Baker. Mrs. Mary E. (Dougherty) Markley was called from earth in 1884, and Mr. Markley chose for a second helpmate Margaret Dellinger, whom he married in November, 1891, and this union has been brightened by the birth of one child, Marie, born June 27, 1895.

Mr. Markley is a member of the Christian church at Six Mile and is also one of the trustees. He is very active in his church work, contributes liberally toward its support and maintenance and lives strictly up to its teachings. In politics Mr. Markley is a stanch Republican in principle, but seldom takes an active part in advancing the interests of the party, excepting in the way of regularly casting his vote in its favor, as he has never felt any desire for holding a public office, although he is very popular in his township and he and family are among the most prominent and respected residents of Wells County and Harrison township.