My Genealogy Hound

OSWALD MARKLEY, harness manufacturer, of Huntingdon Valley, is a native of Moreland township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, the son of George and Henrietta (Shelmire) Markley. He was born March 19, 1868.

George Markley, father, is the son of Henry Markley. He was born in Moreland township, October 16, 1836. He has been a resident of the township all his life. For upwards of forty years he followed the occupation of harness maker at Huntingdon Valley, but since 1897 he has lived retired at that place. He married, in Huntingdon Valley, February 7, 1867, Henrietta W. Shelmire, born July 31, 1845, daughter of George F. and Sarah (Clayton) Shelmire. Their children: Oswald, subject of this sketch; Laura C., born July 19, 1877, wife of William Lodge; Blanche, born February 11, 1880, wife of Lloyd R. Myers; Horace W., born March 1, 1888.

Oswald Markley was educated in the public schools of the neighborhood, and after completing his school studies learned his trade with his father. He was associated in the business with his father for some years, and in 1897 purchased his father’s interest. He has since conducted it himself very successfully, and to the entire satisfaction of his patrons, who include many of the wealthy residents of the vicinity, which is largely peopled by citizens of Philadelphia who spend their summers in the country seats that abound in the neighborhood. Mr. Markley married, October 3, 1893, Mary A. Smith, born October 3, 1870, daughter of Augustus and Sadie (Fell) Smith. They have one son, Kenneth, born December 30, 1900. The parents of Mr. Markley are members of the Baptist church. Mr. and Mrs. Markley attend the Methodist church, and are connected by membership with it.