Joseph A. Markley is a farmer and stock-raiser of Union township, Miami county. He was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, ten miles above Cincinnati, on the 29th of August, 1855, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Bobbs) Markley. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Markley, was a native of Pennsylvania, and during the pioneer epoch in the history of Ohio took up his abode in Hamilton county, where he owned a large tract of land. He afterward sold some of that land to the city of Cincinnati and it is now occupied by the water works. As a farmer he was very successful, adding yearly to his income. He was an active member of the United Brethren church, and died at the age of seventy-two years. His son, Joseph Markley, the father of our subject, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, spent the days of his childhood and youth in that locality, and after the discovery of gold in California made his way to the Pacific slope, where he remained for two years, meeting with good success in his undertakings in that section of the country. He died upon his farm in Hamilton county, Ohio, when about thirty-five years of age. He, too, was a member of the United Brethren church, and in his political views was a Republican. His wife was a native of Ohio and by her marriage to Joseph Markley had three children: Joseph, of this review; Victoria, wife of John C. Henderson, and William, who is deceased. The mother afterward became the wife of John C. Henderson and her death occurred in Miami county.

Joseph A. Markley was only two years old when his father died. He remained at home with his mother and stepfather until he had attained his majority, working on the farm and in a sawmill. When he had reached man's estate he rented a tract of land in Union township, which he operated for one year. On the expiration of that period he purchased fifteen acres, continuing its cultivation for two years, when he sold that property and bought seventy-three acres,--a part of his present farm. Here he has since made his home, and to this property he afterward added a tract of twenty acres. Subsequent to that time he and his stepfather purchased one hundred and forty-seven acres within the corporation limits of Laura, and in the spring of 1900 Mr. Markley bought forty acres just across the road from his home. He now owns one hundred and twenty- six acres in the home place and a half interest in a tract of one hundred and forty-seven acres, which is well improved. He raises tobacco and rents a part of his land. His systematic business methods, his sound judgment and unfailing energy have been the salient features of his success.

On the 26th of August, 1877, Mr. Markley was married to Miss Almira Bonham, of Darke county, who died November 5, 1895, leaving three children: John O., Bertha and Callie, all at home. Subsequently he wedded Rachel Christian, daughter of Aaron Christian, of Union township, and they have two children, Lydia and Joseph Martin. Their home is noted for its hospitality, and their circle of friends is very extensive in the community. Mr. Markley is a member of the United Brethren church, his wife of the Christian church. In politics he is an active Democrat. He gives earnest support to all measures which he believes will prove of public good and is a valued and respected member of the community.