The announcement of the golden anniversary of John and Christina Shofer Markle, of West Frankfort, Herkimer County, was contributed by Steve Kirschman of Jamestown, NY. Steve tells us that "It originally came from a newspaper article but at this point I am unsure which newspaper. There are several of us involved in Markle research, all of whom are related to the subjects of the anniversary notice. If I may, they are; Russ & Nancy Phelps (RDsNancy@aol.com); Shelley Broyles (MuxMan1@aol.com); and my father, Spencer Kirschman (cannk@ulink.net). Any one of us, or all of us, are available to correspond with anyone relative to the Markle clan."

Mr. and Mrs. John Markle celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their home in West Frankfort Christmas Day surrounded by their children and grandchildren. Others present were Mr. and Mrs. John Shofer, Effa and Katie Shofer, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hagues and family and Mr. and Mrs. Major Kane.

John Markle and Christina Shofer were married at the home of Peter Van Slyke on Hungerford Hill, December 25, 1855, by the Rev. John Grenzebach. Of their union nine children were born, seven of whom are living. They are: Frederick and Albert of Jacksonville, Ia., George of Utica, William, John and Frank and Mrs. William Duss of West Frankfort. The children were all present at the celebration except the two in the West. Mr. Markle has two sisters living in this country, Mrs. Mary Epple of Fort Smith, Ark., and Mrs. Christina Kirshman of new Hampton, Ia. Mrs. Markle has one brother living, John Shofer of Frankfort Center.

Mr. Markle was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, June 4, 1830. He came to this country 51 years ago, locating in the town of Frankfort, where he has lived ever since. After he came to this country he farmed it and worked at the carpenter trade.

Mrs. Markle was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, May 19, 1829. She came to this country with her brother in 1854, locating in the same town.

Mr. and Mrs. Markle have been members of the German Evangelical Church of Utica since they first came to this country.

They received many useful remembrances and the best wishes of their many friends.

December 25, 1905

Thank you to Steve Kirschman for an undated photograph of John & Christina Markle's children. The names are as follows; in the rear left to right is Fred Markle, Emma Markle Duss, and John Markle; the front row left to right is George Markle, Frank Markle, William Markle, and Albert Markle.

A Note From: Virginia Milligan (we no longer have a valid email address for Virginia)
"Thank you all so very much for your time and efforts. My mother, a daughter of Charles and Emma Hagues, was raised on Frankfort Center Rd., Frankfort NY and what a sheer delight to find her school, the anniversary picture of her great aunt and uncle, John and Christina Markle, the cemeteries where my Hagues, Markle, Schaible, Shofer, Yack, Church, and Fitchard relatives are buried. (to name a few).

This has been truly marvelous. I am now emailing with two distant cousins that I have never met. My sister in Austin Tx was thrilled to receive the site addresses also. I was hoping to find a picture of the Methodist Church on Frankfort Center Rd. Though we didn't live there we were baptized there and attended with our Grandmother when visiting. I do have a plate that they made of the church. It is in a prominent place in my living room. Thanks so much again. I will be the most frequent visitor you folks have ever had."

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