DAVID MARKER. The surname (MARKER) of the family under consideration here has been known in the industrial history of the city of Johnstown a little more than twenty-five years, and from the time when David MARKER, a young machinist fresh from the shops of Llanelly, South Wales, came to this country and entered the employ of Cambria Iron Company. He brought with him a thorough understanding of a machinistÂ’s work, and since he first went into the shops in Johnstown he has been known as one of the most proficient workmen there. And his work has been observed and appreciated and advancement has been the reward of his genius. His present position is that of master mechanic, which implies responsibilities and commensurate reward.

On the paternal side David MARKER comes of an English family. His grandfather, Henry MARKER, was born in Cornwall, England, and was a chemist by profession and occupation. Both he and his wife were members of the Church of England, and brought up their sons and daughters in that faith. Henry MARKER, of Cornwall, had six children, of whom Richard was the eldest. The others were Henry, John, William, Mary, and Susanna MARKER.

Richard MARKER was born in Cornwall, and when a young man went over to Wales and spent his life there. For many years he followed the sea and was master of a sailing vessel in the copper trade owned by Nevil Bruce & Co., a famous copper firm of South Wales. Captain MARKER held a certificate as master mariner, and during his long service at sea visited nearly every important port in the world. The last twenty years of his life were spent ashore as agent for the copper firm previously mentioned. His home was at Llanelly, South Wales, from which place daily he visited the office and ore yards at Swansea. He married Harriet Jones, daughter of William Jones, of Llanelly, who also was connected with the firm of Nevil, Bruce & Co. Mr. Marker died in August, 1889, and his wife died in 1891. Three children were as follows: William MARKER, as master mariner; lost at sea; married Hannah Thomas, who is a widow living at Llanelly, South Wales. Susanna MARKER, now dead; married John Thomas, who now lives at Llanelly. Robert MARKER, died unmarried. Elizabeth MARKER, now dead; married David Jones, who lived at Llanelly. James MARKER, now living in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Harriet MARKER, died unmarried at the age of twenty-two years. Eleanor MARKER, married David Reese, and lives at the old home, David MARKER, of Johnstown; master mechanic for the Cambria Iron Company; married Susan Jones and has two children. Mary Ann MARKER, married Martin Jones, and lives in Swansea, South Wales.

David MARKER was born at Llanelly, in South Wales, on the 19th day of August, 1860. He was educated in the schools of that town. At the age of nineteen he was apprenticed to the trade of machinist, which he mastered, and then, in 1883, left home for America. He came direct to Johnstown, arrived there on June 12th, and at once found employment at his trade in the works of Cambria Iron Company. He is still in the service of the company, although not in the capacity of machinist, for his skill, intelligence and determination have won for him frequent promotion during the last fifteen or so years. He was made assistant foreman in 1893, foreman in 1895, and three years later, 1898, was advanced to his present position, that of master mechanic. During the period of his service with the company he has perfected several labor-saving devices. In every respect he has proved a valuable man for his employers, and the company in turn has shown a proper appreciation of his services in a material sense as well as placing him in a position of honor in its works.

Mr. Marker is a citizen of Pennsylvania, and in politics is a Republican. He is a communicant at St. MarkÂ’s Protestant Episcopal Church, and for two years has been secretary of the parish, besides having taken a prominent part in the choir service of the church. In Free Masonry he stands high, a member and senior deacon of Cambria Lodge No. 538. F. and A. F.; past high priest of Portage Chapter No. 195, R. A. M. member of Cambria Council No. 32, R. and S. M.; eminent commander of Oriental Commandery, No. 61, K. T., and member of Jaffa Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He also is a member of Linton Lodge, No. 451, K. P.

On July 2, 1899, David MARKER married Susan Jones , daughter of Richard and Mary Ann (David) Jones, of Johnstown. Mr. Jones came to this country in 1860 from Llanelly, South Wales, and has charge of the warehouses of the Gautier department of Cambial Steel Company. Mr. and Mrs. Marker have two children, Eleanor and Emlyn MARKER.

Source: History of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Storey, Henry Wilson, The Lewis Publishing Company, New York, 1907, Vol. III., pp. 257-8