Markley, Texas facts for kids
Markley is a small community in Young County, Texas, United States. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own local government like a city does. Markley is found where two roads meet: State Highway 16 and Farm to Market Road 1769. It's in the northeastern part of Young County, about 21 miles from a town called Graham. In the year 2000, about 50 people lived there.
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The Story of Markley
Markley started in 1888. It was first known as Plum Grove. That same year, a post office opened. It was called Manlee, and Steve Munderbeck was the first postmaster.
In 1890, the community's name changed from Plum Grove to Markley. This was to honor General A. C. Markley, who had moved to Young County. Markley grew slowly at first.
Oil Discovery and Growth
Things changed when oil was found in the early 1900s. This discovery helped Markley grow. By the 1920s, Markley had several churches and businesses. It also had its own school and a bank. Even today, Markley is still an area where oil is produced. New oil wells are still being drilled there.
A Historic Stop for Native Americans
Even before Markley became a town, its location was a known camping spot. It was used as a resting place during a big event in 1859. This event was when Native American tribes moved from the Brazos reservation. They were moving to what was called "Indian territory." Wagons, supplies, soldiers, and agents traveled with the tribes.
The Markley Cemetery
The Markley cemetery began in 1888. It was located next to the old Plum Grove School. M.C. Norfleet was the first person buried there.
After ten years, the cemetery was not being cared for well. So, in 1890, a group of local citizens decided to help. They organized an annual "Graveyard Working Day." This day was set for the first Saturday in May.
On this day, people from the area would come by wagon and horseback. They would clean the cemetery. After cleaning, they would place flowers on the graves. In 1925, this event changed to the first Sunday in May.
Today, a cemetery association takes care of the cemetery. But "Decoration Day" is still an annual social event. Many people travel from far away to honor those buried there. This includes thirteen Civil War veterans. Their graves are honored each year.
Education
Students living in Markley attend schools in the Graham Independent School District.
