Johann Gaspard Marklien

The following is an excerpt from the:

REPORT OF THE COMMISSION TO LOCATE THE SITE OF THE FRONTIER FORTS OF PENNSYLVANIA.

VOLUME TWO.

CLARENCE M. BUSCH.

STATE PRINTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

1896.

THE FRONTIER FORTS OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA.

Pages 358-381.

by George Dallas Albert

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GASPARD MARKLE'S HOUSE AND STATION.

Gaspard Markle in 1770 removed from Berks County, Pa. to Westmoreland. From a biographical sketch prepared from data furnished by his descendants it is said that "for several years after the settlement of the family in Westmoreland the neighboring settlements on the Allegheny and Kishkiminetas were harassed by the Indians, and the residence of Gaspard Markle was the post of refuge to which the settlers fled for succor and safety." Gaspard Markle was the ancestor of the Markle family long identified with the financial and political affairs of Western Pennsylvania. His house stood on the Big Sewickley creek in South Huntingdon township, about two miles from (now) West Newton. The present owner is George W. Markle. Markie's Mills were among the oldest in Western Pennsylvania, built as early as 1772. The forces of Col. Lochry in his expedition of 1781 to join Clark, made this place an objective point, and the last letter of Lochry to President Reed is dated from Miracle's [Markle's] Mill, Aug. 4th, 1781 (Arch. ix, 333)—properly called "Maracle's Mill" in the Journal of Lieut. Isaac Anderson (Arch. xiv, 685, 2nd Ser.). [President Reed is president of a local (State?) Council of Safety. M.H. ]

"Markle's," is spoken of late in the Revolution, and sometimes it is referred to as Markle's Station. It was a part of the Sewickley settlement, the people of which were to a great extent mutually dependent on each other. At times many families were gathered together here.

"Blockhouses" were places of safety erected throughout Pennsylvania. They were built stronger than ordinary homes of the times. They were necessary refuges from the frequent raids and attacks by native Indians before, during and after the Revolutionary War. M.H.

The picture and article above ▲looks as if it was lifted from a magazine or newspaper account concerning the blockhouse. I would dispute that the blockhouse was built in 1771 as Gaspard did not purchase his Big Sewickley Creek property until 1775. The mill was on the property by 1772, and then owned by Gideon Miller.

◄The book mentioned in the column on the right is online and can be found at the address below. It is a wonderful book that has two large volumes containing much authentic Pennsylvania history. You can find most information about persons, places or events by looking them up in the index and then the table of contents.