The Markham family of Troy are of the second generation of the family in the United States. They descend on one side from Irish ancestors who came into Ireland from England; on the other, from English ancestors direct.
(I) Daniel Markham was born in Cork, Ireland, where he learned the mason's trade. He emigrated to the United States, and settled in Troy, New York, where he followed his trade all his life. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church, and voted with the Democratic party. He married (first) in Ireland, and had sons, James, William, Daniel and others. He married (second) Catherine Donahue, born and died in Troy. Children of second wife:
- Jane, married William Harty of Troy, died in Detroit;
- Elizabeth, a resident of Troy;
- John Henry (see forward);
- Cornelius, ex-chief of police, Troy, New York;
- Nellie, married ———— Flagg, of Troy.
(II) John Henry, son of Daniel and Catherine (Donahue) Markham, was born in Troy, New York, June 2, 1840, died there November 13, 1895. He was educated in the Troy public schools and was then apprenticed and learned the trade of molder. At the age of twenty he entered the Burden Iron Works, where he worked at his trade for many years. He was an expert molder and was highly regarded by his employers and fellow workmen. He was very popular, and was often pressed to accept political preferment from his party, but persistently declined. He was a loyal Democrat, but had no desire for office. In his later years he left the iron works and engaged in business in Troy, where he bought property. He was an unusually capable and successful business man. He was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic church. He married, at St. Mary's church, Troy, in 1875, Annie Laura Newman, born in Troy, New York, in 1852, daughter of James Newman (2d) and granddaughter of James Newman (1st) of England. Children:
- James, born 1877, died 1881.
- Catherine, born 1879, died 1881.
- Agnes, resident of Troy.
- Albert.
- Nellie, deceased.
- John H., (2d), deceased.
- Anna, resident of Troy; a teacher in the schools.
- Walter, born 1890.
- Francis, born 1892.
The children were all educated in the Troy schools.
James Newman (1) lived and died in England. He had a son James, born 1826, died 1886, and daughters Mary and Anna. James Newman (2) came to the United States when quite a young man, and settled in Troy, where he entered the Jones Bell Foundry. He remained there all his active life. He became thoroughly informed on the manufacture of bells and was highly regarded in the trade. He superintended the hanging of the great bells made in the foundry after they had arrived at their distant destinations. He became well known all over the United States, among those who had any business relations with the Jones Bell Company. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. He married Margaret McCarthy, born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1831, died in Troy, January, 1906. Children:
- Anna Laura; married John Henry Markham;
- James, deceased;
- Charles (1), deceased;
- Charles (2), deceased;
- William, deceased.