Courtesy of the California State Library
Mary Markham
1891–1895
Significant Facts
Born: July 4, 1853 in Wyoming, Illinois
Died: May 31, 1934
Married: Henry Markham on May 17, 1876 in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Maiden Name: Dana
Family
Father: Giles C. Dana
Mother: Martha Porter
Husband: Henry Markham
Children: Marie, Alice, Gertrude, Genevieve and Hildreth
Find out more about the time period and interests of Mary Markham
Biography
Although born in Illinois, Mary Dana spent her childhood in Wisconsin. However, she returned to Illinois for her formal education and attended Rockford Seminary (Now Rockford College). Mary and Henry Markham were married on May 17, 1876 in Waukesha, Wisconsin and went on to have five daughters. It was generally believed in the later half of the 19th century that California’s Mediterranean climate was beneficial to those suffering from various long term health issues. Henry, often in ill health, made the decision with his family to move to Pasadena, California in 1879. While living in Pasadena, Mary became involved in the Congregational Church (now known as the Neighborhood Church). She tirelessly devoted herself to the Church and its causes. Henry was elected Governor in 1891 and the family moved to Sacramento. Tragically, six months after relocating to the Capitol, the Markham’s daughter Genevieve contracted typhoid fever and died. After Genevieve’s death, Mary and her four daughters moved back to Pasadena where they lived for the rest of Henry’s term in office. Mary Markham died on May 31, 1934. She is buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Altadena, California.
Bibliography
Books and Articles
- Cook and LaDue, The First Ladies of California, Xlibris Corporation, 2007
