Abraham “Captain” Markoe (1727–1806)

Great-great-grandfather of Fr. John Markoe, SJ 

A Danish-born planter from the Caribbean Island of St. Croix, Abraham Markoe arrived in Philadelphia in 1770. He is the son of Peter Markoe. The fourth of ten children, Markoe quickly aligned himself with the American cause, becoming a key sympathizer of the Revolution. In 1774, he founded and served as the first captain of the Philadelphia Light Horse, an elite volunteer cavalry unit composed of prominent Philadelphians. This unit is still active today and is now known as the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, the oldest continuously serving mounted military unit in the U.S. Markoe’s leadership and patriotism made him a quiet force. He died in 1806, leaving a legacy of service and revolutionary spirit. 

For further information see Markoe Papers, B12, F7