Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Folkers, Johnson 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com November 10, 2007, 11:54 am

Author: Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County

JOHNSON FOLKERS is a prominent German-American citizen of Frankfort Station, 
who keeps abreast with the progress of the times, and has endeavored at all 
times to advance the interests of his adopted country. Ever since he was a 
boy, and from an early day in the history of this county, he has made his home 
here. His life of industry and his record for integrity in all relations of 
life have given him a standing in his community which might well be a source 
of gratification to any citizen. At one time he had many important business 
interests in his home town, but for some years past he has been practically 
retired from business cares, transferring his interests to his sons, in whose 
hands they have received careful attention. Mr. Folkers was born in 
Ostfriesland, Hanover, Germany, June 11, 1836, a son of Frank Theilen Folkers 
and Ariane (Gummels) Folkers. His father was a large merchant in his native 
place, Neustadt Goedens, Germain, but after coming to America, in 1852, he 
turned his attention to farm pursuits. He died in Frankfort Station, Will 
County, March 14, 1893, when ninety-seven years of age. He wife had died in 
Germany in 1843, leaving five children, viz-: Rica, who lives at Frankfort 
Station; Angelina, widow of Philip Klaman; Peter, of West Superior, Wis.; 
Johnson; and Annie, wife of George Stauffenberg, of Manhattan Township. The 
grandparents of our subject on his father's side were Didde Jansen Hinzaga and 
Anna Muttera Folkers, the former a miller by occupation, and known and honored 
as a good citizen and an honest man. In religious faith the family were 
members of the Lutheran Church. In 1849 Johnson Folkers came to America with 
his uncle, Diederich Brumund, and settled on a farm where Mokena now stands, 
near Hickory Creek, Frankfort Township. For a few years he made his home with 
his uncle. Later he settled in what is now Greengarden Township. When he was 
fifteen he began to work out by the month, and continued as a farm hand until 
he was twenty-five. During the construction of the Rock Island Railroad he was 
employed as a teamster near Mokena. In 1853 he worked on the Michigan Central 
Railroad near Joliet. In 1863 he bought a piece of land adjoining Frankfort 
Station. Settling here, he embarked in the meat business, which he carried on 
until 1889, being the first to open a meat market in the town. Some years 
later he bought out the livery, and this he carried on in addition to his 
market. Later he bought the Doty hotel. These three lines of business he 
conducted successfully until 1889, when he turned them over to his three sons, 
Frank, William and Peter. While he never cared for office nor desired to be 
active in politics, Mr. Folkers takes an interest in public affairs and is a 
firm Republican. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Twentieth Illinois 
Infantry, and served in the same until 1862, when he was discharged on account 
of disability. With his regiment he was engaged principally in service on the 
frontier. He fought in the battle of Frederickstown with the western division 
of the army under Colonel Marsh. As a soldier he was prompt, reliable and 
faithful. On his return home from the front he married Sophia, daughter of 
John Eberhard, their wedding occurring February 23, 1862. Besides their three 
sons, they have reared two adopted daughters, Hattie and Mabel, bestowing on 
them the most careful attention and giving them excellent educational 
advantages. 

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical 
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900

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