John J. Folkhard Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1305-1306 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. II (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	JOHN J. FOLKHARD was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, May 14, 
1855, but when quite a young man removed with his parents to Tiffin, 
Ohio, where he spent his early life and received his education. At the 
age of fourteen he started out for himself, going to Indianapolis, 
Indiana, and for about one year thereafter he worked for a street 
railway company in that city. In 1870 he enlisted in the Seventh United 
States Cavalry and went to Kansas, from which state his command was 
afterwards sent south to break up illicit distilling in various parts of 
Kentucky, remaining in that section until the spring of 1873, when the 
regiment was ordered to Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Mr. Folkhard was 
detailed as mounted messenger at department headquarters in the city of 
St. Paul, and served under General Terry as such until the expiration of 
his period of enlistment in 1875, when he was honorably discharged at 
that place. On leaving the army he entered an engineer's office in St. 
Paul, but after spending one summer in that capacity went to Bismarck, 
Dakota, where he joined the force under General Miles for service 
against the Nez Perces Indians in Montana. Going to Fort Lincoln, he 
enlisted in Troop A, Seventh Cavalry, but being too late to take part in 
the campaign he was detailed for duty at that post and there remained 
until his command was sent to Fort Meade in the summer of 1879. Mr. 
Folkhard finished his period of service at the latter place in August, 
1882, and after his discharge took up a ranch on Alkali creek and turned 
his attention to agriculture. He made a number of substantial 
improvements on his land, reduced the greater part of it to cultivation 
and in 1885 set out the fine, large orchard which is now bearing and 
from which he realized every year profitable returns. After devoting 
several years exclusively to farming he began raising live stock, and 
since engaging in this industry has prosecuted the business with success 
and financial profit, being at this time one of the leading cattle men 
in his part of the county. 

	Mr. Folkhard's ranch lies about five miles southeast of Sturgis 
and for advantage of situation, fertility of soil and beauty of scenery 
it surpasses any like area of land in this section of the state. He has 
beautified a part of the place by planting trees and otherwise adding to 
its attractions, and for several years past it has been a favorite 
resort for tourists and pleasure seekers, scarcely a summer month 
passing in which there are not a number of picnics held on his grounds. 
In addition to the beautiful groves and orchards, which yield grateful 
shade, there are many cool springs on the place, besides other 
attractive features which cause it to be eagerly sought during the warm 
seasons by those requiring rest and healthful recreation. Mr. Folkhard 
deserves great credit for furnishing the public such a pleasant and 
attractive resort, and the people who enjoy its restfulness have not 
been slow in recognizing his generous spirit and appreciating his open-
hearted hospitality. He is deservedly popular in his community, has many 
warm personal friends and stands very high in the esteem of all with 
whom he comes in contact. He has mingled much with the world and by 
coming in close touch with all classes and conditions of people his mind 
has been broadened, his views of men and things have become enlarged and 
he stands today among the energetic, public-spirited citizens of his 
adopted county and state.