Folkerth, L D

Posted By: Wally Garchow
Date: 28 October 2004

transcribed from Frazer Wilson's History of Darke County, 1914, v. 2, pp 342-344

L. D. FOLKERTH.

Among those leading and representative farmers of Darke county, whose labors have contributed to the material advancement and general welfare of the community is L. D. Folkerth, now living a retired life at Greenville, where his pleasant home is located on Switzer street. His life has been a busy and useful one and furnishes an example of honorable dealing, steadfast purpose, fidelity to principle and invincible moral courage that is well worthy of emulation. He has rendered his fellow-citizens signal service in offices of responsibility and trust, and at this time is acting efficiently in the capacity of treasurer of Greenville township. Mr. Folkerth was born April 2, 1842, in this township and is a son of Jesse and Anna (Curtis) Folkerth.

Jesse Folkerth was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, whence he came to Darke county in 1808 and located in Greenville township, entering land from the United States government. His first operations were in the line of general farming, but gradually he became interested in stock raising, and in this connection became widely known in this section of the county. He and his wife were the parents of five children: William; Maria, who married Mr. Swank; L. D.; George, who is deceased, and Christ.

L. D. Folkerth attended the country schools and secured the greater part of his education in Van Buren township, although his school days ceased when he was fifteen years of age, when he commenced working by the month. He gradually obtained property of his own, and for forty years resided on the Studebaker farm in Greenville township. At the time of his retirement from agricultural pursuits, Mr. Folkerth came to Greenville and now resides on Switzer street, where he has a commodious and comfortable home, fitted with the most modern conveniences. At the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Folkerth, with other youths of his locality, offered his services to the Union cause, and being accepted was made a member of Company G, Forty-fourth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry. His was a commendable service, his bravery and cheerfulness under all conditions winning him the respect of his comrades, and his faithfulness to duty gaining him the esteem of his officers. Mr. Folkerth is still interested in the stock business,
and makes a hobby of handling horses, of which he is an excellent judge. In politics a Democrat, he has been an active worker in the ranks of his party, and is now serving his third term as trustee of Greenville township. His administration of the affairs of this position has always been safe, yet progressive, and while connected with the township government has been able to do much to advance his community's interests. Mr. Folkerth is a member of the Christian church, to the movements of which he has been a liberal contributor.

In 1862 Mr. Folkerth was united in marriage with Miss Rachel Cox, of Greenville township, and to this union there has been born four children: William, who is married and has two children; Jesse, who is the father of six children; Thomas, who has one child; and Charles D., a farmer and stockraiser of Greenville township, who is married and has three children. Mr. Folkerth's second marriage was to Miss Fannie Purdy, and they have had three children: George, who has one child; Ora, who has two children; and Harry, who is deceased.

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