Folkerts, Henry, 1873-1927

FOLKERTS, FOLKERT, FALKERT

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

From the Rock Valley Bee, October 7, 1927:

Former Resident Takes Own Life

The report was received in Rock Valley Wednesday morning that Henry Folkerts was dead. Mr. Folkerts did his chores as usual around the farm and when dinner time came some of the family went to call him, but could not find him. Later in the afternoon his body was found in the pasture where he had taken his own life.

No reason for the deed is given, other than that he had been worrying the past few weeks over farm deals. Mr. Folkerts leaves his wife and four children, and three step children. He lived on a farm just north of Rock Valley for three years. Last spring he moved onto a large farm four miles west and three miles south of Inwood. He was a good farmer and business man, and a man who was well thought of by neighbors and friends. He was about fifty-four years old.

Funeral service will be held Friday at the Christian Reformed Church at Inwood.

* * * * * * * * * *

From the Rock Rapids Reporter, October 6, 1927:

Inwood Farmer Found Hanging to Tree; Ill Health Probable Cause

Henry Folkert, wealthy farmer who had made his home near Inwood for more than 20 years, committed suicide Tuesday. He had written a brief note to his wife, telling her what disposition he wished to make of his property, and then hanged himself to a tree about a mile from the farm home. Folkert was 65 years of age.

According to reports received from Inwood, the body was found hanging several feet from the ground, indicating that the demented man had climbed the tree, fastened the noose around his neck, and then stepped or jumped off into the hereafter.

Brooding over ill health was given as the probable cause for the act, for Folkert had long been in poor physical condition. He was noted for an ungovernable temper, and on several occasions neighbors were called in to protect members of the family, whom he had threatened to kill.

Members of Folkert’s family became alarmed when he failed to appear for his noon day meal. Search was made and he was found hanging to a tree. In his pocket was his last message to his wife.

* * * * * * * * * *

The same or similar obituaries were published in a number of other area newspapers.

His death certificate has Henry Folkert or Falkert, born Jan. 15, 1873 in Holland; father Peter Falkerts, mother’s name not known to the informant, John Visser; resident of Lyon County 20 years; wife Lena Falkert; occupation, farmer; died at 11 a.m., October 4, 1927; cause, hanging – suicide – left letter stating it was premeditated; buried in Richland Cemetery, Inwood.

The Richland Cemetery headstone list shows Folkerts, Henry, 1874-1927.