Bohous Frantisek Folk (1879-1955) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree

Bohous Frantisek (Theodore) Folk

Born 30 Apr 1879 in Pribram, Bohemia

Ancestors

Brother of Frantisek Tomas Folk, Vaclav Karel Folk, Josef Jan Folk, Marie Votecha Folk, Marie Rozalia Folk, Marie Irene (Folk) Belohlavy, Josefa Rozalia (Folk) Palecek and Ruzena Helena Folk

Husband of Anna (Ruzek) Folk — married 28 Jul 1900 in Burton, Noble, Oklahoma, USA

Descendants

Father of Lewis Eugene Folk, Helen Anna Folk, Theodore R Folk, Thelma (Folk) Gross, Irene (Folk) Lake, Charles Folk, Mildred (Folk) Wright, Ethel Edith (Folk) Patterson and Leonard Scott Folk

Died 7 Sep 1955 at age 76 in Mullen, Hooker, NE

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Steve Lake

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Profile last modified 7 Mar 2024 | Created 17 Feb 2016

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Biography

Theodore Folk has Czech ancestry.
Join: Czech Roots Project
Discuss: CZECH_ROOTS

Theodore Folk served with the United States Army during the Spanish-American War.
Service Started: unknown
Unit(s): 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry
Service Ended: September 15, 1898

This profile is part of the Burton, Noble, Indian Territory One Place Study.

{{One Place Study|place=Burton, Noble, Indian Territory|category=Burton, Noble, Indian Territory One Place Study}}

WikiTree Profiles that link here

BOHOUS FRANTISEK, or Theodore Franklin, was born Oct. 26, 1871 at Chotina, Bohemia (Later Czechoslovakia) to Josef (Joseph) Folk, born at Chotina February 6, 1834 and his wife and cousin Marie Hanzlicek who was born at the nearby Village of Robsic, in the year 1843. Joseph and Marie took their family to America on a ship named, coincidentally, "AMERICA" and they departed from Europe on 10 October 1883 destined for Baltimore, Maryland.^[1] From Baltimore they went to Wilson in Ellsworth county, Kansas and established a home a few miles southwest of Wilson, on a farm.^[2] It was there that brother Vaclav Karel passed away and is buried in a small cemetery situated nearby. Not long thereafter, either in 1889 or 1890 the Folk family moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. While in Oklahoma City the youngest daughter Rose passed away and is buried there.^[3]

By Irene Folk Lake and Billy Ann Wright Case.
Theodore Folk was born April 30, 1879 in Czechoslovakia. His parents brought him to America when he was three years old. He grew up in the Kansas county of Ellsworth, near Wilson.^[4] - Oklahoma area.^[5] He served his country in the Spanish-American War as one of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, which was the 1st Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. He was in Troop K, which was shipped from Tampa, Florida, without 25% of their men and most of their horses, to Cuba.
Anna Ruzek was born May 3, 1883 in Czechoslovakia. She came with her parents to America in 1892. They lived in Kansas for a time and then took part in the "Oklahoma Run" on September 16, 1893. They built a home on the land known as the Cherokee Strip.
Theodore and Anna were married July 29, 1900.^[6] They had a general store in Burton, Oklahoma. A fire destroyed the home and store. They moved to Tabor, South Dakota and operated a hotel there.^[7] That part of Nebraska, which later became known as the Sandhills, was called "Open Country, and could be used by anyone. In the early 1900’s the 6th district congressman from Nebraska was Moses P. Kinkaid. He introduced a bill in Congress to allow any U.S. citizen to file homestead papers on 640 acres of land instead of the 160 acres formerly allowed.
Theodore and Anna Folk had a dream of owning their own land. When this opportunity was available, Theodore and two bachelor friends, Tom and Frank Tomshak, decided to take advantage of it. They loaded their belongings in wagons and drove from Tabor to Valentine, the county seat of Cherry County, in the fall of 1906. They stopped to file on their homesteads and buy tin to roof a sod house, some windows and other supplies. They arrived on the homestead with exactly 37 cents to their name.
Busy times were ahead, putting down a well for water, building a sod house and preparing for the winter. By now, there were three children, ages 5, 4 and 2, with another on the way. Determination, courage and ingenuity were required. Theodore developed skills as a carpenter. A second, larger sod house was built the following year. A year later, the family moved to a new modest frame house. Building skills were needed among the new settlers. Theodore built many homes and barns in the area.
The nearest post office was 5 miles away at Hire, Nebraska. Sixteen miles south was a thriving little town of Hecla on the Burlington Railroad with a general store. Twenty-seven miles southeast was the town of Mullen, bustling and prosperous.^[8] The Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward catalogs were an important part of life. Anything needed could be ordered. Seed catalogs, also, were of great value. Entertainment was provided by community gatherings, picnics, ball games, box socials and dances. Their heating fuel was cow chips, which provided some heat but many ashes.
Theodore was interested in providing an education for his children and led out in organizing local schools. The children often went to school from 1-1/2 to 5 miles from home. In 1922 they moved to Mullen, Nebraska to finish high school education for the children. Seven of the nine children are graduates of Mullen High School.^[9] The so-called “Kinkaids” were rapidly being sold, mostly to people with more land. Many moved away, neglected to pay taxes and forfeited their land to tax foreclosure. The “Kinkaiders” had left their mark and deserve admiration for accomplishing what they did under adverse conditions.
The Folk family lived in Mullen the remainder of their lives and became active there.^[10] The homestead was operated by various renters including the oldest son, Lewis, and daughter Thelma and Jack Gross. Phipps Cattle Company bought the land in the early 1950’s.
Theodore died on September 5, 1955 and is buried in Cedarview Cemetery in Mullen.^[11] Anna lived until June 25, 1966 and is buried beside her husband.
Survivors were the nine children, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law and 30 grandchildren.

"Burton was at one time a country store and post office, then in Indian Territory, before Oklahoma obtained statehood. It was operated for a period of time by Theodore and Anna Folk, prior to their moving to Nebraska where they homesteaded and raised a family of nine children. ANNA (RUZEK) FOLK was born May 7, 1883 and died June 25, 1966 at Mullen, where both she and Theodore F. Folk were buried in the Cedar View Cemetery. Their children - Lewis, Helen, Theodore, Thelma, Irene, Charles, Mildred, Ethel and Leonard."^[12]

Sources

↑ FamilySearch.org, [1], Baltimore Passenger Lists.
↑ FamilySearch.org, [2], 1885 Kansas State Census.
↑ WikiTree.com, [3], The Folk Family Narrative by Harry Palecek.
↑ Ancestry.com, [4], 1885 Kansas state Census
↑ FamilySearch.org, [5], 1900 US Census.
↑ FamilySearch.org, [6], Oklahoma Marriages.
↑ FamilySearch.org, [7], 1905 South Dakota state Census.
↑ FamilySearch.org, [8], 1920 US Census.
↑ FamilySearch.org, [9], 1930 US Census.
↑ FamilySearch.org, [10], 1940 US Census.
↑ FamilySearch.org, [11], Burial Index.
↑ WikiTree.com, [12], The Folk Family Narrative by Harry Palecek.

"The Folk Family Narrative by Harry Palecek 1961"

(https://www.wikitree.com/photo/jpg/Folk-152 : written 1961) Complied by Harry Palecek of Enid, Oklahoma, son of Josephine Folk and Vincent Palecek. Folk family records and research of records made in 1961 at Plzen, Chotina and Pribram, Czechoslovakia.

The_Folk Family Narrative by Harry Palecek

Bohnslan Falk, "Maryland, Baltimore Passenger Lists Index, 1820-1897"

Indexed Information:
JJ-142-8-431
Family Name: FALK
Given Name: BOHNSLAN
Accompanied by: OVER
Age: 4
Gender: Male
Occupation: Farmer
Nationality: Austria
Last permanent residence: -
Destination: Baltimore
Port of Entry: Baltimore, Maryland
Name of Vessel: America
Date: 10 October 1883
"Maryland, Baltimore Passenger Lists Index, 1820-1897," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-37271-34388-48?cc=2173933 : 17 June 2014), NARA M327, Roll 35, No. F420-F466, 1820-1897 > image 199 of 4845; citing NARA microfilm...

Ancestry.com. Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925

http://www.ancestry.com/inst/discoveries/PfRecord?emailId=N-f0fc7c77-c7f5-40fd-a938-140f504d5b5d&collectionId=1088&recordId=232225&ahsht=2016-08-09T17:20:56&language=en-US&ahsh=d6724adb94ceb77fbc5e188b2f3da295 Kansas State Historical Society; Topeka, Kansas; 1885 Kansas Territory Census; Roll: KS1885_45; Line: 28

Bohuslav Folk in the Kansas State Census, 1885

Transcribed Information
Household - - Age - Gender - Race - Marital Status - Occupation
Joseph Folk - 51 - Male - White - Married - Farmer
Mary Folk - 42 - Female - White - Maried
Vaclav Folk - 21 - Male - White - Single - Farmer
Joseph Folk - 19 - Male - White - Single - Painter
Mary Folk - 14 - Female - White - Single
Josephine Folk - 11 - Female - White - Single
Bohuslav Folk - 6 - Male - White - Single
Rosa Folk - 4 - Female - White - Single
This record has not yet been indexed. View the original document.
Citation
"Kansas State Census, 1885," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-909-57712-73922-70?cc=1825188 : accessed 19 May 2018), Ellsworth > Wilson Township > image 1 of 47; citing Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka.

Theodore Folk, "United States Census, 1900"

"United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MMGK-D5K : 22 January 2015), Theodore Folk, Glen Rose & Red Rock Townships, Noble, Oklahoma Territory, United States; citing sheet 9B, family 62, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,241,340.

Therdore Falk, "Oklahoma Marriages, 1870-1930"

"Oklahoma Marriages, 1870-1930," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V28X-WF9 : 6 December 2014), Therdore Falk and Anna Ruzek, 28 Jul 1900; citing , Noble, Oklahoma; FHL microfilm 1,292,982.

Theodor Folk, "South Dakota, State Census, 1905"

"South Dakota State Census, 1905," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MM4P-ZX3 : 16 November 2014), Theodor Folk, South Dakota, United States; citing State Historical Society, Pierre; FHL microfilm 2,281,520.

Theodore Folk, "United States Census, 1920"

"United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MCVX-47Z : 14 December 2015), Theodore Folk, Calf Creek, Cherry, Nebraska, United States; citing sheet 1A, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,820,981.

Theodore Folk, "United States Census, 1930"

"United States Census, 1930", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XQK5-MJ2 : 8 December 2015), Theodore Folk, 1930.

Theodore Folk, "United States Census, 1940"

"United States Census, 1940," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K9MQ-F7Z : 17 May 2014), Theodore Folk, Mullen, Mullen Election Precinct, Hooker, Nebraska, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 46-2, sheet 1A, family 4, NARA digital publication T627 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012), roll 2250.

Theodore F. Folk, "Find A Grave Index"

"Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/QVLJ-5344 : 13 December 2015), Theodore F. Folk, 1955; Burial, Mullen, Hooker, Nebraska, United States of America, Cedarview Cemetery; citing record ID 94074121, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

Memories: 2

Enter a personal reminiscence or story.

Steve Lake

Theodore's grandson, Ken Lake remembers a few things about his grandfather:

Theodore Franklin Folk, at the age of five with his parents immigrated to this country, and participated in the Oklahoma Stampede [Cherokee Strip land run]. He obtained a fifth grade education, but never stopped learning, even able to go on to teach school for a number of years. did a tour of duty with Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders, was with the assignment that went to Cuba. The family left Oklahoma and homesteaded about 30 miles north of Mullen on Calf Creek, in Cherry county, Nebraska. They eventually moved into Mullen so the children could go to High School. Theodore became owner-operator of the Elevator that handled livestock feed, ranch supplies, lumber and machinery. He obtained the propane dealership to supply and provide services for that commodity, even obtaining a large 18-wheel propane truck to haul propane and butane out of northern Wyoming, when it became available after World War II. For Christmas, 1950, his children gave him the latest new set of Encyclopedia Britanica, his first two sets were well worn. A volume of the new set was always open on the dining room table and he would spend an hour or so each evening reading. Careers: Short term school teacher, Ranching homesteader, Entrepreneurial businessman. On moving into town, he joined the Masonic Lodge, probably for business reasons.

posted 7 Mar 2018 by Steve Lake [thank Steve]

Steve Lake

Theodore's grandson, Gary Folk, wrote a few stories:

The old Folk homestead is on Phipps land now, but still has remains. There are concrete footings for the house and out buildings. All in disrepair. There is a red brick water storage tank about 25% stove-in. The old root cellar is entirely filled with sand up to the door frame. We dug around and I got some fragments of plates with patterns , tin ware fragments. An old horse drawn plow buried in sand. You could still see the area where they plowed 100 years ago. East of the old, Folk homestead you can still see the stage coach ruts from the Kansas - Black Hills stage. Local cowboy lore claims that there are still barrels of whisky buried at every stage station or corral. That's how they kept those Irish hostlers in the wilderness. Straight north of Whitman at the Phipps turn off is an old barn in good shape. Theodore had built the barn and sold it to that rancher and moved it there from the old homestead.

After they moved to town, Theodore owned half interest in a small flour mill in Mullen. The little building is still there, by the old side track area. Every night after work Theodore would stop by the Dell, or pool hall, and have two beers and go home. The Dell had gambling tables and a bar and food delivery back then. The red brick house in Mullen was built by Theodore and Anna. At the Theodore Folks' house every evening after supper there was a family discussion. Each person would tell in turn about their day and discourse. Theodore was brainy. I guess he didn't like Theodore Roosevelt. I'm not sure why? Grandpa would change sides in an argument just to keep it going. I remember sitting on his lap as a kid and he was really kindly and nice. I Remember that huge pecan table. That seated about everyone. Food in huge piles. Aunts, Uncle's, Grandparents.

[Gary mentioned that Theodore was "brainy." My Dad remembers that he had a set of Encyclopedia Britanica and spent a lot of time reading them, even read them through, start to finish, several times. That was probably why Dad bought a set for us. I remember having to put college level articles into my own words for reports in grade school. I'd pick the subject based on how few big words I'd have to look up in the accompanying Funk & Wagnall dictionary. SEL]

posted 16 Aug 2016 by Steve Lake [thank Steve]

Is Theodore your relative? Please don't go away!