A. H. Folckemer, well known justice of the peace of Belsano, is a member of one of the early pioneer families of Cambria County. He was born in Blacklick Township, Oct. 19, 1862, and is the son of Rudolph S. and Martha (Folckemer) Folckemer.

Rudolph S. Folckemer was born at Shrewsbury, York County, Pa. and in 1860 settled in Cambria County. He engaged in general farming and later learned the cooper's trade. During the Civil War Mr. Folckemer served as a member of Company E, 54th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and died in Danville prison in April, 1865. He is buried at Winterstown, York County, Pa. His widow, who was born in Indiana County, March 13, 1839, was later married to Hezekiah Rager, who died in July 1889. She resides at Vintondale. To Rudolph S. and Martha (Folckemer) Folckemer one child was born, A. H., the subject of this sketch. By her second marriage Mrs. Rager had six children: Barbara, lives with her mother; Daniel T., lives at Greensburg, Pa.; Benjamin Franklin, deceased; Richard H., a farmer, lives in Jackson Township near Vintondale; Martin S., a farmer, lives on the old homestead; and Rebecca, married D. S. Culbert, a farmer, lives in Blacklick Township.

A. H. Folckemer was reared and educated in Blacklick Township. After his father's death he inherited the home place of 58 acres, which he operated until 1916. He sold the land to Thomas Cramer and removed to Belsano, where he worked at his trade as a carpenter. He also served as register of Blacklick Township and secretary of road supervisors for 16 years. He was appointed justice of the peace in 1921 and elected for a period of six years in 1923.

In 1882 Mr. Folckemer was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Jane Miller, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Miller, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Folckemer 11 children were born as follows: Samuel Elmer, deceased; William A., married Julia B. Michaels, lives at Belsano, and they have six children, Alvira, Alberta, Alton, William, Robert and Paul; Martha Pearl, married S.W. Campbell, lives in Buffington Township, Indiana County, and they have two children, Harry and Minnie Pearl; Harvey J., married Bertha Freidline, lives in Blacklick Township, Cambria County; Harmon M., who mention is made below; Sarah Ellen, married Alex Roger, lives in Jackson Township, Cambria County; Joseph F., married Tessie Miller, lives in Blacklick Township, and they have two children, Russel and James; Meritt D., married Bertha Miller, lives at Belsano; Della J., married William R. Bracken, lives at Belsano; Harry P., married Martha Ludwig, lives at Belsano, and they have two children, Bertha and Alberta; and John Roy, lives at home.

Harmon M. Folckemer enlisted during the World War as a member of Company D, 358th Infantry. He was killed in action at Stenay, France, on the morning of Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1918 at seven o'clock. He is buried at Belsano. He was married to Miss Hazel March and they had one daughter, Ruth Victory.

Mr. Folckemer is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his family are held in high regard throughout the community and are excellent citizens.


Source: Gable, John E., "History of Cambria County Pennsylvania in Two Volumes Illustrated, Volume Two," Historical Publishing Company, Topeka - Indianapolis, 1926, p. 1180.