FOLK, THEODORE AND ANNA (RUZEK)
Theodore Folk was born April 30, 1879 in Czechoalocakia. His parents brought him to America when he was three years old. He grew up in the Kansas-Oklahoma area. He served his country in the Spanish-American War as one of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders. Anna Ruzek was born May 3, 1883 in Czechoslovakia. Her parents emigrated to America in 1892. They lived in Kansas for a time and then took part in the “Oklahoma Run'' on September 16, 1892. They built a home on the land known ad the Cherokee Strip. Theodore and Anna were married July 29, 1900. they had a general store in Burton, Oklahoma. A fire destroyed the home and store which left them homeless. They moved to Tabor, South Dakota and operated a hotel there.
That part of Nebraska, which later became known as the Sandhills, was called “Open Country'' and could be sued 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 in this area instead of the 160 acres.
Theodore and Anna Folk had a dream of owning their own land. When this opportuni-ty 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, Nebraska, the county seat of Cherry County, 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 devel-oped skills as a carpenter. A second larger sod house was built the following year and a year later, the family moved to a new modest frame house. Theodore built many homes and barns in the area. Neighbors gathered to build a house for Joe Herncall's near Hecla, putting theodore in charge. The nearest postoffice was 5 miles away at Hire, Nebras-ka. 16 miles south was a thriving little town of Hecla on the Burlington Railroad with a general store. 27 miles southeast was the town of Mullen, bustling and prosperous. The Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward ca-talogues were an important part of life, anything needed could be ordered. Seed catalogues, also were of great value. Enter-tainment was provided by community gath-erings, picnics, ball games, box socials and dances. The fuel was cow chips, which provided some heat and 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 1923 they moved to Mullen to furnish high school education for the children. Seven of the nine children are graduates of Mullen High School.
The so-called kinkaids were rapidly being sold, mostly to people with more land. Many moved away, neglecting 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 home-stead was operated by various renters includ-ing the eldest son, Lewis and daughter Thelma and husband, Jack Gross. Phipps Cattle Co. bought the land in the early 50's.
Anna managed the home, encouraged the children, helped with the grandchildren and faithfully encouraged her husband. They were members of the Methodist Church, the Eastern Star, and masonic Lodge. Theodore served on the Mullen High School board. They bought the Jim Burr house and remod-eled it. (The house is now owned by Bob Mandeville). They lived the remainder of their lives here.
Theodore bought the Farmer's Co-opera-tive Elevator and it continues to date, as Farmer's Elevator Co. Son Lewis, took over the business after Theodore's death, after Lewis died the grandsons Lewis Don, and Jim folk are continuing the business. In the late 30's, while on a trip to Oklahoma, Theodore learned of Hydro-gas and how it could be supplied in underground tanks. He decided to bring this service to this area, bringing modern conveniences to ranch homes and to town as well.
Theodore died September 5, 1955 and is buried in Cedarview Cemetery. Anna lived until June 25, 1966 and is buried beside her husband. Survivers were 9 children, sons-in law and daughters-in-law and 30 grandchild-ren.
Sons: Lewis-wife Velma Keller, died 1934 – wife Inez Carpenter, Mullen Lewis deceased July 28, 1972. Ted-wife Bernice Miller, Sun City, Ari-zona. Ted deceased January 9, '73. Charles-wife Pauline Wright, died 1972 -wife Opal Garner, Cody, Nebraska. Leonard-wife Jessie Gentry, died 1953 -wife Susan Scott, Sumter, S. Car.
Daughters: Helen-husband Robert Mills, died Nov. 19, '79 Gresham, Or. Thelma-husband William Gross, Wilder, Idaho Irene-husband Eugene Lake, Hebron, Nebraska Mildred-husband B.B. Wright, Lincoln, Nebraska Ethel-husband G.L. Patterson, Palo Ce-dro, California
Theodore and Anna's confidence in the Sandhills and it's success never wavered.