>From untitled, undated newspaper clipping: Garrelt Folkers Called by Death - Benson's Oldest Citizen Passes Away, Friday, Aged Nearly Ninety Years - Resides in County Many Years - Funeral Services Held Sunday at St Peter's Where Mr Folkers Helped Build First Church Last Friday morning saw the passing of Benson's oldest citizen, Garrelt Weert Folkers, who lacked but a few days of attaining the grand age of 90 years. His death came in the twinkling of an eye. Seated in a chair at his daughter's restaurant, he had just replied to the daughter's inquiry and stated that he was ready for his meal. The daughter placed the meal up on the table; when she went back to her father, he had passed on into eternity, where meals are unknown. Funeral services for Benson's patriarch were held on Sunday afternoon at St Peter's church, he having been one of the early settlers who helped build the first church for this congregation. Rev. J. Haferman conducted services in German and Rev. Fred Seifert in English. Burial took place at the church cemetery. The great gathering at the funeral was mute testimony of the place Mr Folkers held in the hearts of the people of his community. Those acting as pallbearers were Louis Sakes, John Folkers, H.A. Seifert, Adolph Heineke, Oscar Stimpert and John Heineke. Garrelt Weert Folkers was born at Remels, Ostfriesland, Germany on March 2, 1834 and died at Benson, Ill. on Feb. 22, 1924, aged 89 years, 11 months and 21 days. At the age of 20 years he came to America and was employed for several years at Washington, Ill. He then came to Woodford county, locating in Linn township, where he was united in marriage with Hannah [Amy's note: her name was Harmke] Tjaden. Some years later they moved to Clayton township. When old age came, they went to Benson to spend the evening of their lives, where the wife passed away fifteen years ago. Since then he had made his home with his daughter, Mrs Ellich Woltzen. Mr Folkers was the father of ten children, four preceding him in death. Those surviving are Hillie, of Kankakee; Weert, of Charles City, Iowa, and George, Mrs Lizzie Stimpert, Mrs Tallie Woltzen and Mrs Minnie Geiken, all of Benson. There also survive one brother, John Folkers of Benson, thirty grandchildren and thirty-eight great grandchildren. (Thanks, Linda!) Amy atjaden@mindspring.com