George D. Folkman, engaged in the milling business in Ogden, his native city, was born April 22, 1860, of the marriage of Christopher Olson and Elea Macella (Funk) Folkman, both of whom were born at Aarnaga, on the island of Bornholm, Denmark. In the spring of 1857 they were married in Liverpool, England, and at once boarded a vessel which brought them to the United States. They started immediately across the country and traveled from Missouri with ox teams, following the "handcart" company which had just crossed the plains. The father was a blacksmith by trade. He became one of the pioneer settlers of Plain City and afterward worked at the forge to the time of his death in Plain City or in Ogden. He spent some time in the latter city in the employ of Bishop Chauncey W. West. His son, George D. Folkman, now has in his possession a diploma which was given his father for building the best plow in 1858. This he made out of government wagon tires and used the native timber for beams and handles. The entire work on the plow was done by hand. Mr. Folkman also made his own horseshoe nails out of Norway iron. He possessed marked skill and ingenuity in working in wood and iron and his labors were of great value to the district in which he lived. He had served a seven years' apprenticeship to the trade in early life and his long experience constantly added to his skill. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and went on three missions. In 1865 he was sent to Denmark, Sweden and Norway and while there could see the midnight sun. He remained in the Scandinavian countries for three and a half years, after which he returned to the United States. Again, from 1896 until 1898, he was on a mission in Sweden, after which he once more took up his abode in Utah and then in 1897 was sent for the third time abroad, spending two years in missionary labors in Denmark. When he once more came to America he resumed work at his trade and followed that pursuit until his death, which occurred November 14, 1915.

George D. Folkman obtained his education in the schools of Plain City and of Ogden and in 1877 made his way to the Nevada mines, where he worked for more than two years. He afterward returned to his home and later took up carpenter work, in which he engaged for about fifteen years. Later he concentrated his efforts and attention upon farming and was active in the work of tilling the soil until 1905, when he removed to Ogden, where he became custodian of the county courthouse, a position which he occupied for twelve years. He was afterward connected with the police department and in 1917 he became a representative of the Ogden Milling & Elevator Company, now the Holly Milling Company. Through the intervening period he has been identified with the milling business.

On the 3d of July, 1884, Mr. Folkman was married to Miss Mary Ann Dinah Palmer, a daughter of Edward J. and Caroline Eliza (Barker) Palmer. Mr. and Mrs. Folkman have ten children, seven sons and three daughters, and one of the sons, Earl Wallace, was sent on a mission to the southern states covering two years.

Mr. Folkman has been active in public affairs, serving as a member of the school board of Plain City and also as justice of the peace, while on the 11th of January, 1915, he became a member of the state legislature of Utah, serving in the eleventh general assembly. His life has been one of activity and usefulness, prompted by devotion to duty in every relation, and his genuine worth is attested by all with whom he has come in contact. He has always resided in Utah and for more than a half century has been an interested witness of the growth and progress of the state.
Utah Since Statehood: Historical and Biographical. Volume III.