Biography of Samuel Shepherd FOLKER
[Ref. N.10]
| Ancestors |  |
Profile | |
Keepsakes | |
Index for FOLKER |
Biography of Samuel Shepherd FOLKER
[Ref. N.10]
| Ancestors | |
Profile | |
Keepsakes | |
Index for FOLKER |
According to the pedigree produced by The Royal College of Arms, Samuel Shepherd Folker was
born on 30 September 1789, the only child of Samuel and Susannah Folker.
There are references to Folker's Circulating Library in Brighton iin lists of 1819 which indicate that prints were loaned out. It seems likely, therefore, that this was the work of Samuel. Nothing else of his life up to the time of his marriage is known.
On 12 January 1821, Samuel obtained a licence to marry Susannah Thorpe, and the marriage took place the next day at Oxford. The licence shows that he was a resident of Brighthelmston, the former name for Brighton. Susannah was one of six children of John Wise and Dorothy Thorp of Oxford. Her father, John, had served two terms as Mayor of Oxford. Boore's Brighton Directory of 1822 lists Folker S.S. as Carver and Guilder at Royal Colonnade.
Their first child, Samuel William Thorp, was born on 1 December 1821 but only survived until 7 March that year. The registration of his baptism shows the family as living in North Street. References in the Brighton Directories of 1822 show Samuel Shepherd Folker as a carver and gilder of the Royal Colonnade at 136 North Street, Brighton. One reference notes him as carver and gilder to his majesty, therefore it is likely that he provided a service to the Royal Pavillion at Brighton which was opposite his shop. Interestingly, the Royal Colonnade Library was located next door at number 137.
Sarah Thorp was born on 6 April 1823 but died on 12 June. John Ambrose was born on 21 June 1825 but died on 18 November. William Henry was born on 30 August 1826 and Maria on 13 September 1828. Both were baptised in Brighton but Maria only survived until 22 April 1833.
In 1929, Samuel, in partnership with J Brooker of 5 Southampton Row in london, published four prints of engravings from a set of six entitled Beauties of Brighton. The prints were made by A M Huffam from original paintings by T Harper.
An entry in The London Gazette of 13 January 1821 indicates that Samuel's partnership with John Brooker was dissolved on 1 January. Samuel continued the business of Looking Glass manufacturer, Carver and Guilder at the premises at 137 North Street, Brighton.
Alfred Hanley was born on 28 April 1830 in Brighton and Emma on 5 January 1833 in Westminster. There is a references to Samuel in the Post Office Directory of 1835 as having his business at 3 Bridge Street Westminster. It is likely that the family moved to Oxford soon after that date.
Thereafter, nothing of Samuel's life is known up to the time of his death which took place in Oxford on 5 April 1837 when he was aged 47. He was buried at Summertown, Oxford and his Will was proved at London on 24 August 1839.
| Top of page |