YOUR SILENT NEIGHBORS, Vincent Follert, Night Watchman, Businessman
by David K. Leff

Born in Germany, Vincent Follert (1862-1945) came to the United States around age 20.  He was employed as a night watchman by the Collins Company for about four decades.  Early in the 20th century, Follert also ran a grocery, a dry goods store, and a clothing shop on Collinsville’s Main Street.  None of them were particularly successful.  He also sold building lots on the west side of the river. 

Follert married Mary Reichert of New Britain, and the couple had two sons and five daughters.  Mary died in 1924. 

For his 75th birthday in 1937, his family threw him a dinner party at the Hotel Bond in Hartford.  His six grandchildren surprised him with a cake lit with 75 candles.  According to a newspaper account of the time, he “does not feel his years and is still working.”  Resilient and active, he broke his arm falling from a ladder the year before at age 74, but it didn’t seem to slow him down. 

Vincent Follert is buried in the Village Cemetery, Collinsville. 

“Your Silent Neighbors” introduces readers to people out of Canton’s past.  Readers are encouraged to visit these gravesites and pay their respects to the people who have helped make our community what it is today.