Surnames: BOHNHOFF BARNES

----Source: CLARK COUNTY REPUBLICAN & PRESS (Neillsville, Wis.) 08/08/1918

Bohnhoff, Fred C. (3 Apr 1874 - 31 Jul 1918)

This community was greatly shock to hear of the death of rural carrier, Fred C. Bohnhoff, at the St. Joseph's Hospital at Marshfield, Wis. July 31, 1918. Spinal trouble was the cause of his death. He had been ailing for some time, but carried mail until within a few weeks of his death. He was sick at his home two weeks, and was then taken to the Marshfield Hospital on Friday, July 26, 1918 and expected to be operated on the day of his death, but God claimed him as his own.

Fred C. Bohnhoff was born in German April 3, 1874, and when a small lad came with his parents to this country, where they settled on a farm in Elizabeth, Ill. And where his parents now live. He came to Columbia, Clark County, Wis. about twenty-two years ago. He served in the Spanish American War, and again returned here, and when the rural route was establish at this post office he was appointed rural carrier and has served this route for the past twelve years.

He was an excellent rural carrier and Fred, as he was known by all, will surely be missed by his patrons on the route.

He was married to Viola Barnes Sept. 10, 1908, who with their three children: Amanda aged 9 years, Edna aged 6 years and Wilson aged 4 years, are left to mourn his death. One child, Frederick, preceded the father in death. He also leaves to mourn his death, his parents, five sisters and four brothers.

The funeral sermon was conducted by Rev. Brandt of Neillsville Friday afternoon, Aug. 2, 1918. A prayer at the home and services were held at the Columbia Church, where his many friends assembled to pay their final tribute to their departed friend, and he was then taken to the Columbia Cemetery for burial.

Mr. Bohnhoff had a nice little home and was opening up a nice small farm, a half mile north of Columbia, and was very active in the progress and welfare of his little home town. He was in all things a good citizen and had the respect of all who knew him. He was honorable and upright, a just and accommodating neighbor a kind husband and father. He also belonged to the M.W.A. Lodge of this place. His death is mourned by the entire community.

Those who attended the funeral from out of town were his sister, Mrs. Paul Schmidt of New England, N.D., brothers John, Louie and Henry Bohnhoff, of New England, N.D., Chas. Bohnhoff, of southern Wis., brother-in-law, Lewe Grebner, and cousin, Louie Bohnhoff of Elizabeth, Ill.