Bernardus W. Uphoff of Benson, one of the most widely known citizens of this vicinity and a brother of Bartel W. Uphoff of this city, died at a hospital at Peoria on Monday evening at 7 o'clock, aged 87 years, 9 months and 25 days. He had gone to the hospital for a serious operation, but there was no relief, perhaps because of his advanced age.

Mr Uphoff was a son of Weet and Folka [Folke Focken] Uphoff and was born in [Ochtelbur,] Ostfriesland, Germany, on Sept. 12, 1836. When he was nineteen years of age he came to America with his parents. They located at Peoria, where they lived for several years and then came to Clayton township in Woodford county, which during the many intervening years had been the home.

In 1864, Mr Uphoff was united in marriage with Rosina Woltzen, who preceded him in death. Four children blessed this union. In 1878, the husband was married to Miss Frauke Gerdes, who survives him. Eight children came to this home, of whom one preceded the father in death.

The children left to mourn are: Mrs Katie Gastman, of Benson; W.B. Uphoff, of Panola; Mrs Gertie Reents, of Rochelle; John Uphoff, of Graymont; Mrs Anna Ficken and George, Bernard, Alma, Maria and Henry Uphoff, all of Benson and vicinity. There are two brothers and one sister living, John of Benson, Bartel of Minonk, and Mrs Anna Giles, of Peoria. Added to these, there are eighteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Mr Uphoff became a member of the Lutheran church by confirmation on Dec. 20, 1863 and joined with St Peter's church early in its organization. He continued his affiliation there until twelve years ago when he moved to Benson and transferred his membership to St Paul's Lutheran church at that place.

Mr Uphoff held public office many times during his day and always did he acquit himself with honor and credit. At his death he was president of the Farmers State Bank at Benson. He was a man of sterling worth and beloved and honored by all who knew him. Always pleasant, cheerful, optimistic, he passed along each day endearing himself to all. In robust health during his long life and even into advanced age, it came rather as a surprise to friends when it was learned that he had gone to the hospital for an operation.

Funeral services were conducted at Benson yesterday afternoon by Rev. J.W. Haferman and Rev. Fred Seifert. Burial was made at the Benson cemetery. There was a very large attendance at the funeral.

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St Peter Lutheran church records list a son of Bernhardus, Alrich Uphoff, as being born 7 November 1874 in Woodford County and dying 31 January 1875. The records do not indicate where this child was buried.