Frank John Bockholt

SURNAMES: BOCKHOLT, GERNGROSS, FREI

Frank John Bockholt, b January 11, 1884 in Westphalia, Falls County, Texas, d September 6, 1966 and buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at Westphalia - was a son of Johann G. and Theresia (Gerngross) Bockholt, who settled in Falls County, Texas in 1881.

On May 7, 1914, Frank was married to Julia Frei, b August 12, 1889, d August 28, 1941 and buried in St. Mary's Cemetery; a daughter of John and Fredericka Frei, who immigrated to America from Ehrendigen, Switzerland in 1883.

Frank was educated at Westphalia, and at St. Edward's College in Austin, Texas, where he studied music. He and Julia were also engaged in farming, to rear their children. They had eight children - including two pairs of twin daughters: Walter Bockholt, twins - Odelia and Olivia Bockholt, Flora Bockholt, Juliana Bockholt, Alois Bockholt, and twins - Lucy and Louise Bockholt.

Frank John Bockholt began playing the organ for the Church of the Visitation at the age of twenty-three years, and also played in the Brass Band under the direction of Henry Ernst until the late 1920's. He then began organizing an all - male choir, and they sang for different church occasions. They gained the reputation of being the best choir in the Diocese. Frank also played on the pipe organ that his mother donated to the church in 1921 - and it is recorded that he was the pipe organist for almost 500 burials and approximately 300 marriages. He enjoyed composing original church music, including "Ava Maria Stella," "Tantum Ergo," and a beautiful Wedding March which was played by him for the weddings of his children and grandchildren - and will be played by someone at the weddings of the generations to follow. His music was often played, by special request, of other families and friends. He is known to have always stayed at on week-ends, so as not to miss the celebration of High Mass on Sundays, or the other services on Sunday evenings. Although a successful farmer, his dedication to his music was profound.

Some biographies from "Families of Falls County", compiled and edited by the Falls County Historical Commission.
Permission granted to Theresa Carhart by the Falls County Historical Commission, for use on this page.