FRESHWATER, John Newton 1874 - 1917

FRESHWATER, SCHLIEF, ANDERSON, LEWIS

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 5/7/2022 at 15:47:29

"The Fairfield Daily Journal"
Monday, October 8, 1917
Page 2, Column 2

NEWTON FRESHWATER ENDED LIFE HERE THIS FORENOON.

Despondent over ill health and bereavement, Newton FRESHWATER ended his life about ten o'clock this morning in the wood shed at the rear of his home on West Grimes street. He had hung himself when his mother went to look for him.

Mr. FRESHWATER, so far as his failing health would permit, was industrious and constantly employed. This morning he drew his check at the Dexter Washing Machine plant, where he worked, and brought home groceries. He then said he would chop some wood. After a time his mother, hearing no sound, went out and discovered his lifeless body. Mr. FRESHWATER had used a short rope attached to a rafter, standing on a small box. After kicking out the box, the length of rope would have permitted him to stand on the floor, but he drew up his feet.

Mr. FRESHWATER was twice married, both of his wives and one child preceding him in death. The death of Mrs. FRESHWATER last August and the present critical condition of his 17 months old daughter, Mabel May, whose recovery is not expected, served to make him thoroughly despondent(.) Three years ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis and has been in poor health ever since. Two other children, Harvey Leroy, aged seven, and Arthur Lewis, aged three, survive him.

Last Friday Mr. FRESHWATER consulted an attorney and made provision for the handling of his property, "in case I'm not able to take care of it."

J. Newton FRESHWATER was 43 years old on June 14th last and lived with his mother, Mrs. Emily FRESHWATER. He also leaves to mourn his loss, three brothers and one sister, W. E., George and James FRESHWATER and Mrs. Etta SCHLIEF.

The funeral service will be held tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock from his late residence and interment will be made in the family lot at Evergreen cemetery.

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"The Fairfield Daily Journal"
Tuesday, October 9, 1917
Page 2, Column 2

DOUBLE FUNERAL FOR FRESHWATERS HELD TOMORROW

There will be a double funeral and two new graves on the FRESHWATER lot tomorrow. This will be because little 17 months old Mabel May FRESHWATER died this morning of infantile paralysis in Ottumwa just 24 hours after the despondent father had ended his own life.

The funeral of Newton FRESHWATER has been postponed until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning when that of the little daughter will also be held.

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"Jefferson County Republican"
Thursday, October 11, 1917
Page 8, Column 4

Newton FRESHWATER Suicides

Newton FRESHWATER ended his life about ten o'clock Monday morning by hanging himself in the wood shed at his home on W. Grimes street. He was in ill health and had been despondent since his wife's death in August. A few days prior to his death he arranged with an attorney to handle his property, "in case I am not able to take care of it myself." His little 17 months' old daughter who was critically ill at the home of its grandmother in Ottumwa died and the body was brought here and buried with the father. Besides two little sons aged seven and three, he is survived by his mother, with whom he lived, three brothers and one sister.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot 2nd.011. His first wife was Marie C. ANDERSON who died February 11, 1911; his second wife was Agnes A. LEWIS, who died August 2, 1917. All three of them, plus the little daughter Mabel May who died on October 9, 1917, are buried on the same lot.