Wayne County Press
June 27, 1901

Mrs. Minnie M. Freshwater, nee Kuhle, wife of Thomas L. Freshwater, died at her home in Fairfield, Ill., at 10:05 o'clock last Saturday morning. She was born in Centralia, Ill., March 10, 1872. Later, she removed with her parents to Assumption, where she resided at the time of her marriage, November 2, 1892. To this union one child, a daughter, Georgia, was born, who is now seven years old.

Mrs. Freshwater was afflicted with heart disease for several years previous to her death and at times suffered intensely. All that willing hearts and helping hands could do to alleviate her sufferings was done, but to no avail --- death claimed her for his own.

Deceased was a member of Leona Camp, No. 873, Royal Neighbors of America, and this organization took charge of the funeral arrangements. The funeral was held at the home of the family at one o'clock Monday afternoon, Rev. R. Wright and Rev. S. E. Taylor assisting in the services, and was largely attended. The floral offerings were both numerous and beautiful, testifying, in a measure, to the great esteeem in which the deceased was held. At the conclusion of the services the remains were taken to the Southern depot and placed on the 2:32 train, which arrived at Centralia at 4:20 o'clock. Messrs. B. H. Madansky and J. B. Hunt accompanied the remains to Centralia as representatives of the K. of  P. and Woodmen lodges, of which Mr. Freshwater is a member. At Centralia the Royal Neighbor camps took charge of the remains until 6:30 o'clock in the evening, when the train left on the Illinois Central for Assumption, where the funeral party arrived about nine o'clock.

Funeral services were also held in the First Presbyterian church of Assumption at three o'clock Tuesday afternoon, following which the interment took place in the cemetery near there.

Deceased was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church and in her death her husband has lost an affectionate wife, her daughter a loving mother, and our city a lady who was universally esteemed and respected.

Those who accompanied the remains from Fairfield to Assumption were T. L. Freshwater and daughter, Georgia, and E. D. Freshwater; Mrs. Jane Kuhle, Mrs. Jennie Perky, August Kuhle and Fred Kuhle, of Assumption; and Herman Kuhle, of Pana.