Death of J.E. Freetly.
Friends in Manning and vicinity were much shocked the first of the week on learning of the sudden death of J.E. Freetly which occurred at Cottonwood, Iowa, Friday evening, April 12th.

Mr. Freetly was station agent and operator there, his residence being near the station building. The evening westbound train had just arrived and Mr. Freetly stepped into his office to receive a telegram, but only received four words dying at his post, his wife finding him soon after lying over the telegraph instrument dead. Heart trouble was the cause of death. The body was brought to Manning for burial Wednesday. The Odd Fellows lodge at Gray, of which Mr. Freetly was a member, accompanied by the Manning lodges met the funeral party at the depot and formed an escort to the cemetery where they conducted the burial. Rev. McLeod led in. prayer at the grave and spoke a few consoling words to the bereaved family and mourning friends.

J.E. Freetley was born near Ross Grove, DeKalb County, Illinois, April 22, 1860, and came to Iowa with his family when nineteen years of age. He was married to Miss Lizzie Harding, of Marshall County, March 19, 1884. To this happy union four children were born, two girls and two boys, who with the wife and mother are left to mourn the loss of a loving father and companion; Deceased also leaves two brothers and sisters.

The first, six year, of married life were spent in Audubon County, where Mr. Freetly was agent, for the C. & N. W. Ry. From there he was transferred to a station in Pottawattamie County and lived there two and a half years. He spent one year in Carroll County and eight years ago went to Lee County, where he won many friends which however came natural to a man of his genial, kindly disposition. He was converted while in Lee County and has lived a faithful and constant member of the Friends Church. The Manning people who knew and liked Mr. Freetly extend sympathy to the bereaved family.

Thursday April 25, 1901 Marion Sentinel of Marion, Iowa
Joseph Freetly, the station agent at Cottonwood, was found dead at his telegraph instrument. Heart disease was the cause of death.

Historical facts:
Joseph Elbert Freetly April 22, 1860 DeKalb County, Illinois - April 13, 1901
1884 married Elizabeth Catherin Harding

Parents: Rev. J.L. Freetly and Mary Robbins

Siblings:
Margaret Freetly 1838 - 1919
William C. Freetly 1851- 1928
Mary Elizabeth Freetly 1854 - 1940