Freestone County, Texas
Reflections



FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT 
J. R. (Sonny) Sessions 

Alcohol in Freestone County 

Probably the most controversial issue ever in our County from its beginning to
now is the use and sale of alcoholic beverages, legally or otherwise. Earliest 
criminal records involve this problem with charges filed for offenses such as 
selling less than a quart of whisky, giving to a slave or selling to a slave, 
it was legal to make and sell with certain restrictions. 

Saloons were very common and in most areas, Teague had quite a few in its early
years, Carrie Nation the old gal with the hatchet who fought alcohol visited 
here, not sure why but Teague voted dry the next year, not sure if she had 
anything to do with this as not much information available.

Fairfield must have had its share, Judge Willis Young told of man falling into
the public water well on the courthouse square, a citizen went down and got him 
out with all departing for a saloon across the street to celebrate, someone 
finally missed the man in the well and he was rescued. 

Some old records tell of the church bells ringing after a wet/dry election with 
alcohol voted out. My unmarried great aunt recorded in old church minute book 
about breaking beer bottles while walking to church temperance meetings. Many 
had problems with abuse of alcohol including I am told both my grandfathers, 
this probably why both my parents so opposed to its use. 

Been told some religions such as the old time Primitive Baptist didn’t oppose 
the use or sale if used in moderation. Also been told one of this groups 
strongest convictions was its members pay their debts and obligations and made 
good whisky. Many used whisky as a medicine as little else available or 
affordable. 

Prohibition where the sale and use of alcohol prohibited brought many problems 
to Freestone Co. It very hard to make a decent living during the 20’s and 30’s, 
jobs scarce and money hard to come by. What started in desperation evolved into 
a serious disregard of the laws for the easy money. In times when most families 
didn’t have $20 it not unusual for children of some illegal whisky makers to come 
to school with a $20 bill. 

Crime was common, Mr. P.D. Browne referred to these years as “Freestone’s 
Tragic Years” in his writings. Though many made lots of money few came out with
anything, easy come and easy go. Merchants dealing in products used probably 
the only one’s to really profit. 

Continued Next Week With the Repeal of Prohibion