Freestone County, Texas
Reflections




[SPECIAL THANKS to Linda Mullen for transcribing and Margaret Tolar for locating.]



Diary of Mrs. Frances “Fannie or Frankie” (Noland) Anderson
(Fannie was born in 1850.  She married Judge Asa Green Anderson on May 14, 1868 
 in Freestone County. )
 

Freestone—Past &Present By J.R. “Sonny” Sessions
The Teague Chronicle;  2004:  Mrs. Andersons Ledger #11

“Social Life in 1850’s in Freestone County”
  When our Courts were not in session, the spacious courtroom was used for 
various kinds of meetings.  I remember the Swiss Bell Ringers who were touring 
our country had their concert there.  The first time I ever heard music made 
with bells it was an inspiration to look and hear those silver bells used by the 
troupe, have heard other bell ringers since though nothing to compare to those 
silver bells.
  We were taking lessons in penmanship taught by Mr. Rogers, Mr. Arvin had his 
curtain drawn across one corner of the large courtroom where he had his camera 
and so forth.  I had met him of course while sitting around the table writing 
A.G., some one handed me a note from Mr. Arvin wanting me to go buggy riding 
with him that afternoon, A.G. and I were engaged then, after reading it slipped 
it across to him, he shook his head no and passed it back.  I then wrote on the 
note, sorry I have an engagement, the next day when we gathering for another 
lesson one of the young men said to me, now you have done it, after you refused 
to go riding with him he went to the Saloon got gloriously drunk and just whooped 
up the town last night.  Well if he is that weak in his head I’m glad I didn’t 
go riding with him, then I did not feel like laughing though some of them thought 
it was very funny.
  The most handsome suitor I had was Mr. Gee, he was a graceful dancer and I 
enjoyed his company but never indulged in flirtations like some girls, just 
tried to keep their friendship and avoid proposals, one evening Mr. Gee and I 
were going to a concert I thought he was going to say something I didn’t want to 
hear.  I just chattered on, he drew my hand up close under his arm and said you 
never will let me tell you how much I love you.  No, please don’t lets just be 
friends.  When A.G. and I married Gee was best man, though in a short time he 
closed his jewelry business and went to New York City.