Freestone County, Texas
Reflections




Freestone Past/Present
J.R. “Sonny” Sessions

Mrs. Andersons Ledger #12

Marriage
  When A. G. and I decided to get married he was County Clerk and owned half interest 
in the Star Hotel with my brother W.L. Noland, he and his wife and mother managed it. 
They had a French Chef from New Orleans, paid him fifty dollars a month and he saved 
money. We only knew him as Isaiah, he did all the cooking, dishwashing and kept the 
dining room and kitchen spotless and was the best all around cook I ever knew.
  So brother gave us a supper, had a string orchestra from Palestine our neighbor town, 
County Judge Womack was asked to officiate, he did and enjoyed himself so much 
refused the marriage fee. We only had two couples as attendants (Sheriff J.B. and Mrs. 
Rogers my great grandparents were one of them) though a number of guests. After 
congratulations we went into a long table loaded down with good eats. When all were 
thru went back to the parlor room and chatted until the tables were cleared and taken out 
of the room, then the musicians began to play our favorite Waltz “The Creole” the 
gentlemen got their partners, we waltzed around the room several times then formed our 
favorite Square Dance “The Lanceri”, time quickly passed and it was long after midnight 
when our guests began to leave.
  The next afternoon A.G. and I got in a one horse buggy and went out a mile to a 
beautiful grove of oak trees where all preparations were made for the Tournament. 
Knights were dressed in different color suits, knee britches, white ruffle shirts, broad 
brim hats with long feather plume in one side, on horses well groomed. When lined up in 
front of the crowd, introduced as Knight Ivanhoe of the Green Mountain and so on. They 
did look picturesque then they went back to their base and came dashing one at a time to 
catch the rings but didn’t get them every time. After each one had made several trials, my 
Brother W.L. had the honor of crowning the Queen, being a married man he chose his 
Cousin Ellen, she lived to be my last chum.
  That evening we went to a dance given in our honor at the Courthouse, can only 
remember two names of the six committee and floor manager, on the printed invitations 
sent out George Bradley and J.B. Rogers our Sheriff. As fashions have changed since that 
time will tell how I was dressed, my dress a soft cream white Moll skirt very full 
gathered, to a baby waist low neck with a frill of lace on short puffed sleeves. My hair 
was bangs curled and fluffed back part coiled in a low soft knot with three short curls and 
a white rose pinned on the left side, white hose with black pumps. Of course the bride 
had to dance with Tom, Dick and Harry,  she enjoyed doing that for they were gentlemen. 
During the time we were served refreshments Then after the ball was over, after the 
dance was done the bride was a tired, wilted little human.

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Whisky  Days

Recently came across some photo’s taken more than 30 years ago at a small moonshine 
operation south of Winkler on Green Briar Branch. Son’s Hammond 13, James 10, Ken 
8, myself, Captain Whitaker and Deputy Ted “Teddy Bear” Spurgeon on this trip. All we 
located were the mash barrel’s buried for secrecy and warmth in cold weather. 
Unsuccessful in locating the pot or distillery as they usually kept in different location 
until ready to cook. Located on land belonging to friend Lena McCary whom enjoyed 
being told we got her still. Green Briar Branch properly named as briar wilderness at that 
time. 
  Had these photo’s copied and framed and gave one to each of the boy’s for Christmas. 
Hope it reminds them that even though I wasn’t as involved with them as some Daddy’s 
they got to experience this and other events most children don’t.  In recent years have 
learned to appreciate being allowed to lead such a interesting childhood by my parents. I 
was involved with everything going on and every type of individual.

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