FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS SHERIFF 1965-2001 BOYD LODGE Recently this historic structure located on the Boyd Unit Prison land between Teague and Fairfield burned to the ground in the middle of the night with nothing saved. Built in the early 1930’s from log houses on the old Adams Plantation southwest of Fairfield by Freestone Co. natives W.R. (Bill) Jr. and Gertye Watson Boyd whose families were early settlers. Bill and his father both prominent attorneys with a partnership of Boyd and Boyd. Gertye Watsons family were merchants and land owners. The Watson home in Fairfield was a two story Southern type home located on Re-union where Mount intersected near the old Manahan home and torn down in the 1940’s. Bill Boyd served as the first and youngest Mayor of Teague. Bill Boyd was very business conscience and made many contacts and had many vocations including experience in Washington, D.C. as the private secretary of U.S. Congressman Scott Field. He became a big wheel in the Roosevelt Administration, in 1941 he became President of the American Petroleum Institute and responsible for the oil supply in WW II. During this time many high officials visited and were entertained at the Lodge. Miss Gertye was a fun person who loved to entertain and life of the party. The Lodge was filled with things from all over the world where they traveled. Bill and Gertye had only one son W.R. Boyd lll who served as a Col. in the Army Air Force during WWII who along with his wife Elise had only one son W.R. Boyd IV who a few years younger than me. I was very fortunate to have been involved with the family and Lodge over the years. Bill and Gertye though living away until after WWII never forgot their Freestone Co. roots, and participated in many local civic events such as the County’s Centennial Celebration, and Teague’s July 4th Rodeo and Parade. Established the Boyd Cup Award and the Methodist Men’s Group. Bill and Gertye are buried in Teague with son W.R. III buried in Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington. Both returned to Teague and lived until their deaths. W.R. III and Elise returned and lived in the Lodge until his death. I learned early on that Penny Mims who worked for the Boyd’s most off her life, lived in the North and traveled with them (been told she would not go abroad) ruled the kitchen and other things. We became close friends which found beneficial to both of us in later years, as she had errant son called Fats, and nephew called Slim of whom she was very protective. *** From the Original Sheriffs Report 1971 Deputies to annual Simsboro Picnic which usually very peaceful and enjoyable with bad traffic problem in and out. Been assisting here for years with no problems and for first time an arrest had to be made, a Dallas dude drinking and clowning before his country cousins who had the last laugh when they got him out the next morning. (This event been going many years and still is with city youths attempting to destroy), Couple of pleasant days spent with family and friends on Comal River in Texas Hill Country, glad to be back to quiet life of Sheriffing after trying to keep up with the boys and as Big Bueford would say (the old thing). Deputy’s report excitement at night while woman prisoner booked, one of our large Jailhouse Rats ran thru office starting up britches leg of one but not fast enough for that. Finally did him in after rearranging the furniture... This could have been the same one prisoner complained about losing sleep trying to keep from taking box of crackers away from him. *** Regretted to learn our longtime County Extension Agent Wendy Green going to greener pastures in Cherokee Co. Want to wish her he best always found efficient and timely in her work. *** Grandpa’s Report While JR here recently from West Point and before returning to China he had wanted to visit with a WWII vet that served in Africa and Sicily with Gen. George Patton and others. My friend James Newman who served here kind enough to spend most of one morning with us, greatly appreciated. Recent death of former Sheriffs Office dispatcher Mr. Odis Denton and one of the best especially in emergencies brought to mind his handling of the call from young Highway Patrolman who had been seriously shot during a traffic stop. I feel this David Russ life was saved by the cool and proper way he handled it.