Freestone County, Texas Reflections FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J.R. (SONNY) SESSIONS COTTON GIN MASONIC LODGE On Nov. 19, 2005 Cotton Gin Masonic Lodge observed its 150th. Anniversary with a program at its building in Kirvin. Cotton Gin #154 is the third Lodge chartered in Freestone Co. and second only to Fairfield #103 still in existence. First located at Cotton Gin in western Freestone Co. an early County community with the first organized church and very progressive village until by passed by the railroads, Mexia on the west and later Teague on the east. Been told it named for the early cotton gin located here where cotton the leading crop. The gin powered by a mule, horse or oxen that went around and around outside, there was no suction like today to unload the wagons or carts bringing in the picked cotton, it had to be carried in baskets up the stairs and poured into the gin stands. The town was laid off in streets and named, there were numerous old Southern plantation type homes in and around town, many were still here in l950’s, most in bad repair, all are gone today. The only business building left today is the Alderman Bros. Store building, though vacant a reminder of busy days in the past. A Texas historical Marker dedicated here in the l970’s designated Cotton Gin as a Ghost Town, I was asked to attend for security due to threats made by an irate but I think harmless citizen who didn’t appreciate this. When the railroads missed here the school closed and business and people began to move away The Lodge officially chartered in May l855, was located several places while in Cotton Gin, the second floor of the Baptist Church, the Methodist Church lot. It was once on the second floor of Alderman’s Store where the coffins and such were stored. A hand-operated elevator once went to the second floor that still in use in Withrow Furniture in Teague. Meeting times were the Saturday before the 3rd. Sabbath and later changed to on or about the full moon. In l916 Cotton Gin Lodge was moved to Kirvin, a booming community formed when the railroad came in l906. Virtually every kind of business was here; cattle and hogs were shipped by rail to northern markets. A large cotton yard held baled cotton until ready for shipment. A freight and passenger depot with freight and ticket agents was stationed here. The economy was based on cotton and its future very limited. The town and Lodge grew rapidly until an unfortunate incident in the early l920’s with the tragic murder and mutilation of a young girl followed by mob rule involving the suspects and innocent people. All made worse by outsiders coming in, this also the hectic days of the Mexia oil boom. After moving to Kirven its first location was the upstairs north end of the Woodmen of the World Building. The Terrible Depression and people leaving the rural areas during WWII took its toll on Kirvin and Cotton Gin Lodge. It has seen good times and seen bad times; today its membership is good but with few young to keep it going many years. It is and was a good Lodge coming to the assistance of needy Brothers and others. It is and was a fun Lodge; it is the only Lodge I know that had a dog attend regularly. Bro. R.L. Ryburn’s dog Spot went everywhere he did after saving Bro. Ryburn from being robbed and possibly murdered, Spot even had a little apron like other Masons and when the Brothers stood up, Spot stood up, when the Brothers sat down, Spot sat down, I think many attended meetings for this reason. Bro. Ryburn a unique member an old timey Baptist Preacher who worked all week plowing or such then conducted church services where needed. He never accepted a salary, only donations; he performed more weddings than any other in the area, some in the cotton patch. He always carried Juicy Fruit chewing gun for the kids (this a special treat then as didn’t have everything like today) his only worldly accumulation was a modest home in Kirvin. His only vice known was dipping snuff, a good man and friend. Today in downtown Kirvin the only buildings are the Baptist and Methodist Churches, the Post Office, Fire Dept. Station and Cotton Gin Masonic Lodge, a Hydraulic Repair Co., a Valve Repair Co. and Construction Co. **** Grandpa’s Report Teague to see Great Niece Meagan married in pretty ceremony; also first visit with Great-great niece 8 week old Emma. (You think that don’t make you feel old) Big reception after at impressive Caney Creek Lodge brought back memories of friend Frank Short and his family. Visit with friend and former Chief Deputy Charles Nicholson in Palestine Hospital, glad to report he home and doing better. Grandma and Katy made her annual birthday shopping spree in Waco. Kali, Cooper and Sara have a new horse, would like to find a good kid horse myself for some of others. JR called his Dad on cell phone while at Times Square in New York City, came down fro West Point for Veterans Day Parade. Sara shows us new gymnastic tricks on trampoline. Grandma and I enjoyed as always Fairfield Methodist Church annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Kenzie’s 5th.grade Wortham class put on entertaining history musical program. Wortham basketball team that Kali plays on going strong. Cayuga for tournament over weekend.