Freestone County, Texas
Reflections


Freestone Past/ Present
JR “Sonny” Sessions
                                

                              Alderman’s Store
                              Cotton Gin
                              
  Always enjoyed visiting Alderman’s Store in Cotton Gin, learned 
many interesting things about area from Jim and Roger Alderman 
who had run the store since Mr.Sims sold out and moved to 
Simboro with the coming of the Boll Weavil Railroad. Also spent 
time there while work being done at nearby Willifords machine 
and blacksmith shop where you could get about anything repaired 
or built. The Willifords also operated a large cattle feed grinding 
and mixing plant, which I used often.
  Alderman’s Store an experience in itself. In this large facility 
years ago were virtually everything in the farming line, single 
trees, double trees, trace chains, mule and horse collars, ether 
goods, medicines, you name it and it there or been there. Am told 
at one time there caskets upstairs for sale. On cold days a warm 
fire in a large wood burning stove there to welcome you, can still 
see Mr. Jim adding more firewood inviting you to stay a while. In 
his later years this Mr. Jims life, not for the business but his way of 
spending his last years. 
      Mr. Jim told me many stories of Cotton Gin and area in earlier 
times. One story related to Dr. Gibbs, father of Mrs. Jesse Jones 
who donated the fine Gibbs Memorial Library in Mexia in memory 
of her family. At one time Jesse Jones the most prominent citizen 
of Houston who not only became very wealthy but also powerful 
politically and otherwise, he once brought the Democratic Parties 
National Convention to Houston.
  During the War for Southern Independence a Mr. Manning was a 
large cotton planter and plantation owner. Dr. Gibbs made a deal to 
buy Mr. Manning out with Mr. Manning expecting payment in 
gold. As the South’s cause became hopeless Dr. Gibbs made full 
payment to Mr. Manning with Confederate States of America 
currency which legal tender but virtually worthless leaving Mr. 
Manning destitute. After the War the railroad came to nearby 
Mexia with many moving there. At one time Cotton Gin probably 
the largest and most prosperous town in Freestone Co. with all 
kinds of business and activity dwindled until it called a Ghost 
Town.
  In the l960’s a Texas Historical Marker was approved, erected 
and dedicated near the Store for Cotton Gin. Mr. Notley the 
Historical Comm. Chairman became very concerned there be 
problems at this as the Marker designated Cotton gin as a Ghost 
Town which some local citizens not happy with. Attended 
numerous marker dedications over the years as did this one, this 
the only ever attended to provide security if needed, thankfully it 
wasn’t. The Alderman family more than just friends as our families 
go back several generations. An uncle of Roger and Jim who a 
Confederate hero in the Battle of Vicksburg buried at Woodland
Cemetery after a fatal horse accident shortly after the War while
Working as overseer on land now owned by our family. Their 
friendship over the years greatly appreciated.

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