Freestone County, Texas Reflections FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT By J. R.(Sonny) SESSIONS Mexia Daily News - Mar 2, 2006 edition ANTHONY ELLISOR Teague has suffered the loss of several of its dedicated citizens in recent months including Anthony Ellisor who is greatly missed since his failing health and loss of his wife Florence prevented him from being active in local affairs. He served the City, was very involved in starting the BRI Railroad Museum and one of its strongest supporters. It was always a pleasure to be involved with him. He promoted the chittling dinners at the Sheffield Ranch and fish frys. Was an avid deer hunter with a group from Teague as long as he was able. I never called on him that he didn’t wholeheartedly respond. I worked with him at the museum in painting the old steam engine and other. I made jail prisoners available to help with such at no cost to the museum. Born and raised in Teague area, graduated from Teague High School, his parents were Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Ellisor. He served in the Merchant Marine Service in WWII, reached rank of Chief Petty Officer during the dangerous years in the Atlantic 1943-45. He traveled as a salesman. There are so many things I don’t know about Anthony, but I do regret his not living to be involved in Teague’s Centennial Celebration, as he could have added so much. A few weeks back I mentioned in this column my desire for a copy of “The Men and Women of World War ll from Freestone County” which published shortly after the War. I was contacted by Anthony’s nephew Peter Curry who lived in Fort Worth there was one in Anthony’s estate and he would bring it to me. I was pleased to receive one but really pleased that it originally belonged to a special friend like Anthony Ellisor whom I think would be pleased to know I have it. I am proud to have known Anthony and Florence Ellisor and call them friends. Thank you Pete. WWII book answered concerns I had about a special Teague friend who didn’t return. Maurice Talley as nothing found in the Railroad Museum or other. Maurice the only child of an older couple whom I’m sure their life built around, I visited in their home and Maurice visited in mine, we lost contact when he went in the Navy and I heard he was missing in action. The following is from the book “Talley, Alton Maurice Fl/c son of Mr. and Mrs. M.J. Talley, Teague graduate of Teague High. Entered Navy 1944, trained in San Diego, Calif. Served in AP. Awarded Purple Heart, AD, PL, AP Ribbons, Halsey’s Commendation and 5 Battle Stars. Killed in action Dec. 3, 1944” Anyone with more information on Maurice’s death such as the name of the ship and area would be greatly appreciated. Many years ago Humble had a petroleum pipeline in the eastern part of the county, they detected a loss of gasoline being pumped thru it, they didn’t get too concerned until it became a larger loss. Upon close inspection of the line they found where it been tapped into with a small line leading from it and where it being loaded. If subject hadn’t got greedy and started taking truck loads of gasoline it might have gone undetected and he wouldn’t have gone to the pen for his sins.