FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS FREESTONE COUNTY JAILS & EXECUTIONS Freestone Co. has had five County Jails The first built in l852 and located a couple of blocks north of the Courthouse Square. The log building with a steel cell I have been told was later moved and used as a barn by E.J. Browne, P.D. Brown’s grandfather. The second Jail built in l857 of heavy timbers and homemade brick cost $3,000. There were three legal executions by hanging during its use. The first” within the walls of the County Jail” of a man charged with murder. Sheriff E. Steele executed this death warrant Dec. 20, l861. Mrs. Anderson wrote of this man escaping, stealing her race horse and captured in Navarro Co. The prisoner and horse were returned but the horse had been ridden so long and hard it could never race again. The second hanging was a man convicted for the rape of his daughter and done “without the walls of the County Jail on gallows erected in the rear” Sheriff James Robinson executed this death warrant Oct. 22, l875. The third hanging was a man for the brutal murder of his wife and step daughter. Sheriff Robinson also performed this execution on a gallows erected in the yard on June 28, l878. The third Jail which still stands at its original location and used for the County Museum was constructed in l879 at a cost of $5,000. The fourth legal hanging was “within the walls” of this structure on March 26, l880 by Sheriff H.P. Davis performed this execution as was the custom and the law. Undoubtedly there was a gallows in this building but nothing of it remains today. The fourth Jail was built in l912, the cost uncertain. The last legal hanging in this County was performed “within the walls” using the steel gallows on the second floor of a man convicted of murder. These gallows remained until the building torn down in l976 and the gallows donated to the Museum. This building was located on the Courthouse Square where the County Clerks building is today. The fifth Jail was constructed in l974 and still in use today with several additions. The last legal hanging in Texas was in Waco on Jully30, l923 of a man who admitted 8 murders and terrorized the area for a year. Two weeks after this the Texas law providing death by the electric chair in Huntsville became effective and the hangman’s noose used no more. For several years I kept a rope with a hangman’s nose displayed in the old gallows room, sometimes put errant youngster’s in one next to it which made a lasting impression on most. Many years ago friend Walter Wirt Bonner of Bonnerville and Teague made drawing of the two first one’s that no photographs available from the specs given in the old County Court minutes. Will probably give them to the Museum. Walter a lifelong friend and greatly appreciated. *** Past Original Sheriffs Report l970 Patrol car back in shop, needed crank installed when starter failed again, mechanics spend more time under this one than I spend in it. James Ball, former THP stationed who recently retired, now Mexia Police Chief. House sided with l931-32 license plates burglarized with .38 S&W break over type pistol taken. Assisted firm going to spend about nine months with assembly of large lignite digging machine with bucket capacity of 70 yards locate a night watchman, Rual Lopes filled the bill. This large machine became known as “Old Sarge” as engineer a Texas Aggie. Wreck on 75 with one of operators found to be a French Ballet dancer here on some kind of tour. Constable Daniels in with drunk ex convict who shooting his pistol around café. James and Kendy with me on 287 night call. Man carried to another county recently made it back looking for the wife, if this one mine she’d be looking for me. Deputy’s patrol car not to be outdone by large repairs recently on other car blew up with major repairs necessary. Living quarters downstairs in old Jail wetted upon when upstairs plumbing stopped up and flooded floors. Deputy Sue Gregory investigated child abuse report by Doctor. Fourteen year old mother advised that l6 year old father whipped it with coat hanger then hit it with shoe. Man handled several times on drunk family trouble told us he might get in Jail again but it sure wasn’t going to be this one, he packed up and moved out of state. Called to Teague late Friday after barely making it home, family dispute refereed with quickie divorce and property divided. Burglars in Oaks store Donie interrupted by passerby. Reserve Deputies to teen dance at request of sponsors. Calf shot and hind quarters taken west of Fairfield. Retirement of Dallas PD Captain Will Fritz who headed up investigation of President Kennedy. Couple of years ago he called wanting to come down and look for pistol used in Dallas bank robbery and murder committed, located buried on branch off Fairfield-Kirvin road, put there by suspects enroute to Houston on US 75 after the robbery. Rangers Brice and Kruger over from Athens on gun burglary let them assist in search for two year old son of Tab Young who took off rabbit hunting or something, neighbor located shortly. Five year old boy missing from home near Ezell’ store located in Buffalo and returned to parents by Sheriff Wilson. Stolen coon dog puppies recovered and returned. Contraceptive vending machine stolen and looted, guess didn’t want to take any chances. *** Grandpa’s Report ... Freestone Co. Beef and Forage all day seminar in new Methodist Church facility, variety of subjects covered. Co. Agent Shane McLellan done a great job with training offered. ... Received information Captain John Kobrock skipper of the LST 666 passed away after long bout with Parkinson’ disease, a good man and friend, to all the crew, Also notified of the death of friend and longtime Andrews Co. Sheriff Wayne Farmer, he and his wife natives of Navarro Co. Visit with friend and retired Chief Deputy Charles Nicholson and wife Betty. Charles and I shared many experiences together during the 25 years or more he with the Sheriffs Office, started as dispatcher while we still in the old Jail. His friendship and assistance over the years greatly appreciated.