Freestone County, Texas
Reflections



Freestone Past/Present
by J.R. “Sonny” Sessions

                          Fairfield Cemetery
  This the oldest large active Cemetery in Freestone Co. with burials back to 
the early l850’s. It was not even in the City of Fairfield until a few years ago   
As with all area cemeteries there are many lost and unmarked gravesites. 
Many outstanding citizens are buried here and some it better not to go into 
their character.
  Some are the grandmother of a President of the United Sates, a hero of the 
Battle of San Jacinto, A first cousin of Gen. Sam Houston, the re-burial 
place of a Confederate General, the only Freestone Co. Sheriff to die in the 
line of duty, and a former District Judge and hero of the Battle of Vicksburg. 
Melissa Ann (Butler) grandmother of President Lyndon B. Johnson is buried 
in a lost and unmarked grave; her husband Rev. G.W. Baines was pastor of 
the First Baptist Church 1864-66 at the time of her death. Rev. Baines was 
also President of Baylor University at one time. A Texas Historical Marker 
located at the church gives more information.
  David Hall a veteran of the Texas War for Independence and the Battle of 
San Jacinto where he and 11 comrades captured 220 enemy soldiers. The 
next day he walked and carried news of the victory to Harrisburg (Houston). 
Fairfield is located on his land grant. At the l860 Democratic Party 
Convention held on San Jacinto Day at San Jacinto, Gen. Sam Houston was 
endorsed for United States President and David Love endorsed for United 
States Vice President. A Texas Historical Marker is at 
 his gravesite. 
  Harriett Paxton Philpott whose father and Sam Houston’s mother were 
brother and sister, is buried in the southwest part of the cemetery. Her 
husband Gen. Horatio Philpott served with Gen. Andrew Jackson in the 
Creek Indian Wars and the Battle of New Orleans. The Philpott log house is 
now located at the Teague Railroad Museum.  
  Fairfield Cemetery is also the re-burial site of Confederate Gen. Joseph 
Burton Johnson. This was done a couple of years ago with full military 
honors. A Texas Historical Marker is located off north I45 near the TU 
railroad crossing. His large native rock home at this location was used 
locally for many projects including the Aztec Courts. Have wondered where 
this rock was quarried, anyone with information please advise. 
  My great grandfather Sheriff J.B. Rogers who killed while serving as 
Sheriff is buried near David Love. The Texas Historical Marker at his 
gravesite reads: James B. Rogers 1836-1872 “ Freestone Co. Sheriff 1872, 
during lawless era Rogers pursued several horse thieves alone, after deputy 
was shot in hot pursuit: but later was shot from ambush by 2 strangers, 
supposedly the vengeant thieves. Sheriff Rogers died leaving a widow, and 3 
children.
  Captain L.D. Bradley 1831-1886, prominent citizen, lawyer, Texas 
Legislator and District Judge. In Civil War commanded Co. B, 2nd. 
Battalion, Wauls Texas Legion, leader in one of most daring defensive 
actions in the siege of Vicksburg. A historical marker is located on the
Freestone Co. Courthouse Square. My great grandfather G.A. Sessions 
served with Captain Bradley.
    Whisky Day’s Stories: due to interest in Freestone County, involvement in 
such am going to try and add some each week. They are mostly hear say and 
stories passed down as few who experienced them are still around. In most 
cases will not use names or places if can cause embarrassment.
  One of most important pieces of equipment in a whisky still (distillery)
is the worm or coil, which made from small copper tubing. In bending this it 
easily crimped and had to be done over. It was learned if the tubing filled 
with fine sand it could be bent to the desired turns. One of the best sands I 
have been told was on Sugar Hill at Turlington. Before the road hard 
surfaced it was an accomplishment if car would go up it, most could go up in 
reverse especially Model T’s.  
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