FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS SHERIFF 1965-2001 MORE FORT PARKER At a Memorial Service at the Park in 1997 Limestone Co. Historian Ray Walter of Waco gave a most interesting presentation. Fort Parker Memorial Park is one of the oldest cemeteries in Central Texas, Originally Lewisville , for the community of Lewisville approximately one mile away (names for J.J. Lewis who is buried in this cemetery. One often asks: how did the cemetery begin? After the excitement of the Fort Parker massacre on May 19, 1836 was over, a few of the remaining Friends buried the victims near the Fort, owing to their grief and the fear the of the return of the Indians the graves were not dug very deep. The Indians came back, dug up the bodies and held a war dance over them. When the soldiers came from Fort Houston near Palestine, they carried the bodies the bodies to a distant hill that was covered by an oak grove and buried them all In one grave as the sun was slowly sinking in the west, If you should be on the historic hill top with massive oaks in the background, the sun slowly sinking over the distant horizon, a sadness fills you. A picture arises in your mind of the Parker colony in the State of Illinois, can you imagine of coming to a new country where they could worship as they thought best. The scene arises in your mind of the hustle and Confusion that goes with the preparation of the long journey. They traveled slowly during the week days, but on the Lords day would camp, let their livestock rest, and hold services led by Elder John Parker, who was leading them into the promised land. After services they visited each other and made plans for the future with confidence. But all these hopes and Joys ended on the 19th of May 1836. What prompted the attack is still a mystery though historians accuse the settlers of counterfeiting and horse stealing. A suit was filed in Harris Co., Texas. However the fort was not burned but deteriorated. After a lapse of a few years the remaining families of the Parker Colony” returned to their claims and wrote to friends back home to come and help settle this new country.( More on Fort Parker Memorial Cemetery Will Follow) Original Sheriff’s Report From 1977 Steak served jailhouse when Stephen Neale went kaput leaving large amount of meat needing cooking. Man held here l8 months released to Oklahoma on grand larceny charge. Deputy carried man to Teague who had no way to get thee. Late night call fro woman that husband too drunk for her to carry home, talked into by deputy. Deputy with pharmacist to open drug store on emergency call. Baby sat while present wife getting her stuff out and past wife sitting there waiting to move back in. Dispatcher Cuz trying get in call girl business as had man call wanting such And told to call this number, deputy to scene arrested drunk while still on phone. Appropriate fathers day card from my boys advising have what it takes to make a great father—credit cards, car keys, a full refrigerator and lots of patience. Historical Comm. meeting with Sylvia Childs elated over discovery of foundation of 2nd jail while work being done at Museum. Repossessed mobile home for loan Co. where had to wake man up so could get before took him too. Kidding Slap about getting behind others in arrests, musta upset him some as went out and picked up one we didn’t even want. Call from drunk husband unhappy wife sleeping in separate bed.. Slap to rescue of midnight damsel in distress needing ride back to vehicle on I45. Man already in trouble arrested after broke in on 14 year old girl and attempted to rape. Man wanted Harris Co. ran out of house into wooded area, Dogs from Cofield bought over caught in about 30 minutes.