Freestone County, Texas Reflections FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS SHERIFF 1965-2001 FORT PARKER MEMOTIAL PARK Copied from Ray Waller Speech Those who have never visited this historic site need to do so. Located just west of Groesbeck on the road to Thelma, it is very easy to find. This where the victims of the Cynthia Ann Parker and her brothers abduction occurred in March 1836 by Indians. These victims were moved from Fort Parker which nearby to this location then known as Lewisville. It was changed to Glenwood Cemetery Society to sell lots, bury the dead, attend and protected and beatify the graves, and collect funds from the sale, by public subscription or other wise, not for profit. On June 25, 1949 the name was changed to Fort Parker Memorial Park. In 1967 the Park became a perpetual corporation. A stroll along the walks in the old part of the cemetery. First we come to a shaft of Seth Bates one of the first of four white men to settle in the county after the massacre. Nearby is a slab of Silas Bates who came with hid father ,Seth into the wilds seeking his fortune, he slept in the Fort the night before the massacre and hewing out logs to build his cabin when the news was brought to him of the tragedy. Nearby you will see graves of Mary Anglin Bates, the first to be buried after the massacre, also the first wife of Silas Bates and oldest daughter of Elisha Anglin. The second wife of Silas and Adelwine Faulenberry. Further along Miss Elisha Anglin, who never tired of telling the story of Fort Parker and was faithful in the upkeep of this cemetery. Next came the Sharp Family. (This is my mother’s family). The monument over Sharlott Sharp was brought to Texas from Missouri in an ox wagon in l855. The stone and cement marker nearby was built in a way to prevent the wild animals from digging up the bodies. This is a daughter and babies of Sallie Sharp who is buried nearby. The Seawright plot tells the story of another family of the early days. Beyond is a tablet marking the grave of Hezikiah Jackson, the progeny of all the Limestone Jackson’s. Graves of the Biggs, Davis, Anderson, Sanders, Ratliff’s, Welch, Dennis and Thetford families historical part of the Cemetery. Prior to l921 an effort was made to mark the resting place of the martyrs but the interference of disinterested parties brought it to naught. When Representative Sam Thomas went to the Legislature the president of the Cemetery advanced the idea that now was the opportunity to get Austin’s help. Believing that Thomas was in sympathy with the movement, Rev. Pat Neff signed the bill for an appropriation of $2500. This sum had to be matched, through the efforts of Mr. C.S. Bradley, Mrs. Toletha Sanders and Miss Sallie Welch and the generosity of its citizens the beautiful Fort Parker Monument was made possible. The bottom part was built and later when John Cox was in the Legislature another appropriation of $1500 was made and matched by the Cemetery Society and the figures were placed on the foundation. One of the more interesting graves is that of Simpson Dixon one of those in the Lee-Peacock feud in Fannin. A detachment of U.S. Troops was sent to kill Simpson Dixon at a house near Lewisville in Feb. l870. Simp as more commonly called, was ordered to surrender but drew two six shooters and began firing upon the soldiers nearby. Simp was rushed by a soldier and in a hand to hand fight killed the soldier when he was shot and killed instantly. He was a Confidante of Bob Lee and Bickerstaff He was buried in this cemetery cross-wise because he was cross with world. (I have been told that Dixon terrified the blacks following the Civil War). There are more local officials buried in Fort Parker than any other, including Anthony Sharp my mothers Great Grandfather. This is a local historical place worth visiting. From Original Sheriffs Report 1977 Joined group meeting with publisher on printing Freestone County History Book. Theft of steel post that helped hold house up Cotton Gin. Report 2am on shots fires at window peeper west of Dew. Man jailed after complain and running from girl friend with bad knife. Youth to see Judge for education after picked up for throwing fire works off I45 overpass onto vehicles passing below. Numerous other fire cracker complaints, one where youth advised parent one where youth advised they out o town. Wife whupping week, numerous complaints and only one brave enough to file on and have jailed. Man called wanting wife picked up as driving car with no inspection sticker or tags. Youths who witnessed attempted break in at snack bar chased by would be burglars to nearby office. Juveniles arrested 3am, Houston runaways and possession marihuana, mom came but not sure she wanted. Teague character “Mitchola” filed on woman filed on woman for theft, said she took him for $70-never did say what for. Prisoner to doctor with lump on head. ***