FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS SHERIFF 1965-2001 KIRVIN GHOST TALES This information was brought to my attention recently. I don’t do the internet so got Grandma to check it out with such stories found concerning not only Kirvin but Teague, Fairfield, Streetman and Donie. The Kirvin story’s are: In the daylight hours Kirvin, Texas is like any other American settlement, but when the darkness of night sets in, things turn creepy. The ghosts of this town don’t leave anyone unterrified. Not everyone trusts in the tales the local residents tell, but anybody who has spent a night in Kirvin, Texas knows better. These are some of the spooky things that have happened here recently. The ghost of a man outfitted as a plumber was distinguished at Loper Lake Dam before sunrise looking at the landscape. This is one of those spirits that is perceived often in close proximity. A female with a partly see through body came into sight pulling a dead body from the cold water of Cedar Creek late in the night. The phantom was unconcerned that there somebody over there. The phantom of a guy wearing a Sheriffs outfit was seen trying to find a shoe under a parked car on a Kirvin parking lot late at night. The appearance of the bystander scared the ghost who then faded away. The ghost of an old man with a big grey beard appeared at a Kirvin area clothing store, the ghost spoke of revenging a slaying. A female with a spear sticking out of her head was made out guzzling gasoline around midnight on a lawn in Kirvin. The bystander was terrified and ran off. Several of the people who live in this town assert this ghost could be the spirit of a local who passé away here in Kirvin some time ago. *** I don’t think I ever heard any of these stories before or any such regarding Kirvin, if I did I have forgotten them. Many today are not aware that Kirvin from l906 when the railroad came through until the tragedies in l922 was a bustling little town with all kinds of business. There were 3 banks, at least 2 newspapers, two cotton gins, a large cotton yard and storage building. There once was a movie theatre a good school, drug stores, doctors and dentists. The railroad passenger and freight depots and livestock shipping pens were very busy. I have been told at one time its population exceeded Fairfield. Seems there could be lots of ghost stories here. Anyone with Ghost Tales regarding Kirvin area please advise. Will publish stories from others in near future. *** From Original Sheriffs Report l972 Took couple youngsters and newly purchased lolly pops back to school after report they left without permission. Dispatcher Ronny Alford who confined to wheel chair got call from woman in distress to send deputy to her relief and have trusty come with him- had them disregard when realized this the trusty’s girl friend. Met Leon Co. Sheriff Wilson in Oakwood area to check on Leon Co. man that stays in Freestone Co. who involved in murder of Dallas rookie policeman. Emergency Corps called on man believed drowned Lock and Dam on Trinity, found safe at home later, all led to earlier family fuss. Probably been a drowning if those who been working so hard if man been accessible. Former Fairfield resident Mark Short Sr. (whose wife Eloise Hardin) paid surprise visit by office to remind of problems had with his son Mark Jr. and I talking during church. Some folks don’t forget anything. Assisted Police in Tucson, Arizona where they trying man for murder committed two days after released from Jail here and put on bus to California with promise to never return here. (Mans wife and children still living here when he served that sentence and returned causing problems.) Local telephone operators getting obscene and profane calls late night from unknown subject. (This when all telephone calls still handled by operators). Divorce papers served subject in rest home that been separated over 12 years. Youths held on theft and possession of marihuana. Call from Houston lawyer saying one the son of his postman who sacrificed much to send him to college and now done messed up like this. Knew we getting out numbered by move ins when at fire dept. meeting Willy Frank Tate’s name came up, curiously one not in the know asked “who in the h---- was Willy Frank. Wanted to advise that he to the City of Fairfield what Noah was to the Arc. *** Grandpa’s Report … New Years Eve is Grandma’s birthday with Nelda Calame Mullenax having surprise party (and she truly surprised) for her with family and friends. New Years Day was James 47th birthday with big dinner at our house. James, Lori, Ken, Tina, JR, Kali, Cooper, Joe and Sara attended. Longtime friend Frank Wards 90th birthday party, he and William Johnson (maser carpenter and builder) could and did build anything years ago including the building where Lyle Oil is today for Brian Daniels, Party in Kirvin for Wanda Allen Hughes 80th, at Baptist Church Center, told Wanda we done got to be the old folks whether we liked it or not. Good visit with her sister Pat who lives way out west in Andrews.