Freestone County, Texas
Reflections


FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT
J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS
SHERIFF 1965-2001

JAN HARRISON WESTERN HISTORIAN

  Over the years been very fortunate in friends made and variety of 
subjects. Of these Jan Harrison would rank very high. Years ago Jan had a 
Western collection in Mexia on many things, including a variety of 
outstanding subjects. One of the first were honky (early gambling hall 
music) including attractive lady (Can’t remember name) who also played 
Cynthia Parker in other area productions. In his display here virtually all the 
methods used by early professional cheats and gamblers to beat you out of  
your earnings or wager. It was always an education to see this and many 
other displays. He had lots of different articles including Doc Holidays 
whisky shot glass.
  In early 1970 after 1911 jail and new Jail been built the old one declared no 
longer usable and County wanting to get rid of it I agreed to take it down for 
the salvage ( a bigger job than anticipated). I gave one of the Jail cell areas 
to Jan Harrison to help with security. Another of the Jail cell was given to 
Navarro College for use in its “Restraint Display”. Some Old Jail  Cells 
were saved for a Hanging Cell along with the Trap door donated to the 
Freestone Co. Museum years ago for display where nothing  been done 
regarding this.
  Harrison disposed of most of his collection and took position with large 
Waco firm involved in such. He made friends one, with big pockets and 
interested in Jan’s Ministry he been involved in for some time. Recently they 
learned that ”The Lone Ranger” (Of Movie &TV series)  guns were to be 
auctioned at a sale in Mesa, Arizona. The Lone Ranger always involved with 
the best party of man, with truth and respect. Jan told he caught a plane to 
Mesa and purchased then for this friend. After the purchase the friend 
told him to keep and use in his ministry until a later date. 
  Jan Harrison will be the speaker at the April 6th meeting of the 
Freestone Co. Historical Comm. All are invited to join us at this meeting   
This will be Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm on April 6th. 2010.  Come join us 
hearing the rest of the story and possible see the guns, silver bullets and 
holsters used by Actor Clayton Moore in the “Lone Ranger” series. Jan 
presented interesting programs for us over the years.

***
  Recent snow storm brought to mind incident regarding an unexpected and 
appreciated one that occurred during the terrible drought in the early 1950’s
when area there no local hay or anything else for the cattle to eat. Also 
occurred in min March, shortly before this a train load of old hay shipped
in on the train. This hay recently baled from old stacks up north baled with 
snow still in them but  better than nothing. Don’t know how we made it
as calf prices about 17 cents a pound and few weighted more than 3-400 lb

                                             ***
  From Original Sheriffs Report 1977
    Retirement and appreciation dinner for THP Charlie Ray who after 20 
years pulling out to go in business for himself. Most of that time spent in 
Freestone Co. with many friends. Have seen laugh an old DWI behind bars 
without making him mad.
  Bunch of dead snakes thrown out downtown Teague
  Deputy to see Lady with good and bad news, message from mother and 
civil papers for service.
  THP Price jailed DWI buddy jailed on possession marihuana.
   Judge  Roy Whatley assisted with early morn heart attack victim.
  Window in rural area ended when  man at house busted .30-30 round over 
his head.
  Disturbance call, man had pistol, she had knife. 
  Resignation from biggest dispatcher in State, really come up in world since 
came here, hadn’t had job or any women, worked into two jobs and reports 
of more women than knew what to do with. (This must’ve been Cuz).
  Cattle theft from hospitalized grand mother by grandson with hr deciding 
not to prosecute, also recovered shotgun another grandsons relieved her of 
her. 
  Assisted 92 year old lady in returning home after niece took and wouldn’t 
return.
  Joined group in Limestone Co. opening day dove hunt and socializing.
  Subject wanted here picked up Colorado refused to waive extradition
  Made first trip to Teague’s new football field, thought was at Cowboy 
stadium or somewhere so fancy. (Friend Fred Owens worked hard on this 
field).

***
Grandpa’ Report
  
   Regret to learn of loss of friend Jimmy Brown, involved with in past with 
Ham, Ken and James playing outlaw baseball. Also enjoyed water melons he 
raised. A good friend.
  Regret to learn of friend J.E. McIntire who wore many hats over the years 
including being at Pearl Harbor in the l941 Japanese attack. He will be 
missed.