FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT
J. R. (Sonny) Sessions

JOEL HUNT

Teague and Freestone County lost a legend when O. Joel Hunt died in 
1978, not only as a great athlete also a man who set an example on and 
off the field of competition.  Many today do not know of his many 
accomplishments.  A native of Teague who made records that haven’t 
been copied or met.
A member of the Texas A & M University graduation class of 1928 after 
serving as quarterback for 1925,1926,1927 of the Aggie football team. 
During this time the team won Two Southwest Conference 
Championships. As Captain of the Aggie team his senior year they were 
undefeated (tied once), he scored 19 touchdowns and 128 points which 
still stands today.  Each year he played varsity football Joel Hunt won 
All-Southwest Conference honors and honorable mention All-American 
designation, he focused attention on the Southwest Conference for more 
serious consideration.  His record at Texas A & M has never been tied 
or beaten; he received many honors over the years.
Joel also excelled in baseball and signed with the Saint Louis Cardinals 
baseball team in 1928.  He played several years for clubs in its “farm” 
system, including the then Houston Buffs.  After his playing days he 
served as head football coach at the University of Georgia and the 
University of Wyoming, he also coached at Louisiana State and the 
University of Houston.  Through his athletic ability and exemplary 
character was honored as one of the first inductees into the Texas A&M 
Athletic Hall of Fame and National Football Foundation and Hall of 
Fame as well as the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
Shortly after his death a Resolution in the Memory of O. Joel Hunt was 
passed by the Texas Senate. Much of this information came from this 
published in the History of Freestone Co. Volume I.  Joel returned to 
Teague and involved in business and local affairs until his untimely 
death.  I always found him a gentleman, and you would never know his 
achievements if you waited to hear it from him.

Sheriffs Office 1966
Sue Gregory appointed Deputy, the first female officer in our area. Sue 
often took care of any kind of call when others were not available.  Sue 
served as Dispatcher, served civil papers, Jailer, made arrests, Jail cook, 
you name it and Sue did it.  Once arrested and jailed DWI driving a 
wheel, chair.  Young girl kept removed from her family stayed with 
Peggy and I until her father came from out of state to get her.
Jailed WWII veteran who always calling and threatening to kill the 
President, returned to VA mental hospital until they would release to 
visit father in Board Bottom, handled several times over the years. 
Asked by family with very sick baby to take to Baylor in Dallas, made 
mistake in asking Dallas PD for escort, most dangerous trip ever took 
thru red light and everything, never did that again.
Austin for Attorney Generals meeting took Co. Att. Fryer and County 
Judge.  Had Wortham boys in middle of night return out house stolen 
form country church for their bonfire.  Dallas PD officer’s enroute to 
County on deer hunt spotted wanted murderer sleeping in car, jailed for 
them till went back.  Hugh Whitaker helped when not teaching school, 
had been since went in office.