FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS WALKER LAKE A natural body of water located in Richland Creek Bottom a few miles east of St. Elmo in north east Freestone County. I guess really a large slough. In the late l800’s a group bought 320 acres and formed the Walker Lake Hunting and Fishing Club. There were originally 50 members, a small clubhouse was built and the members and their family’s came here for recreation, hunting and fishing with fish fry’s, squirrel stews and such common. Some came and camped out for several days, there were no large lakes and such like today and close to Richland Creek and the Trinity River. Early history of the area says this last place to hunt bears which very common at one time, fell sure these were small black bears. Surrounded by John and Ben Carpenter’s Wildcat Ranch they tried for many years to get it, once they had worked a secret deal with some of the members to sell it at the annual stockholders meeting. This would probably been done except my cousin the Secretary Lizzie Mae Freeman closed the minute books and left when she learned about it, nothing could be done without the Secretary In later years Mrs. Freeman gave me a share and each year we attended business meetings held in Wortham and had an opportunity to visit and tour. The road into Walker Lake property was poorly maintained and nearly impassable in wet weather, the clubhouse I think burned and few came here to fish anymore. Tarrant County decided to build the large Richland- Chambers Creek Lake, this property today is under the dam. Dealing with Tarrant Co. was difficult and went on for years, a deal was finally reached and they started construction of the dam but drug their feet in paying for it. We had a member who opposed the sale and against everything the club wanted to do for years. The dam construction well underway with construction employees and equipment going full blast on the day deer season opened this member with a large rifle arrived early and hunting, immediately all work stopped and they called me, I explained to them he had every right to be there as they had never paid for the land, this on a Saturday they closed the deal and paid up early the next week. It has been told I disliked the people who moved here for the lake which not correct as have found most very desirable. I resent Tarrant Co. bullying its way and taking property off Freestone Co. tax rolls and contributing nothing in exchange for this and the many services provided. I have been told by Parks-Wildlife employees they have reserved a large tract of the best deer hunting area for use of Tarrant Co. officials a lot of Freestone Co. early history lies under the water here. The many Walker Lake meetings held were and experience and sometimes fun with lots of good members, *** From Original Sheriffs Report 1971 Year l970 brought some of joys, heart breaks, accomplishments and mistakes as previous years, each New Year anticipated as going to be better but usually a little worse... Man tried New Years Eve before Judge Williford received five year sentence probated to me as we understands each other, spent half his life in jail and trouble already with nothing accomplished. Deputy to Rusk with little feller with two larger brothers whom he has his bluff in on, call there recently with brothers found bloody and exhausted with him jumping in bed and getting under covers when saw deputy. County officials with new terms sworn in by Judge Ferguson. Deputy had to show lock picking skill when new County Judge sworn in it found the defeated Judge d8isplayed his usual courtesy and intelligence with door left locked and no key. Several nervous hours spent with Mexican couple trying to have baby, neither spoke English and no money to go to hospital for delivery rushed to Parkland Hospital as needed Caesarean and Whitt didn’t think he could do that Next day deputies did make delivery of monkey back to owner. .Corsicana Police and Navarro Co. in his high speed chase ending in death of 11 year old sister of l5 year old driver who had tied up mother and brother, took car and guns which pulled on Corsicana officer when stopped on traffic violation. Let youth who said not paid all by employer and needed o go to State Fair have the difference as could collect from debtor. Two workers on big chimney at Big Brown Const. not seriously injured from inside l00’ fall broken by ply board on way. Friend Tommy Moegelin in from sea service by for short visit sent the Sheriffs Report with captain of last ship subscribing so could continue to receive. Splurge of divorce papers served, most with restraining orders to keep husband from doing what ought to be done to some of them. Former County Attorney Bowlen Bond told about prosecuting crap shooters in Justice Court in eastern part of County, Defense Attorney Harold Williford objected when Bowlen asked one of defendants who was denying the charge what he going to tell Saint Peter if asked about this at the Golden Gate on grounds it immaterial to the case what he told St. Peter. Sustained by the Judge who advised it was immaterial as this subject never get near the Golden Gate of St. Peter *** Grandpa’s Report Missed last weeks report, not sure which the sickest me or computer. Also missed going with Grandma to Rotary Club Talent Show with Anna placing first and best of show with her ballet. Daniel, Jacob and others did gymnastics. Daniel and Jacob in lawn service business, if in need of such can call 903 390-2983. Daniel graduating from high school this spring and working to continue his education. Missed friends Dick and Marie Lawrence 60th anniversary, always a pleasure to work with Judge Lawrence as Teague City Mayor, longtime Peace Justice and Funeral Director. JR back at West Point trying to catch up on college work after Spring Break trip and tour of China. Reported the Great Wall spectacular along with much more including shopping trip to Shanghai. Brought Grandma and I small statue of Terra Cotta soldiers. Memorial services and burial of friend Gus Steiner at Woodland, Gus very involved in most civic projects over the years, employed at power plant when first knew him. For several years oversaw County Jail prisoners work crews around the County, and Santa in parades and VFW, will be missed. Freestone Historical Comm. meeting for April was held at Training Center with information on Burleson family and Cemetery presented by Chairman Brad Pullin. This one of our early family’s and cemeteries. The May meeting will by Tuesday May 6, 2008 at the Training Center with information on the l992 program with historian Davis Blake Carter on the community of Woodland, all invited. Wortham is hostess for the meeting. Mark your calendars for the first Sunday in June for the Memorial at Woodland Cemetery and information on the Davis and Pullin family’s presented by Larry Davis a descendent. Following the service and program a pot luck dinner will be served in the pavilion. Come join us.