FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS SHERIFF 1965-2001 LONE WOLF GONZALES Probably the best known and one of most colorful Texas Rangers I knew personally died in 1977 at age 84. His father was Spanish-Portuguese and his mother German was born In Spain while his American parents visiting there. Gonzales retired in 1951 after a colorful 31 years with the Rangers that included the 1946 series of ‘lovers lane’ murders in Texarkana and a movie made called “The Town that Dreaded Sundown”. When DPS organized in 1935 he was made Chief of Bureau of Investigation and set up the first DPS lab. Later he returned to the Rangers and was Captain of Co B in Dallas until his retirement Gonzales a slight built man was known to carry a pair of .45 revolvers with an engraving on each reading “Never draw me without cause, nor shield me with dishonor”. It is said he got the name “Lone Wolf” working alone in the old oil boom towns He made tracks in Freestone and Limestone Co’s. when so much crime the Governor placed it under Martial Law with the Rangers and State Militia sent in. Gonzales headed a group using airplanes to locate the whisky stills by the smoke from their wood fires used in the distillation with ground forces then going in... Gonzales investigated the Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Cisco in 1927 and involved in many others. He was involved in forming the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame in Waco and donated many of his things to the museum. Local historian and collector Joe Bates of Wortham had in his possession a bullet proof vest that had belonged to Gonzales that must have weighed 50 pound as lined with lead bars. Bates also had weapons involving Gonzales. Once while visiting with Gonzales at a law enforcement gathering Old time Ranger Charlie Miller walked by, when out of hearing Gonzales said “there goes the most dangerous man I have ever known”. From what known about Miller this probably true. Lone Wolf also told me he never went to the bathroom without his pistol and hoped I was the same way. Many times he had a Thompson sub machine gun with him. The following was published in the Dallas News in l976 shortly before his death “Lone Wolf Gonzales captain of the Texas Rangers spent a week of relaxation at the Baker (Hotel), walking around the lobby with pearl handled six shooters strapped to his waist and never turning his back to a window. “In the back of his car an extra seat would fly up with a mounted machine gun pointed down the road. He was a one man army.” Gonzales one of the last of the real old time Rangers. *** For many years cord wood was burned in the Courthouse to heat the various steam heaters. A small black man named Bud Hustler lived in the furnace room and built the fires early when cold so be warm when open for business. Bud always kept a donkey, when the weather got bad he would bring to the furnace room over night. The furnace room always warm in the winter and had many interesting attractions for us youngsters. Many cords of wood burned every year and stacked on north east corner of the square which attracted large numbers of big rats, many times as a child I poured confiscated corn whisky into them, My little dog an d I disposed of them when they came staggering out. *** From the Original Sheriffs Report 1971-2 Two youths confined over night by Wortham PD for consuming too much from man operating portable saloon with gallon of whisky and selling it by the shot jailed with them. Boys came to town on horses not theirs with owner advising he wanted horses but could keep boys. Streetman Homecoming dinner Saturday noon and rodeo that night, better each year. Man reported missing found himself in Madison Co. Jail. Juvenile held on theft of money found to be liar as well as told grandma who quite upset hadn’t been fed in two days. In reality had eaten much better than if he had not been in the cooler. Every courtesy and utmost assistance given by Dallas Co. Sheriff Bill Decker when had business there. Youthful FBI agents by on civil rights complaint from ex-con with long criminal record, a waste of time. Sometimes consider doing what Falls Co. Sheriff Brady Pamplin once told them “he didn’t give statements he took them”. Commissioners approved purchase of speed radar for Sheriffs Office that had to be paid for by cases filed. Visit with Avant area parents and teen-age boys to discuss the evils of shooting neighbors mule, dogs and close to small children. Man wanted in Limestone Co. murder let out in Kirvin by party giving him a ride, located in road culvert by TDC dogs, still had murder weapon in his possession, said he came here to give up to me who he knew. Judge Ezell to hold inquest for three week old baby in rural area. Couple local characters started celebrating July 4th on July 1st. Mother of 10 children victim of homicide during husbands noon hour, which husband described as family type argument. Trip down the Limb to the Stem at night trying to locate man the wife filed on for drunk, located and jailed, already on two probations. *** Grandpa’s Report ... During my Daddy’s time as Sheriff ice picks were often the weapon of choice especially among the black women and a very deadly one. There were a few incidents involving such during my time, A very appropriate and well done article “Tribute to a Spirited Lady” on Christine Watson Marster’s in the Freestone Co. Times. Had the privilege of being involved with Christine most of my life beginning in Stewards Mill in the early l930’s. We shared numerous experiences and historical projects together. Her mother and my mother close friends as well as other family members. .… When we lived in the old Jail in early 30’s a dug water well on the Courthouse Square furnished the drinking water for the Jail, Courthouse and area residents. Drawn from the well on a rope and bucket and carried in a water bucket to where needed with a dipper used by all. The old Cook’s Hotel located just west of the Parker building had family style meals, this where juries and many town visitors dined along with the locals. *** Mark your calendars February 21st, 2009 for the Kirvin Vol. Fire Dep. Chili Supper and dedication of the new KVFD facilities. When this group first formed years ago with a small one vehicle grass fire truck I thought this would go the way attempts made in the past to improve our area and fizzle out. Am proud to say I was wrong.