FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS MANHUNT 1965 This incident occurred when I had been Sheriff only a few months and was very educational as most others were too. Late in the afternoon while I was involved with Waco FBI Tommy Williams on civil rights case he was over checking I was told a subject been brought into the Fairfield Hospital saying he been kidnapped. Saying he escaped after being tortured and burned with cigarettes the ranch hand who found him brought him in. He also told he was driving in Dallas stopped at a signal light where two young armed blacks jumped in the vehicle with him and demanded he drive them to Montgomery, Alabama so they could kill Gov. George Wallace. He told they stopped on US 287 near FR 488 and drove into John Carpenters “Wildcat Ranch” where he escaped with them in pursuit on foot. This occurred during a period of unrest and civil violations in the Old South with Gov. Wallace a segregationist very involved and in the news. FBI Agent whom I got to deal with many times in the future and not to be trusted cut short his visit and hurried back to Waco. I had known Texas Ranger Captain Clint Peoples and other Rangers casually, this the first time to be really involved with them. There was real concern the reported subjects were armed and on foot around 287-488. We started heavy patrolling and making the citizens in the area aware of the reports. The tracking dogs from one of the Huntsville area Prisons were requested and promptly came to the area. Hugh Whitaker, Deputy Gregory and I joined the Rangers and others in the search which went on all night. Navarro Co. Sheriff Rufus Pevehouse and some of his deputies joined in the search. The TDC Dogs and Dog. Sgt. on their horses made several drags in the area but unable to find any trail except the alleged victims. After being out all night with no contact and the dogs unable to find anything we decided maybe alleged victim wasn’t telling it like it happened. We visited him in the hospital where his wounds minor and he enjoying it all to much with all the sympathy and consideration. Suspicious of his story now we requested he take a polygraph test, he agreed but before run on the box he admitted it all a hoax to get sympathy from his wife as she had caught him slipping around on her and not happy camper. Charged with criminal offense with large fine imposed he sent back to Dallas. Learned much from this and contacts with other officers and agencies helpful for years to come. Always made me look at reported offenses as maybe not correct and found this true many times. *** From Original Sheriff’s Report l971 Old time Texas Ranger Charlie Miller buried this week after long colorful career, heard many stories on Charlie. Visiting with Lone Wolf Gonzales at a get together Miller walked by, when out of hearing Gonzales told me there went the most dangerous man he ever knew. Out of County man seriously wounded in shoot out here few weeks back at Sheriffs Office in good spirits and much glad to be there, released his weapons back to him as been referred to Grand Jury with no action. Two lady friends with little belief in warning signs, barricade and high water drove around them into Trinity flood waters. Car washed off road and they fortunately heard later by sight seers that night who reported it. Ladies rescued by fishermen in area with boat from top of car with water up to their bellies and rising. Enroute to Gun Barrel City to see Jerry Lee Lewis. Anderson Co. man to office looking for pastor he thought done stole his dog, referred him to Leon Co. as didn’t think we had no preachers like that. This column found to have readers far away as Singapore according to letter Roger Steward received from grandson Bernie Schafer who there with oil co., also Joe Hickman from Groesbeck. Bar BQ taken in Limestone Co. honky tonk, burglar found in Freestone Co. when deep freeze reposed from house where stolen beer found last week. Boys on bicycles out trying to peddle stolen beer at below normal prices led to their downfall. Constable Copeland and Deputy Taylor over looking for couple making like Bonnie and Clyde staying ahead of the hounds and not found. *** Grandpa’s Report Teague tragedy where friend and Teague Fire Dept. Chief Robert Knight fatally injured at building fire. Known most of his life, his Dad worked with the Sheriffs Office some years ago. Fire Depts. from all over State paid their respects with others; he was largely responsible for Teague’s new Fire Station. He will be missed personally and professionally. JR finally made it to China after Okinawa and Japan, called to let us know where, city close to Siberia with 8 million population and even has a Wal Mart where chicken feet a big seller (he had never heard of chicken feet being consumed, this very common locally in past times, especially where live chickens dressed at home). Said he really didn’t enjoy them. Attended dedication of new Teague’s Veteran’s Memorial Remembrance Park on the Teague Hospital Grounds. Great visit with old friends, especially retired Judge Dick Lawrence who worked with for many years and wife Marie. This to be done with donations. Kathleen and Jim McKee’s annual July 4th supper and get together and Fire Works Display at Re-union Grounds. Great to see my 95 year old friend J.R. Manahan and 94 year old wife Tigna.