Freestone County, Texas
Reflections


FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT
J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS
SHERIFF1965-2001

MARSHY SPRINGS

  Located between Dew and Buffalo joining US75 on the west side.
I wasn’t around when they built US75 but feel like this would have been a 
problem due to the wet sandy terrain. Over the years it called several names.
In early years the small lake created when the roadway built used as a 
recreational area for fishing and swimming similar to Harcrow Lake in Leon 
Co. I do not know who first operated this but a building once there and beer 
and probably dancing here as this during the time Prohibition repealed and 
Freestone Co. wet with beer.
  When I returned from the Navy in the summer of 1946 there was a hotly 
contested Sheriff’s race between my father and WWII veteran and former 
Japanese prisoner of War. Tension was high with my father re-elected and 
some of his opposition drinking heavily and making threats.
The Courthouse Square was crowded. Fortunately nothing serious 
developed. Earlier that day there a fight between two Leon Co. groups at 
The Cottonwood Terrace that recently opened for dancing and partying.
One family from Buffalo and the other from Flo. The Buffalo man cut with a 
knife went to Buffalo for friends and was returning. All met at Marshy 
Springs with two from Flo killed and another left for dead. The Buffalo 
Group returned home and barricaded themselves in their home. Group from 
Flo made threats but not foolish enough to try. Those guilty of the murders
the Grand Jury failed to indict and never tried. This a very buy day and night 
for my father and his one Deputy Homer Robertson.
  The last name it called was Wolf Creek Pass I think because a family 
named Wolf once lived and ran a trash pickup service. There several 
families lived here over the years. Shortly after I45 opened taking most
of the traffic with it. For several years some traveling hookers would come 
and work the road side parks and truck stops plying their trade using CB 
radios to attract the truckers using sexy names like Southern Comfort. I 
learned they using their CB’s and directing them  off I45 to “Wolf Creek 
Pass” not sure where this was until traveling US 75 and found the road                              
nearly blocked by trucks off the Big Road. The girls glad to move on and
“Wolf Creek Pass” shut down. Over the years got to know several of the 
girls and felt pity for them and their life.
                                   ***
             From the Original Sheriffs Report l976
  Prisoner escaped Coffield Unit last seen riding a horse, reported seen
north of Butler, unable to locate.
  Possible pot patch reported by lady, good okra crop.
  Deputies to Momma Red’s on the Stem two youths in fight, doing alright
until other subjects sisters got tire tool and hit him on head.
  Teletype that man wanted here in custody of Royal Canadian Mounted 
Police in British Columbia, Canada.
  Sheriffs Office (mostly Reserves) worked Annual Simsboro Picnic
The Reserves started helping at the groups request; sometimes ran until 4am. 
Enjoyed by all in past. This year nearly taken over by beer drinkers and 
youths from cities, who came looking for trouble. They even talked about 
turning patrol car over and setting it on fire with deputy in it which would 
not have been tolerated.
  Aunty and Dime fixed Xmas dinner for Jail.
  Man jailed recently high on drugs, awoke trusty 5am next morning telling 
him it time to check out.
  Leon Co. service station operator believed kidnapped found murdered in 
weeds nearby.
  All Sheriffs Office to Tyler for fittings for new uniforms being paid for by
Reserves.
  Wife of subject jailed on her complaint to see Judge wanting charges 
dropped, said she just couldn’t sleep by herself.
  Another man jailed told by wife he better get out quick as she wasn’t 
sleeping by herself
  Students at local barber college came to Jail to practice on inmates.
  Dr. Wade Meade who working here for Dow Chemical presented program 
for Historical Comm. This anthologist who identified Aunt Mandy for us.
  Bi -Centennial in Wortham with Congressman Charles Wilson speaker
                                       ***
Grandpa’s Report
  Learned recently longtime Corsicana law enforcement friend Doc Dockery 
who retired after 29 years, a very dedicated man who held several positions.
It was noted Doc the only one left that started in the old Corsicana City Hall.
His friendship and assistance over the years greatly appreciated.