FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT
J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS
SHERIFF 1965-2001

NAVARRO COUNTY SHERIFFS

   During my 36 years (l965-2001) as Freestone Co. Sheriff I served with
seven Navarro Co. Sheriffs. Prior to this I knew Cap Curington and David 
Castles who served while my father Jim Sessions was Sheriff. All these to 
my knowledge were honorable men and respected law enforcement officers,
and have been friends with all over the years.
  The first served with Rufus Pevehouse a true legend, first elected l928 
serving till 1939 when resigned and served 10 years as Deputy United States 
Marshall. Elected again in l950 and serving until l973, one of the few Texas 
Sheriff’s to serve more than 30 years. He served during the Clyde Barrow 
and other such outlaws time. He told me he had little respect for Ranger 
Lone Wolf Gonzales as worked with him during Prohibition. In his late time 
as Sheriff he had a very small staff, I remember 3 deputies, Blackman, 
 and Harold Pitts were two of them, a couple of Jailers and an Office Lady.
He was a real politician, been told there were few Navarro Co. funerals he 
didn’t attend. I always found him ready to assist.

  Jerry Shelton the next Sheriff a good officer, but probably the most 
controversial of the group as made the local newspapers often. I told him 
after his resignation the newspapers didn’t have anything to write about 
anymore. A good friend and fun to work with.
  
  Friend Harold Pitts appointed to fill Shelton’s place, he and I friends before
he became a deputy.  Harold in bad health only served a few months before 
his death.  Pitts a hard working officer I shared many experiences with and 
called on him often and helped him.  A true friend.

  Pete McCain appointed at Sheriff Pitts death. Pete known many years in 
different positions, mostly dealing with fine horses. He also served as an 
investigator for the District Attorney. Enjoyed working with and knowing 
Pete.

  Bobby Ross probably the best qualified of the group, a Corsicana boy
whose ambition was to be Navarro Co. Sheriff. Bobby a promoter and 
business man lost interest before his term up and didn’t seek re-election
He did a lot to improve the Sheriffs Office and appreciated working with 
him.

  Jim Hodge the next Sheriff easy to work with and enjoyed calling him 
friend. He also did not seek re-election and went into private business.

  The current Navarro Co. Sheriff my longtime friend Leslie Cotton who has 
really expanded the Sheriffs Office and Jail operation. Les and I go back to 
when he was a dispatcher with the Corsicana PD many years ago. I feel 
fortunate to have been involved with and called friend. Sheriff Cotton has 
served many years and served them well. He really enjoys being Sheriff and 
will be long remembered. Sheriff Cotton not only served Navarro Co. well 
but also his country in the military. I hope to present this soon. 

  I feel fortunate to have been involved with this group over many years
                                         ***
      From the Original Sheriffs Report l974
    Jail bird applied for private mail box at Post Office, a first.
 Weekend farmer in from city, reported farm pickup and farm hand missing.
    Out Saturday morning locating illegal whisky still on branch truly named 
Green Briar as they really there. Being manufactured in old oil drums buried 
in creek bottom, mash working like it boiling probably had lye in it to help 
work faster as old fat pork added, lucky we don’t have more poisoned from 
this stuff than do.
  Took my boys on this Still deal, brought back memories of years ago with 
my father, they had a ball along with Teddy Bear.  
    Wortham Police, deputy and recently acquired tracking dog from TDC 
assisted Navarro Co. in search there for suspect in attempted murder and 
robbery of man shot with .410 shotgun from behind while bending over 
picking up chicken feed. More injury to pride than anything else. Been  told  
him the dog said he a liar the dog went to suspect with him denying guilt 
with Big Bueford advising the dog said he a liar, man confessed.
  Learned The Bear running little answering service on mobile phone in 
patrol car.
  Cullen Bass reported his pickup stolen, located with grandson who 
borrowed thinking he out of town. 
  Played Cupid over weekend assisting man here commit matrimony, 
deputies had em tested, get license, even paid Judge for ceremony.
Probably end up later baby sitting for them.
  Another young married man reported family fuss wanting to know how to 
get his car back she left in. Advised him it now probably their car and he got 
troubles.
  Deputy meet and good feed prepared by Deputy’s  daughter and friend 
advised turned down offers to add Ex Lax or worse.
  Office boss Aunty down after bout with flu given fast trip to Corsicana 
specialist when she wouldn’t follow my prescription for sore eye of slab of 
fat sow belly or raw potato. Killed two birds with one stone, while she 
getting worked on Navarro Co. Deputy Pitts assisted in locating man needed 
next date on revocation of probation.
  Deputy King enroute to Jail with pair of errant Teague juviniles that 
jumped out at red light in Fairfield. Several hour futile search that night
Not located till next morning in one of youthd fathers motel room who 
denied the there until bed raised off floor and dropped hard with them 
coming out.