Freestone Past/Present
J.R. “Sonny’ Sessions

Freestone Co. Poultry History

   Recent attempts to bring poultry production back into Freestone Co. brings 
to mind how big it was here in 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. 
There were broiler houses in all areas, unlike those proposed and built today 
which are different and much larger.
  The earlier houses were mostly family size with the family providing much 
of the labor. There were not many things in this area where you could have a 
cash profit, cotton was fast becoming a thing of the past here with 
government allotments being sold and moved to West Texas. Many 
(especially women) did specialized jobs such as debeaking baby chicks to 
keep from pecking each other to death. There were ways to finance a broiler 
house and carry baby chicks until marketed. Some specialized in catching 
those ready for market. This provided many with an income. The market 
conditions changed and locals couldn’t compete and the business phased out, 
most broiler houses were torn down or used for other purposes.
  North of Kirvin next to the railroad large buildings are seen vacant that 
once a large egg business, also a chicken hatchery which employed a large 
number of locals. Ellis Wynne one of largest independent operators. Athel 
Ivy in Fairfield had many houses, financed many small operators, had a 
large feed mill and a full time college graduate
advisor and trouble shooter for those with problems, Pat Donovan .. Large 
amounts of eggs and chickens were stolen during this period and personally 
got kidded a lot about chicken stealing. The programs offered today are big 
business and quite different.
                                                                    ***
                    Original Sheriffs Report 1969
  Man jailed for disturbing the wife, carried to Rusk Alcoholic  
Ward. Termite-repair swindler jailed. 
Two Dallas youths visiting from outside with other Dallas youths in jail 
trying to throw blank pistol jailed, loaded with tear gas Ronny Alford and I 
found out the hard way, had to evacuate office for while.
  Errant father jailed on child support, released by Judge after repenting, 
many promises and partial payment. Dogan School burglarized. Houston 
man struggling home from Dallas convention jailed DWI. Deputy Sue 
Gregory spoke at Methodist women’s meeting.
  Equipment stolen from Hable I45 construction. Longtime   prisoner 
allowed to have his TV in jail. Adams Const. I45 Equipment stolen, most 
recovered and returned. Only time ever rode the range in Lincoln was with 
Wayne Adams. Stone turkey gobbler named Buster stolen, found and 
returned to owner, not sure who the happiest turkey of owner.
  First full time dispatcher Ronny Alford was confined to a wheel chair, had 
a very upset woman’s call wanted officer right then, none available but 
would send one as soon as possible, woman asked why he didn’t get off his 
dead --- and come himself. Drunk man jailed who had soiled his pants and 
did smell rank, other prisoners isolated him
  Wortham Police Big Buford assisted with Dallas Pigeon Droppers, made 
mistake when tried to pull on JP Will Matheson, one jailed from here. 
Houston man scheduled or trial here on cattle theft killed during burglary, 
given name George Washington but those who knew him called him Rex 
saying there wasn’t any truth in him.
  Deputy Sue Gregory hospitalized after heavy light fixture fell on her head. 
Traveling termiters jailed, tried to cheat old lady they done in the past. Man 
with serious stuttering no billed by Grand Jury for shooting man making fun 
of him... Bosley Store burglarized.
                                                ***
  Grandma and I joined large crowd at friend Edith Morton’s 90th. Birthday 
party in Freestone Baptist Church new fellowship brought back memories 
visiting here when Bro. Dwight Atchley the pastor, time and gas wells sure 
can change things.
  Historical Comm. August meeting, Jan Harrison had to cancel, rescheduled 
for September meeting.  Gave informal information on legal executions and 
jails. …