Freestone County, Texas
Reflections


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

Deputizing England’s Prince Andrew

  In l992 England where the Office of High Sheriff originated celebrated its 
Millennium (l000th. year). Sheriffs from all over the World attended this big 
event.
  Sheriffs from the United States were also invited to participate. Peggy and I
joined a group from the National Sheriffs Assn. for this unique trip (at our 
personal expense). We toured England and were entertained by Sheriffs, 
Lord Mayors and other dignitaries. We dined with the Sheriff of Nottingham 
whose wife owned Sherwood Forest in their centuries old Manor. 
  The official Millennium Observance was held at York Minister, we 
traveled from London to York on a special train “The High Sheriff” along 
with many nobles including Prince Andrew. York Minister one of the oldest 
and most impressive Cathedrals in England, centuries old and very elegant.
  The York Millennium Celebration was a very dressy affair, nobles with 
their medals, sashes, uniforms or morning dress and top hats. All ladies wore 
hats except those in our group. The Millennium program was very 
impressive with a procession of dignitaries including Prince Andrew 
marching in with Fanfare (trumpets blasting just like in the movies) and led 
by the Dean of York with the York Cathedral Mace. In the procession were 
High Sheriffs from England, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and other countries 
in the British Empire.
  Following the celebration and luncheon at York a very selective group 
including ours joined Prince Andrew at the York railroad station for him to 
officially dedicate the “High Sheriff” train. Anywhere the royal family goes 
there is very tight security due mainly to terrorists. We saw more armed 
military and police here than anywhere else, arms were still unusual in 
England at that time. During the dedication Prince Andrew visited with 
those attending, at this time he remarked to me I was the only one who 
looked like a Sheriff (I am sure due to my dress and western type hat). While 
visiting with him I presented him an official Freestone Co. Sheriffs Deputy 
badge, which he graciously accepted.
  At the conclusion of the train dedication all returning to London were 
advised to board the train. I boarded with some of our group for the return
Trip and visiting with Beaver Co. Pennsylvania Sheriff Frank Poloacari who 
President of the National Sheriffs Assn. at that time. The train whistle blew 
and the train began to depart, I happened to glance out and saw two women 
running beside the train and waving. After a moment I realized who it was 
and exclaimed to Frank “my God that’s Peggy and Nancy (his wife). 
Somehow they got the train to stop and let them on, it didn’t stop again till 
back in London some l50 miles.
  The English Sheriff today has little power and mostly honorary who is 
appointed by the Queen. To be Sheriff they must be very wealthy and it their 
responsibility to entertain the High Judges when holding Court. While in 
London we visited “Old Bailee” the famous British courtroom and stood in 
the “Dock” where the accused is placed. Here we joined the High Judge and 
High Sheriff for visiting and sherry.
  This was the trip of a lifetime and not to be forgotten or repeated.
  
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                Whisky Days
  In the l912 Jail the entrance and stairs to the upstairs cell area was thru a 
room with a steel door to the outside and another to the living area. This 
room was used for confiscated liquor and beer storage for many years before 
and while my Daddy Sheriff. Sometimes so much stored in here there only a 
trail thru it to the cell area. Sometimes it stacked from the floor to the ceiling 
and hanging gallows above.
  Prisoners upstairs with nothing else to do made a string rope and with a 
little practice able to lasso ½ gallon jars of whisky in cases below, it was 
pulled up and drank, when the jar empty they filled it with water and eased it 
back into the case below, this way it went undetected until they got too much 
to drink and messed up the party.

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          Grandpa’s Report
...
  Freestone Co. Historical Comm. meeting at historic old Moody-Bradley 
House with program on house, presented by Kathleen McKee. The April 
meeting be held at Sheriffs Training Center with Frank Steele speaker,
Come join us.