Freestone County, Texas
Reflections



Freestone Past & Present
By J.R. “Sonny” SESSIONS Special to The News

PYRAMID RANCH

In the 1960’s unknowns began purchasing tracts of land north of Stewards Mill. Many thought they 
were oil rich Arabs due to their privacy and sometimes seen in large and expensive vehicles with the 
darkened windows you couldn’t see inside, also they’re naming this ranch “The Pyramid”. They put 
together several thousand acres. There were complaints from many neighbors on the existing fence 
lines dozed down without their knowledge or consent. Land clearing, fencing and other 
improvements made, even a concrete road with a bridge crossing Big Tehuacana Creek to property 
purchased which eventually washed out. Expensive homes and other built on both sides of the 
Creek. There were nice cattle working pens equipped for possibly a full time Vet .  
 
Entering Pyramid Ranch to the big homes and vet barn there were small pyramids representation. 
They began purchasing the best and most expensive Brangus cattle. An airport was built to handle 
their Lear Jet, and pilots for this and three helicopters. When the 3 helicopters used they landed 
looking like a pyramid. The Lear Jet was used for long distance trips, been told it equipped with 
everything, I was offered the Jet if needed for the Sheriffs Office, no real use ever came up as 
would have loved to go up in it. 
 
The promoters were not rich Arabs but two men with connections in Dallas and Midland, one had 
local family A Brangus Sale was held for several years. At the first sale possible buyers were flown 
in from the mid-west on commercial planes hired by the Ranch and landed on the field there. There 
were all kinds of refreshments; waiters in tuxedos served a full course dinner. Neiman Marcus had a 
display of fine wearing apparel for the ladies, even mink coats, I don’t remember if there models. 
There were other expensive things here also.  
 
Over the years at these sales were first class entertainers. Barbara Mandrel, Fats Domino, and even 
a group of Break Dancers from New York City are the only ones I remember. Don’t think there ever 
anything like this in Freestone Co. before or after. Unfortunately this is like other things, where time 
changes everything. Today their are new owners and operations. It was an education being involved 
in a small way. 
 
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The Freestone Co. Historical Comm. meeting for September held at The Freestone Co. Training 
Center was an enjoyable and educational program presented by Navarro Co. Historian and 
Archeologist Bill Young on early days traveling on the Trinity River and its importance at the time. 
Extensive work in all kind of history been done by Mr. Young. Accompanied by his wife Bonnie who 
is over the Pioneer Village in Corsicana. Hope to have them again as enjoyed and appreciated by all. 
 
The October meeting will be held at the Training Center on Tuesday Oct. 3rd, Jerry Calame will 
speak on Robert Longbotham on his Land Grant where Wortham located at 7:30 pm. All are invited 
and encouraged to attend. Fairfield will be responsible for refreshments. 
 
***