Freestone Past/Present J.R. “Sonny” SESSIONS Sheriff l965-2001 Sam Lamb and Family Sam Lamb one of the County’s earliest settlers born 1830 in Illinois where his parents Thomas and Elizabeth had moved from Kentucky. Sam was the second of twelve children. His parents moved to Madison Co., for a short time to what in now Limestone Co. before 1836. Early settlers including Fort Parker were attacked and Cynthia Ann Parker kidnapped by the hostile Indians. Lamb’s family history tell of their living in Block House’s and some of the men guarded while others worked in the fields or did other chores. The Indians forced these and I think all settlers who tried to live in either Limestone or Freestone to leave until the Indian Treaty of the l840’s. Family history tells of Sam’s father Thomas being a member of a Ranger Company involved in raids and pursuits of marauding Indians. Bread was often hard to come by but meat was plentiful, the country a hunter’s paradise, bear, buffalo, antelope, turkey and other wild game roamed the forests and prairies in vast hordes. Wild horses ran in droves on the prairie, but cattle seemed scarce. During the War with Mexico he served in the Texas Army... Mr. Lamb moved his family to Walker Co. until returning in 1850 to Freestone Co where he followed farming and stock raising until his death in 1870 at 63 years of age. It was said few men who had been residents of the County spent more time in the service of the State than Thomas Lamb, Mrs. Lamb died in 1863 *2* at age fifty one. I feel sure both are buried in Lamb Cemetery. Sam Lamb lived with his parents until marrying Mary J. daughter of John and Lucy Dunagan of Mississippi who died in 1871 after the birth of four children. Sam then married Mrs. Margaret Dozier (Lee) with three children born to this marriage. During the Civil War he served in Texas and Louisiana with the Confederate forces. After the War he returned to Freestone Co. a pronounced Democrat and became active in his land, farming and local activities. Sam [*1* sic, Thomas] Lamb's military grave marker was acquired by his grandson J.D. Blankenship and great grand daughter Mrs. Bonnie Hawkins with plans to place it in some appropriate place. Mr. Blankenship died before it placed and has been in Mrs. Hawkins possession for several years. The old Lamb Cemetery where Sam [*1* sic, Thomas] Lamb buried which not maintained or taken care of today with the possibility of its theft or such caused concern. It was decided and permission granted to place it in Cade Cemetery near Streetman alongside family buried here. This seems like a safer more permanent location than Lamb Cemetery. Sam Lamb was one of the original Trustee’s of Woodland College for Boys. *** From the Original Sheriffs Report l971 Two lady treasure hunters not too particular where and how they got their loot caught in act by property owner. Wortham Police found to be falling down on waterworks duties; customer called him 3am requesting he get him a drink of water; that wasn’t what he got. Coon dog puppies recovered for man they stolen from. Contraceptives stolen by subject with ideas, Bond made by young man charged by mother of 15 year old girl found in family way, room for questions on this as has identical twin brother. Deputy’s and others searched incoming Teague trains, escaped Federal prisoner reported to be on. Man released on bond early Monday morning after Friday night shooting didn’t want him to be late for work. Convict brought from Huntsville for Court hearing, sentenced from this County several years ago for shooting Mills Co, Sheriff and Deputy transporting him to pen. Motion denied and returned to TDC, Deputy Gregory and Ranger Ray found subject wanted here hiding under bed in Omaha, Texas, joined identical twin in jail here. Man given ride home Christmas Eve after visiting brother in hospital and no transportation. They had four good suspects in Kerens Bank burglary but all in jail here. Search for city runaways, located in country where camping out after riding their motor bikes here. Considering hiring youth for part time dispatcher until found out he in love and job too conflicting. New Lake and Park now open east of Fairfield with good fishing and other reports. Statement given by man involving himself in theft of Utley feedlot cattle also shows 215 head stolen over several months in 27 thefts. Finding it amusing that years ago nearly everyone was trying to find ways to leave the area, now trying to find way to get back. Numerous calls each deer season to deliver emergency messages, most just advise it in Freestone Co. which could be anywhere on about ¼ million acres of land. Some didn’t want to be found. *** Grandpa’s Report During week observed another birthday, my 82nd which doesn’t seem possible but makes you wonder where do the years go. =================================== SPECIAL CONFLICT SECTION: *1* = The military marker discussed is Thomas' military marker that is at Cade Cemetery, not Sam's. See Lamb Cemetery on findagrave.com . Please read photo captions for more details. Please read the research by Glenda Wheeler and Alkmena Blount Barger for more details. *2* = I believe that Mrs. Elizabeth (Brimberry) Lamb died in Feb 2, 1871.