FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT
J. R. (Sonny) Sessions
                              
“The Big Cattle Shoot”

  Recently ran across article published by Joe Richards in 1967
Cattle Chatter “The Big Cattle Shoot”. During the drought and 
depression years in the mid 1930”s the Government instituted a 
program to try and eliminate a surplus of cattle with prices so low
most today would not believe and help the destitute cattle owners.
  My only experience with this was witnessing a “Cattle Shoot” as a 
small child at Guy Coleman’s place on north 75. Cattle were gathered 
and driven here as this before all had pickups and gooseneck trailers.
All were from the immediate area and I feel sure my Daddy had some 
here as ran cattle nearby and I went there with him. As I remember it 
late in the afternoon and I think a Mr. Bray the man in charge here. 
The cattle were shot with a .22 rifle with .22 shorts and I don’t 
remember any misses. I can’t say with certainty the number killed as 
this more than70 years ago but I think the pen was full. I was told the 
killed cattle were disposed of so they couldn’t by salvaged. I remember 
thinking this foolish as so many people having a hart time getting food, 
especially beef.
  As I remember grown cattle accepted in the program brought about 
$10 each, I know there some kind of control on how many you could sell 
as this a premium above market price those days. The program was 
discontinued.
  I remember my Daddy buying young Jersey type cows at less than $10 
each in the Keechi area, breeding them to good Brahma and Hereford 
bulls their calves paid for all and cheap land purchased in this period.
He had to borrow money for all this, mostly from District Judge Lex 
Smith at probably about 5% interest. My haven’t times changed. 
                           Mutilated Cattle and UFO’s
  Recent inquiry on this brought to mind numerous reports in the mid 
l960’s of such around this and other area counties. Recent articles on 
such in western livestock magazines seen by this citizen and myself, the 
first reports of such seen in many years. Cattle dead for no apparent 
reason found with genitals and such missing that looked done 
professionally by a surgeon with surgical tools. There several reports 
over several months wit no real answer then or now.
  This seemed to occur during many reports of unidentified flying 
objects seen in areas. Reports of strange lights in the sky and flying 
objects occurred quite often with nothing to indicate what they really 
were or with no real answer. Not familiar with any UFO reports in quite 
some time in our area.
  The closest thing to UFO’s seen personally was during the time it was 
in the news and talked about. Late one afternoon several hands and I 
horseback were riding into Big Tehaucana Creek bottom to pen some 
cattle. The UFO’s and such under discussion by all, suddenly a large
cigar shaped object seen in the distance that looked like it coming out of 
the Big Creek. My cowboys decided they had business elsewhere and 
left it with me, I was even concerned about what it was, but determined 
to see it thru. It soon became clear that it was one of the big Goodyear
Dirigibles traveling towards Dallas and its position made it look
 like it rising and coming out of the creek while it really not. Even then I 
did not have much luck convincing my cowboys to return hat day. I 
believe it the most eerie feeling I have ever had when first sighted.
                                  ***
  Kirvin’s annual Volunteer Fire Dept. Chili Supper and Fund
Raiser this Saturday evening 4pm to 7pm. Come eat there or get some 
to go, there will also by door prizes and lots of visiting. This last year 
has been a good example of its value.
                                  ***
\  The care and preservation of Woodland Cemetery an on going thing, 
mistletoe that could eventually kill our trees is being removed by Rick 
Kelly who has Rick’s Tree Service in Kirvin who always does a good job 
for us. 
  Think all grandkids well and doing good. Daniel and Jacob have tires 
for the Go Cart they restoring. Abigail says her horse rides good. 
Jeremy and Samuel enjoy fussing with each other. Anna still in the 
cookie and fudge business, still needs someone to ride her horse a while, 
grandpa would have in the past but no more.
   Kali’s team tied for District with Frost, have one more game in 
Hubbard, they defeated Dawson in probably their last game in 
Wortham. Kali had good year, has worked hard and played hard with 
good results. Cooper’s team getting short rows too. Kenzie, Devin and 
Sara just starting having games this weekend. Sara not a happy camper 
as going to be gone for the first and she does love to play.  
   Memorial services for longtime friend Bill Savage, buried at Salem 
where family and friends lay. Will be missed.