FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT
J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS

THANKSGIVING DAYS PAST


  The Thanksgiving season we observe yearly has been thought to have been first held by 
the Pilgrims and native Indians in the l600’s in New England. Some historians today 
believe the first such event occurred in l598 on the banks of the Rio Grande near El Paso 
by Spanish Conquistadors and American Indians. The El Camino Real from Mexico City 
to Santa Fe thru El Paso was established by Don Juan de Onate and 400 Spaniards over 
four centuries ago. El Paso has the oldest Spanish Missions in the United States.  Many 
today don’t remember or know we once had two Thanksgiving Days when Mr. Roosevelt 
who brought so many changes tried to change it from the traditional 4th Thursday in 
November to the 3rd. Thursday because it so close to the coming Xmas Holidays. For a 
few years many observed the new and many the old day, the old day finally prevailed.
  In earlier days before super markets and processed butter ball turkeys you usually 
bought a turkey from the country and fixed it for dinner. For many years ours came from 
one of our last family blacks Boney Cox which he grain fed early before delivering a 
large Tom turkey. It was my job to chop its head off and help clean it for cooking.  Many 
in those days living in the country depended on a flock of turkey’s that allowed to graze 
out and penned at night to protect  from the predators, sold before Thanksgiving or Xmas, 
their Xmas money depended on this.
  Thanksgiving Day was our family’s big day with all usually expected, many wanted to 
be in their own home for Xmas, Santa Clause and gift opening. It was always a feast and 
fun time. Most departed for home with loads of leftovers.
                                         ***
                   Past Taken From Original Sheriffs Report 1970
  Home burned N75 taking the life of elderly resident, saw mil workers the first to the 
scene reported having to pull elderly husband from fire while attempting to enter and 
save her. Sisters of deceased felt certain he killed her spent time and money hiring special 
investigators to try and prove it with no success. There nothing here to indicate foul play.
  Three winos going south for winter jailed drunk by DPS, suspicious vehicle
on deserted lane checked out for man to old to remember why. Man in jail several weeks 
on child support made it out for Xmas after paying some and promising more...
  Masonic gravesite rites Woodland Cemetery for Bro. Everett Whatley lifelong friend 
that let me as small boy drive crawler tractor operated by him for the County. Man found 
deceased in small roadside park south of Streetman due to freezing weather, buried in 
local cemetery with local officers as pall bearers.
  Temporary restraining order served land owner not having any mineral rights refusing 
drilling contractor entry as didn’t think damages offer enough. District Judge swore in 
Willy Morgan Craig as Constable Prect. #4, over the years he also served as deputy and 
other. Personally sworn in for second term.
  Oakwood man to Palestine hospital with knife wounds advised it accidental, he and wife 
practicing Judo. Visit with Mrs. Mary Looney who County Treasurer many years ago and 
lived across the street from the Jail.
 Harlem All Stars, exhibition game, thought they going to use Joe Jr. (Kirgan) for the ball 
several times.
  Commissioners Court approved $3,425 for small building to sit beside old Jail for 
Sheriffs Office which we had to pay back with traffic fines from the Sheriffs Office. My 
personal pickup being used while County car in shop, doors locked and burglarized by 
Leon Co. Sheriff Wilson who advised he wanted to make the papers.
  Poetry, autographs, art, obscenities and other on jailhouse walls painted over so next 
ones can do their thing. Levied on ll0 acres of land to satisfy judgment for $20,000 in 
vehicle collision suit appealed all the way to the Texas Supreme Court, could have been 
settled for a fraction of this earlier.
  Amused when actor-dancer Gene Kelly makes appearance on TV, now has lots more 
hair than had in l944 Navy Boot Camp, rest of us sent to parts unknown, he went to 
Washington, DC and had picture taken with President Roosevelt. Youngest son Ken was 
going out with me Saturday night until found out a bath was necessary. Youth hitch 
hiking to home in Virginia reported caught ride with trio who put him out in the cold and 
took his money. 
                                          ***
                 Grandpa’s Report
   Son James and I to Fairfield Methodist Church annual Harvest Dinner, always enjoy 
the food and fellowship. Kenzie and Cooper kicked off
Basketball season with Axtell. Kenzie, Devin and friend Michael to 
Annual “Tellebration” with me enjoyable as always, first for kids who really enjoyed 
Glenda Nelson.
  Grandma and others treated all clan to fine Thanksgiving Dinner, a here except JR who 
visiting Billy Grahams Retreat in North Carolina and David in Virginia. Kyle’s friend RJ 
said he substituting for JR.