Freestone County, Texas
Reflections

FREESTONE PAST\PRESENT
J. R. (SONNY) SESSIONS

County Fair - Roy Turner

      Over the years have seen many Freestone County Fairs come and go.  More 
than 60 years ago I exhibited my prize Jersey heifer “Jersey Lilly”, took home the 
Blue Ribbon, too; this the only prize in those days.  I didn’t haul the heifer from 
our house north of Fairfield; I led her to the fairgrounds and back.  It was a one-
day event with few activities after.  Most exciting event was a greased pig chase.
	Our son Hammond exhibited a couple of steers once, did real well in the 
judging and hardly broke even.  This was before the big money.  He never wanted 
to do it again.  I really felt sorry for several of the other kids I knew who had to 
borrow money for a calf and feed and didn’t come close to breaking even, and 
could not afford it.
	Until recent years the County Fair held, as were the Confederate Reunions, 
in late August after the crops were laid by.  Also they started Thursday afternoon 
with the parade, exhibits, coronation and other entertainment, youth rodeo and 
carnival.  The rodeo’ were Friday and Saturday nights with livestock showing, 
judging and selling with it over by Saturday night after rodeo and carnival. Believe 
it better that way, as kids today are worn out by the time it is over. Grandpa’s too.
	 Until recently forgot Freestone County had ties with another future 
Oklahoma Governor Roy Turner.  My mother’s younger sister Juanita married Roy 
Turner and while wildcatting in the Indian Nation Oil Patch, struck it big.  The first 
elevator I remember riding in was in a Oklahoma City building where his offices 
were located; this was in the days they required an operator and there was a young 
lady in uniform operating this one.
	Juanita died in 1946 and buried at Woodland, after this Roy was elected 
Governor.  Feel he served with distinction as visited the Oklahoma Capital recently 
where his picture prominently displayed.
	The June meeting of the Freestone County Historical Commission with 
friend and Mexia collector, Jan Harrison presented most interesting program on 
“The Real Old West” with displays of unique, crooked gambling material and 
weapons.  Glad I didn’t come along in those days, as would probably have been an 
easy victim.
	While many other counties are seeing tough times, these are the very best of 
financial times for Freestone County government offices and officials.  I have been 
around or involved in County Government most of my life;  I have seen the worst 
of times and some of the good times. The bad times outweigh the good ones. 
Times and circumstances change usually without warning and nothing can be done 
about them.  I hope our Commissioners Court, County Judge and all elected 
officials will act responsibly and prepare for rainy days, and the rainy days will 
come.