FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS MURDER OF WORTHAM CITY MARSHALL Over the years have known Alf Rushin, Frank Carter and Harv Scruggs were indicted for a murder committed in Wortham in l877. I didn’t realize the accused were from Pisgah Ridge area families. I also did not know the murdered victim was City Marshall of Wortham Jason T. Barfield. Recently information concerning this was received from Dallas Co. Sheriffs Office Assistant Chief Deputy (Ret.) Terry Baker who is and has researched numerous cases where law enforcement officers killed so they could be recorded and recognized as such... Deputy Chief Baker sent copies of the Galveston Daily Sun, Oct. 12, l877 with the following information” The Murder of the Town Marshall at Wortham. Wortham, Dec. 8, l877 Eds. News- In justice to the citizens of this community, and owing to many incorrect statements in some of our local papers, which lead to a general misconstruction of the affair, we give below a true account of the horrible murder perpetrated in our midst last Monday, causing each citizen to recoil with horror at it barbarity and total lack of provocation. Rushing, Scruggs and Carter came in to town, armed with shotguns, proceeded to the store of J. J. Stubbs, and demanded a pistol which they accused him of having taken from their saddlebags, left in his store a few days since. Mr. Stubbs told them he knew nothing about it. They remained in and about the store for some time, occasionally alluding to the matter with Stubbs saying they intended having the pistol, seventeen dollars, or blood. Stubbs still persisted, saying that he knew nothing of it. The attention of the Marshall was called to the disturbance brewing. He quietly walked across to the store and asked them, in a friendly manner, not to raise a disturbance and to be more quiet. The marshal was not accused to his face of having taken the pistol, but seemed to be trying to pacify them, and apprehended not danger to himself. Turning his back upon them to walk off he was shot in the back by Alf Rushing, nine buckshot in the back passing through his body, three through his heart. They had previously mounted their horses. Immediately upon firing they wheeled and, under a shower of buckshot, with their horses at full speed, left town. As quickly as possible several citizens procured horses and went in hot pursuit. Some distance from town they turned on their pursuers; several shots were exchanged and they continued their flight. In this encounter “Carter was slightly and his horse badly wounded. He let his horse and attempting to escape across fields was captured. After a running race for several miles the others reached their bottom and were lost in the brush. All vigilance has been used for their capture, but up to this time without success. Rushing is supposed to be secreted in Pin Oak Creek bottom, in the neighborhood of those who sympathize with him, and are supposed to use every means to aid him in escaping the law. KK II “ More on the murder of Marshall Barfield and Alf Rushing later. *** Original Sheriffs Report l968 After the many inconveniences and problems using the Anderson Co. Jail due to District Judges Order at recommendation of Freestone Co. Grand Jury due to its bad conditions Failure of County Officials to correct did some personally with donations of material, labor and tools only cost to Freestone Co. was some new mattresses, covers and paint. Reports of $5 and $20 counterfeit bills being passed in area. Deputy James Gregory worked case with out of County pair arrested and jailed, a large amount of bogus bill found hidden in vehicle they using along with a large amount of property they had bought with the fake money. We got a good education from the Secret Service Agents called and came with all released to them and told the bought objects including guns, ect. would be returned to the owners. Found out none was ever returned, learned not to release anything to other agencies until sure or with court order. Found this true with most Federal Agencies. When first in law enforcement if wanted subject jailed, charge with vagrancy which was out-lawed by Courts as too vague. Self propelled hay baler nearly destroyed Cotton gin area by vandals. Warning signs and caution flashers being shot and destroyed where bridge out on Tehuacana creek. Prisoner being used to repair went AWOL burglarized four houses and armed with loaded rifle found hiding in vacant building in Teague by City Marshall Blakeley and others. Fairfield woman hospitalized with head injuries after family discussion with husband over who would fix a can of ice water for him to carry to work, Man charged and jailed for abandoning wife. Prison area of old Jail never had a shower for in its 50 year history for prisoners and smell would get terrible, installed one with little cost to County. *** Freestone Historical Comm. monthly meeting Tuesday Feb. 5th. 7pm at the Training Center on US84 between Teague and Fairfield. There will be a short business meeting with the election of 2008 officers. Mrs. Joyce Burns, Teague business woman will be our speaker. All are invited and encouraged to attend. *** Grandpa’s Report Friend and retired Chief Deputy Charles Nicholson hospitalized after major surgery and extensive problems in Tyler. Wish him a speedy recovery. Recent visit with Jeff Stuver, inquired about the famous springs of water on Tehucana Hill. Jeff’s grandfather Trotter gave me a personal tour of those on his property more than 50 years ago which very impressive. Jeff advised they dry now as quit running after the extensive limestone gravel operation started a few years ago by large company. These historic springs known back into Indian days and a landmark for travelers, it known as the only permanent water between the Brazos and Trinity. This is the price of so called progress. ... Often get concerns and inquires about our Mississippi friends Mary and Davis Carter living in Aberdeen, Miss. in assisted living. These friends did more for Freestone Co. history than anyone known with their research and books “The Story Uncle Minyard Told” and “Two Stars in the Southern Sky”. They are great friends.