FREESTONE PAST /PRESENT J. R. (Sonny) SESSIONS Sheriff l965-2001 PAN ZARETA The murder of Wortham City Marshall Jackson Barfield in l877 and how Alf Rushing evaded arrest and prosecution until his death of natural causes 53 years later left many unanswered questions. There is information he was assisted by family and friends on many occasions. Some of the family were financially well off including possibly the last he lived with or worked for Mose Newman in Sweetwater, Texas a successful rancher. Newman sent family here a 1960 Copy of “THE CHRONICLE” Hunt Roster Issue on Sport With Horse and Hound. In this issue was a story on a Racehorse bred and raced by Mose Newman. It is likely Alf Rushing involved in this with Mose Newman. The following is taken from this. “PAN ZARETA” Greatness Was Her Trademark by Ned Holloway One of the most illustrious sprinting mares of all time is rarely mentioned when men speak of the greats of the Turf World. Yet the game chestnut mare, Pan Zareta, time after time placed herself in turf immortality by breaking track and world records in three nations. Foaled in l910 at a time which racing was practically at a stand still and probably the reason her greatness so little publicized. The Sport of Kings had been demoralized in most states after Gov. Hughes shut down New York racing. Only Maryland and Kentucky, plus a few brush tracks in the western states had tracks open at the time. The production of Thoroughbred yearlings dropped nearly 80 % with average price of $325; the next year averaged $230. Yet in those deplorable days Pan Zareta raced against the speediest horses of Mexico, Canada and the U.S. had 76 wins, 31 seconds, and 21 thirds in a total of 151 starts frequently breaking track and world records. She was said to be the only mare in the history of the American Turf to have won more than 50 races. As a two year old she was shipped from the Sweetwater, Texas Ranch of her owners James and Mose Newman to Juarez where the Mexican Revolution was in progress, it is said to protect their racing interests the Newman’s presented General Pancho Villa a beautiful Thoroughbred stallion, a horse which he rode during most of his ill-fated campaign. During these days of such small purses, Pan Zareta was used extensively for match racing. Racing fans loved the gangling chestnut mare and would come from miles around to watch her run. Once one of her backers, a man from Abilene, Texas stood on the grand stand steps at a large race with 10 one thousand dollar bills offering to bet the money that Pan Zareta could run the ¼ mile distance in less than 21 seconds with no takers. Probably her most famous race was with Joe Blair the foundation sire of the Quarter Horse Breed, a terrific race with Pan Zareta prevailing on the Mexican turf. Unfortunately Pan Zareta never reached the broodmare paddock. She died in her sixth season of racing at the New Orleans Fair Grounds Track and buried in the infield. A decade later Black Gold, Oklahoma’s Kentucky Derby winner broke down on the same track when a bone in its front leg snapped. Black Gold kept lunging for the finish line, hobbling on three legs despite his jockey’s efforts to pull him up. Hardly an eye in the crowd remained unstained as the crack of the pistol heard. *** From the Original Sheriffs l970 Reports Postcard from man wanting me to get him “the pension”. East Texas Stone burglarized of explosives during week. (This happened several times and none ever recovered- company started using nitrates instead.) Tour of proposed State Park and 2600 acre lake that offered Texas Parks & Wildlife by lignite generating co. east of Fairfield. State Senator Bill Moore, Rep. Jack Hawkins, local officials and interested people. (This now Fairfield State Park and Lake). Young man that just don’t fit anywhere you put him held overnight in Jail after trouble with family, released next day to move to Conner’s County (limestone) Longtime friend and Fairfield resident Tobe Huckaby back in town for short visit as no living reluctantly with family in Arizona. Hardest thing for man held on several charges to fess up to was stealing Wortham Police Owens calf a year ago. Nearly l00 gallons gas stolen from Highway Patrol pump during week. Large piece of generating plant transported from Teague railroad to construction site, took most of two days with load reported weighing 303 tons, the heaviest ever moved on wheels. Shooting in Teague investigated by deputy not too conversant with such, made mistake and asked woman where shot and got showed before could object. Victim wife of man going with one doing the shooting, victim came down from Dallas to talk to her about it. *** Grandpa’s Report Freestone County Historical Comm. March meeting had WWII Veteran Julian Walthall present some of his experiences in the War and as a Navy Medical Corpsman including the invasion of Iwo Jima. At Iwo he served on a amphibious ship used as a hospital ship. Very interesting and informative, greatly appreciated. Known Julian a veteran but like many others did not know where and how, if involved with any please take time to record if possible for future generations, the ranks are getting smaller every day. The April program for the Historical Comm. will be on early citizen Hopson Burleson and the Hopson Burleson Cemetery between Fairfield and Streetman. Bradley Pullin one of many descendents of Hopson will bring the information at the Training Center on US 84 starting at 7:30pm Tuesday April 1st 2008, all are invited. Brad Pullin is now the Commission Chairman. Daniel and others involved in Gymnastic Competition to Houston recently for National Finals. Told Daniel and group awarded First Nationally; they are to be congratulated for their hard work and skills. Jacob and others involved in Civil War re-enactments to weekend near Bastrop. This has a large and dedicated following; some whole families are involved with period dress and participation. Samuel and Jeremy really like it, Lucked into fine dinner put on by Wortham Garden Club as operating fund raiser. Ladies each brought something different, the food was great along with the fellowship, hope they will keep me advised on future ones. Kali’s Spring Baseball Season underway, conflict with minor medical problems and other hindered her playing so far, hopefully all improves with the weather. Lifelong friends getting fewer too often. Loss of one of best lifelong friends Roger Davis Steward with burial alongside ancestors in historic Stewards Mill Cemetery this week. We grew up together and very involved family wise as the Stewards and Nettles and mine close for several generations. Both sides added much to his character. The thought of any of us surviving for 80+ years didn’t seem possible. Memorial services held at old Harmony Church near the Cemetery which Roger and I attended numerous times with his grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Worth Steward Sr. At the grave site I thought the only thing that could add to the whole thing was to have a low flying plane buzz the crowd, about then one appeared making several low passes as we had done many years ago, So long old friend it was fun. .