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

TEAGUE SCHOOL BOND ELECTIONS

  
Recent approval of multi million dollars for new or more Teague schools by 
voters with little publicity or disapproval.
Brought back memories of some 40 years ago when a new school was 
proposed with a very heated bond election. This was to replace the old 
school then situated on Main Street with the gym and other on the same 
block, this is where the bank built and now occupied by attorneys offices 
and other. It became very controversial between those supporting and those 
opposing most of whom were the property owners and tax payers. Lifelong 
friends fell out over this, meetings and plans made by both sides.
 This went on for several weeks before voting day. Having friends on both 
sides of the issue I was asked and accepted the request to be at the polls. 
On voting day I arrived at 7am and didn’t depart until after the polls closed 
at 7pm and votes counted. There were poll watchers from both sides during 
all this. Fortunately no serious questions or problems arose which I believe 
my being there helped. It was a long day but worth it to keep the peace. The 
bonds were passed, the new school constructed and most friends made up.
                                   ***
              “Past” Taken from the Original Sheriffs Report l970
  City Drug, Teague burglarized with narcotics, drugs and money taken. 
First construction on Courthouse Square in more than 50 years for new 
Sheriffs Office next to old Jail. Fourteen year old girl in bad need of Hickory
Tea, and better home life who runs away consistently, picked and held until 
picked up by parents, after gone found trash bucket used as toilet.
  First visit to Huntsville “Walls Unit” since with my father more than 20 
years ago, man brought back to face indictments. Two unknown men trying 
to collect false large electric bill from elderly man. Report runaway wife 
with man in stolen pickup, family problem.             
  Near tragedy when drunk on 75 carried to local hospital by Fairfield Police 
Key,, had pistol hidden in scabbard in middle of back which he pulled on Dr. 
Bonner and nurses. Wortham on Sunday afternoon request to come help 
divide property fro family splitting the blanket, didn’t take long she just took 
it all.
  Several box cars and caboose derailed in Teague after run into from back 
by another train. Humbled more with rather expensive Xmas card from 
colored youth whom I befriended and helped, at the bottom was “The 
Sheriff” hand written. Afternoon search Teague area for missing elderly 
man, located with JP brought for inquest.
  Assisted Streetman Constable Cherry with reported assault, kidnapping and 
auto theft T Color, youth using family vehicle over turned on muddy road 
and needing story to tell family. Bond approved Xmas Eve for man wanting 
to get son out of Jail.
  Finally got thru Christmas at our house with Peggy and other children,
ain’t got no dining room table now but we have a pool table. Reception for 
retiring Judge and Mrs. Williford at Moody-Bradley House, then Mr. Lofton 
Boyd’s birthday party at Co. Club. Renewed friendship with folks not seen 
for many years, one especially Miss Beryl Walker former employee in 
School Supt. Office who knew me back when.
  Prisoner waiting to go to pen asked but denied permission to go across 
street to sign up for unemployment. Mental patient in Rusk State Hospital 
who been calling here for help, must’ve given up on us as stated Willy Frank 
Tate at City Hall.
  Distress call from friend whose Oklahoma brother in law done forgot his 
wife at Buffalo service station. Groesbeck attorneys Joe and Uncle Carl 
Cannon in Courthouse on other business paid reluctant visit to confer with 
one of their clients, and my least favorite jail bird, they didn’t come until 
after Joe told either they come see him or I was bringing him to see them.          
We have a fairly new type of citizens in Freestone Co. with all the gas and 
other mineral production income, and speculation. Shame more of it not 
around when times so hard. Some today need a way to avoid paying so much 
of it in taxes. There are still many charitable ways to do this with donations 
to tax exempt entities such as most cemeteries, volunteer fire depts. and 
other. The little community of Kirvin Vol. Fire Dept. building a new Fire
Station and Community Center and certainly could use some help along with 
Woodland Cemetery and others in the area. 
                                    ***
                 Grandpa’s Report
  Daniel doing tumbling with Gymnastic Group which he reportedly does 
well, the team won first place in San Marcos competition. Jacob, Anna and 
some others to Civil War Re-enactment at Hempstead, got rained on and 
muddy. Katy out of college for holidays. Rachel and Nathaniel going to pre-
school. Samuel, Jeremy and Abigail growing like weeds.
  Kenzie and Devin with me to feed cattle. Some of family gathered for my 
recent birthday, JR even called from West Point. Had lots of birthday cakes 
in my times but never a birthday pie before, thanks Rebecca. Lori and James 
gave DVD copy of video of JR, Kyle, David and Katy at birthday party 
when JR was one year old, and Christmas, seemed like only yesterday, all 
are 20 plus now, sure brought back memories. Grandma and I got new 
electric blanket which I still think one of nicest things invented, for many 
years slept on a partially open and unheated porch, sometimes my mother 
treated me to a heated brick on very cold nights.