HISTORY OF SESSUMS COMMUNITY THROUGH 1976 MRS ...

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upstairs the full length of the house, both sides. On the lawn were two-room
cottages called offices. Grandfather, Dr. Isaac Sessums, had his study in one of
them and my father after him. The boys of the family, and occasionally their
elders, lived in the other. Besides the big house and two offices there were also
sundry outbuildings after traditional southern style, including servant houses,
wood house, poultry house, smokehouse, well house. The house was heated by wood
fires in large fireplaces. There were candles and lamps; some hung from the ceiling
and others were attached brackets on the wall.
Captain Sessums was a member of the Baptist Church. He was a captain in the
Confederate Army, and his sword is now in the home of his son, Colonel Irwin D.
Sessums of Mississippi State College. There are many interesting heirlooms in the
family, among them a pair of glasses that were used by Captain Sessums'
grandfather, Solomon Sessums of North Carolina, a pair of brass candlesticks, etc.
He owned many slaves.
Captain Sessums manufactured a dyspepsia and general disability bitters that was
sold all over the county. He gave right-of-way through his plantation to the Mobile
and Ohio Railroad for a branch line from Starkville to Artesia, the company naming
the place Sessums in honor of the donor. He became interested in raising pedigreed
horses and had one of the best mile race tracks in the state. His trotting horse,
Cephas, became famous; the horse's picture is still in the family. Races were held
every fall. The Sessums home was a favorite gathering place for friends, and
usually a dance was given every Friday night . . . . Time rolled on, the children
grew up and the Sessums home became noted for its hospitality. With the lapse of
time, the old plantation life has vanished into the smoke of the past. These old
memories of bygone years, it is hoped, may prove of some interest.
Captain Solomon Davis Sessums rests beside his last two wives on the farm he loved
so well at Sessums, Mississippi.
The information contained in this article on the Sessums Family was obtained from
Mrs. Wilburn R. Page of Starkville and Oktoc. She, in turn, obtained it from Mrs.
Henrietta Sessums Palmer, daughter of Captain Solomon David Sessums.