Montrose in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

John Sessums, Jr.

(Ca. 1849 - July 7, 1928)

Photographed By James Hulse, November 3, 2023

1. John Sessums, Jr. Marker

Inscription. John Sessums, Jr. was the first - and during his lifetime, the only - African-American member of the Houston Light Guard organized in 1873 as the first uniformed militia company in post-reconstruction Houston, the Houston Light Guard was an all-white, prestigious militia mobilized as needed to restore or maintain peace during crisis periods such as quarantines, labor strikes and political feuds. The guard, known for its dominance in military drill competitions from 1875 through 1889, later became one of the oldest national guard companies in the state.

Sessums joined the guard during the late 1870s and served for over 50 years as its only drummer. By 1880 he also organized and commanded a drill company called the Davis Rifles. He later led several additional African American drill companies, including the Sheridan Guards, Scurry Rifles, Packard Zouaves and Lawlor Zouaves. Sessums also found time to serve as a mascot for the Houston Heralds Baseball Team in 1887 and to participate in "Afro-American" fairs and Juneteenth celebrations. Black residents of Houston could always depend on his drill companies to entertain them with their "attractive" maneuvers.

In 1910 former members of the company organized the "Houston Light Guard Veterans Association" and bestowed the title of "Perpetual drummer" on "Captain" Sessums,

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who continued to lead drill teams in competition. In 1918, the Veterans Association voted to provide for his living expenses while he lived with a family in the Fifth Ward. Sessums died in Hermann Hospital - an all-white facility - surrounded by his fellow guardsmen, almost 2,000 black and white citizens attended his funeral.

Erected 2009 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15803.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Entertainment • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 29° 45.36′ N, 95° 24.353′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Montrose. Marker is at the intersection of West Dallas Avenue and Buffalo Park Drive on West Dallas Avenue. The marker is located in the southwest section of College Memorial Park Cemetery along the pathway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3525 West Dallas Avenue, Houston TX 77019, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rev. John Henry "Jack" Yates (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); College Memorial Park Cemetery (about 400 feet away); St. Thomas High School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hugo Victor Neuhaus, Jr. House

The John Sessums, Jr. Gravesite and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, November 3, 2023

2. The John Sessums, Jr. Gravesite and Marker

(approx. 0.7 miles away); Magnolia Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); Bering Memorial United Methodist Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); Felix Tijerina (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.

Also see . . .
1. Sessums, John, Jr. (ca. 1848–1928). Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

After the Civil War, local Black and White militias provided manpower for military reserves and for local peacekeeping during civil disturbances, functions later assumed by the National Guard. During Reconstruction, Black militia units protected Republicans, largely Blacks, from rampant White Democratic violence. Most of the Black militia units were disbanded after the Texas Democrats regained political power in the mid-1870s. However, after the Sixteenth Texas Legislature revised militia statutes in 1879, the law contained no specific provisions that restricted militia service to African Americans, and several new companies formed. John Sessums, Jr., an exceptionally gifted drummer and drill instructor, helped take both Black and White
Photographed By James Hulse, November 3, 2023

3. The view of the John Sessums, Jr. Marker in the cemetery
Houston militias to dominant prize-winning performances in drill competitions.

(Submitted on November 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. Houston Light Guards. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)

Between 1876 and 1903 the Houston Light Guards mobilized three times to restore or maintain peace during race crises in Southeast Texas, twice during political feuds, four times during labor strikes, once for the Galveston hurricane of 1900, once to break a yellow fever quarantine strike, and numerous times for crowd control and protection of property during fires and public executions. During this period the unit also served as an honor guard at official city and state functions. In May 1898 the company entered federal service because of the war with Spain; it served with occupation forces in Cuba and returned to Houston in April 1899. The Light Guards was one of several militia units that had opposed activation for federal service because the members believed that no emergency existed. Initially, the members voted on grounds of states' rights and economic self-interest not to go, but when the adjutant general informed them that the company would be disbanded if it failed to comply with the mobilization order, the unit reorganized and answered the call.

(Submitted on November 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Tombstone of John Sessums, Jr. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, November 3, 2023

4. Tombstone of John Sessums, Jr.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 48 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.