Typed by Cathy Millburn
ALBERT LOUIS SEBESTA
Albert Louis Sebesta (called "Dutch"), b January 26, 1909 in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas - was a son of Joseph and Albina (Marek) Sebesta. The Sebesta and Marek families came to the United States from Moravia, Czechoslovakia, around the turn of the Century. They did not know each other before each family came to America, but became friends because of their nationality. They also became close friends with Dean Kyle of the Texas A&M University School of Agriculture, and he often said he learned much of his knowledge of horticulture from the Sebestas, who brought the information from the "Old Country." About 1910, Joe and Alvina (Marek) Sebesta moved to Marlin, Falls County, Texas, with their two young sons, and built a large boarding house which catered to the many visitors who came to Marlin for the hot mineral baths. They lived in Marlin for many years, and the old boarding house was torn down only a few years ago, in the early 1980's.
While attending Marlin High School, "Dutch" participated in all sports. He was a member of the 1926 state finalist football team, and was selected to the All State team that year. After graduation from Marlin High School, he continued his avid interest in sports,
and was a member of the football and track teams of Texas A&M University for four years. Receiving his degree in agriculture from Texas A&M, and being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he married in 1934 in Bryan, Texas to Frances Elizabeth Stallworth (called "Bess"), b June 14, 1910 in Marlin, Texas - a daughter of Harry Bryan and Elizabeth ("Bess" Foster) Stallworth. The Stallworth family came from Alabama to Falls County, Texas in 1856, and settled on their large farm on Deer Creek in the Tomlinson Hill area. The Tomlinson and Stallworth families were related. Elizabeth Fosters grandparents, Thomas Jones and Martha Jane (Heard) Read, came to Texas in 1830, with Stephen F. Austin's third Colony - settled first in Wharton, then Round Top, where the family moved so their children could be educated at Rutersville Academy and College; and subsequently settled in Marlin, Falls County, Texas in 1866, although two sons had settled there by 1860. Thomas Jones Read, who had served with the Texas Army and was in the Siege of Goliad in 1835, purchased the old Coleman Hotel, located on the site of the present-day Marlin Post Office, was the hotel's proprietor and owner, and also used the old hotel as the family home. Albert Ware Foster came to Texas, and later to Marlin, from Kentucky about 1867, after the Civil War. He married first to Thomas Jones Reads daughter, Talitha Ann Read in 1868; and after her death in 1870, he married second to her sister, Mildred Viola Read. "Foster Street" in Marlin, Texas, was named for Albert Ware Foster, and it was he who first owned the lot and built the in which the Sebestas now reside.
After graduation from Texas A&M, "Dutch" Sebesta became the youngest county agricultural agent in the state, located at Carrizo Springs, Texas. He continued in this position until 1942, when he was called to military service in World War II, with the rank of First Lieutenant. He assisted in activating the 95th Division at Camp Swift, and it was here that he was promoted to Captain and assigned to Special Services of the 377th Regiment. Later promoted to Major as executive officer for the 2nd Battalion of the 377th Infantry Regiment. While serving as battalion commander, he led the first troops into the city of Metz, Germany was seriously wounded and spent two months in a hospital in Paris, Frances before returning to the battalion. He was discharged in 1945 with the rank of Lt. Colonel, and received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Medal, and the Medal of Metz, which was presented in a ceremony in Dallas, Texas by the Mayor of Metz, who came to the United States to make the awards to those who participated in freeing his city.
Returning to Marlin after the war, "Dutch" and "Bess" made their there, and he worked as coordinator of veterans' training until 1954, when he became an underwriter for Southwestern Life Insurance Company.
Throughout his many years in Marlin, Texas, Mr. Sebesta has taken an active part in St. John's Episcopal Church. He served as president of the Marlin Chamber of Commerce in 1970-1971, and has served as a director for about twenty years. He was a member
of the Marlin School Board from 1957 to 1964; has been a member of the Marlin Lions Club for over forty years; and also served as the local Lions Club president in 1954-1955. Mrs. Sebesta taught in the Marlin Elementary School for many years, until her retirement.
"Dutch" and "Bess" Sebesta have three daughters:
Betty Jane Sebesta, b July 7, 1935 in Marlin, Falls County, Texas-married first on April 6, 1955 to Boyd Jackson; married second in November 1978 to Jack Robinson.
Nancy Joan Sebesta, b August 1, 1939 in Marlin, Falls County, Texas - married November 1, 1959 to Sam Byer.
Bonny Jean Sebesta, b August 14, 1946 in Marlin, Falls County, Texas - married September 24, 1964 to George Boykin.
It has been said that "Dutch" Sebesta is known as a "professional Aggie." He is 1934 Class Agent, and has served on many committees, but his greatest source of pride has been in assisting over thirty young men, either directly or indirectly, in attending Texas A&M. He is very active in the Falls County Aggie Club; is known for his lovely orchards and vegetable gardens; and continues to be active and interested in his agricultural pursuits.
Copyright Permission granted to Theresa Carhart for printing the biographies of these Falls County Families to this Web page.
"Families of Falls County", Compiled and Edited by the Falls County Historical Commission, page 408, Column 2 and page 409 column 1.
Member of Falls County Historical Commission.
