Grayson County, Texas -- Grayson County Historical Society invites you to join them for a presentation on the life of Patrick Henry at their September meeting.
Few voices in American history have echoed as powerfully as that of Patrick Henry. A gifted orator, lawyer, patriot, and statesman, Henry became one of the most influential figures of the American Revolution. He is best remembered for his stirring 1775 speech urging the colonies to resist British rule, ending with the unforgettable words, “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
His passionate defense of individual freedom and opposition to government overreach helped inspire a generation of Americans to fight for independence. Patrick Henry would go on to serve as the first governor of Virginia and remain an outspoken advocate for the liberties he believed the new nation was created to protect.
One of our presenters for the evening is Dr. Gary N. Sisson, who will bring Patrick Henry to life for our September program. Born in Littlefield, Texas, and raised on farms and ranches in Bonham and Welch, Dr. Sisson earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps at the Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune before entering private practice and later spending more than 20 years serving our Nation as a Veterans Affairs optometrist.
Dr. Sisson has also been active in theater as an actor, director, technician, and musician—experience that adds a special dimension to his portrayal of Patrick Henry. A member of the Sons of the American Revolution since 1994, he has documented descent from 10 Patriot ancestors and has held numerous chapter and state leadership positions. He is currently President of the Edmund Terrill Chapter and is also a longtime member of the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation. Dr. Sisson and his wife, Maureen, have a combined four children and twelve grandchildren.
Our other presenter for the evening is Lynn Johnson. Born in Hominy, Oklahoma, Lynn later made his way to Denison, Texas, where he graduated from Denison High School in 1966. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Industrial Technology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant in 1971. Lynn spent an impressive 43 years with Champion Cooler Corporation in Denison, including 18 years as a vice president, before retiring as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing.
In December 2024, he became a member of the Edmund Terrill Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Lynn and his wife, Barbara, have been married for 58 years and are the proud parents of two daughters and grandparents of four grandchildren.
We want to welcome the newest members of our society and hope they enjoy sharing in our monthly get-togethers.
We always meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 in the evening at Frontier Village and Museum at Loy Lake Park in the Judge R.C. Vaughan Community Room. The park is located midway between Sherman and Denison off Highway 75, Exit 67.
Our meetings are open to members and their guests, and everyone is welcome to come and take part.
After the program, we enjoy socializing and refreshments generously provided by our members.
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For more information, please email GCTXHistory@gmail.com.
