Local History

Freestone County is the birthplace of blues musician Blind Lemon Jefferson

Blues pioneer Blind Lemon Jefferson was born in the Coutchman community and is buried in Wortham, making Freestone County significant in American music history.

Freestone County History & Culture

Blind Lemon Jefferson was born in the Coutchman community of Freestone County. He is one of the most influential early blues musicians in American history. He recorded dozens of songs in the 1920s. His music shaped generations of musicians after him. He is buried in Wortham, a small town in the eastern part of the county. His ties to Freestone County are a real piece of American music history.

The Texas State Historical Association documents Jefferson's Freestone County origins in the Handbook of Texas. The cemetery where he is buried in Wortham is a documented historical site. Check the TSHA handbook entry for more on his life and legacy.

Source to confirm: Texas State Historical Association — Freestone County

More Freestone County notes

Property Tax

Two offices handle your property tax in Freestone County

The appraisal district sets your property value; a separate tax office collects what you owe — they are different offices with different jobs.

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Homestead Exemption

A homestead exemption limits how fast your taxable value can rise

If you live in your home and file a homestead exemption, your taxable value cannot go up more than 10 percent in any single year, no matter how fast the market moves.

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Agricultural Valuation

Ranchers and farmers can get a big tax break through ag valuation

Land used for farming, ranching, or timber can be taxed on what it produces rather than what it would sell for, which often cuts the tax bill sharply.

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Septic / OSSF

Rural properties in Freestone County usually need a septic permit

Most rural homes in Freestone County are not on a public sewer, so a permitted septic system is required before you can build or renovate.

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