October 18, 2025
The Montgomery Historical Society and the Montgomery County History Taskforce have joined together again to present Voices from the Past, a tour of the City’s historic cemeteries. Visitors will have an intimate look at the lives of many of the patriots buried there, including Dr. Charles B. Stewart, who lived just outside of town when he designed the Texas Flag and created the Texas Seal which included the “Lone Star” from a button on his father’s jacket.
Save this date and plan to visit downtown Montgomery on this cool afternoon, Saturday October 18 when, from Noon to 3:00 p.m., local historic actors in period dress will impart the first-person scripts, informing visitors of the city’s history through the biographies of just a few of the pioneers, settlers, statesmen and pioneer women buried in both cemeteries. The scripts of each historic person are carefully written to highlight and celebrate their lives and their contributions to Texas’ and Montgomery’s history. Descendants of many of these Texas patriots live in Montgomery today—that is deep family roots!
A donation is requested for visitors attending this fascinating event of $10 for adults, $5 for children 15-17—one donation for both locations. While students working on the Historic Scavenger Hunt are free, their accompanying parent or guardian are requested to donate for this fundraiser—they, too, will enjoy learning of many historical events.
One such event often called the “Montgomery Miracle,” was around 1910 when teenager John Bowe Addison, sustained a gunshot in his gut while hunting rabbits—such a wound was ordinarily a death sentence in that era. He survived only because the town’s doctor toiled all night long to save his life. John Bowe lived to be 84 and is buried in Montgomery’s New Cemetery. A young actor will be portraying him at this event to impart more details of this event and his life. Today’s President of the Montgomery Historical Society, Billy Ray Duncan, recalls when he and his friends would see John Bowe on his porch and would stop by for a chat. Billy Ray stated that John Bowe didn’t much like recounting that life-saving event.
Another interesting person highlighted at the New Montgomery Cemetery is Norman Branch, who played baseball for Montgomery High School and University of Texas, then played for the New York Yankies 1941 & 1942, and pitched in the World Series.
It is easy to obtain a ticket early by visiting the Montgomery Historical Society web site at MHS-TX.org. Any additional donations online for that day will be greatly appreciated. On the day of this event, show proof of online ticket donation at the first cemetery you visit. Wristbands and maps will also be available the day of the event for a donation at each cemetery and at Rustic Cashmere Antiques & Gifts and at the N. H. Davis Museum, both on Liberty Street.
The historic cemeteries are:
• Old Methodist “Churchyard” Cemetery, founded 1838—Pond Street at Eva St (SH105);
• New Montgomery Cemetery, founded 1868—500 block of Old Plantersville Rd.
Proceeds will be divided among the Historical Taskforce and the Montgomery Historical Society. Donations are tax deductible–the Society is a 501(c)3, and profits earned by the MHS will be used to maintain the seven historical buildings the Society owns and to help fund scholarships for one senior at Montgomery and Lake Creek High Schools.