DUANE
Duane's take
The marker for John Montgomery in Grimes County — let me tell you the story the way it's been told to me. Now, John Montgomery was a native of Alabama, and Alabama held him just long enough before Texas called. In 1830, he and his brother Andrew made the journey west, coming to Texas together — two brothers, one destination.
That part of the story, I'll note, got a little complicated over time. A supplemental plate was added to that marker, covering the mention of Andrew entirely. History's a living thing, and sometimes it revises itself right there in the metal.
But the core of John Montgomery's story? That part stands firm. He was here.
And when the moment came — that moment at San Jacinto — John Montgomery was standing in it. He took his place as a member of Captain James Gillaspie's Company and participated in the Battle of San Jacinto. Whatever Alabama made him, Texas is where he made his mark.
The State of Texas erected this marker in 1957, and that feels right — some stories deserve to be set in stone.
What the marker says
Native of Alabama. Came to Texas in 1830 with his brother Andrew. Participated in the Battle of San Jacinto as a member of Captain James Gillaspie's Company. Erected by the State of Texas 1957. [supplemental plate covers "with his brother Andrew"]