'Fort Bend Ghost Stories' Returns to Richmond Library Just in Time for Fall
As autumn air begins to settle over Fort Bend County, a timeless local favorite has returned to George Memorial Library — just in time for Halloween.
“Fort Bend Ghost Stories,” written by the late John C. Allwright, is once again available for purchase through the Genealogy and Local History Department at George Memorial Library in Richmond. A passionate volunteer, historian, and storyteller, Allwright was known across the county for his vivid recollections of eerie tales passed down over generations — stories that tie together Fort Bend’s folklore, history, and charm.
The original book, first published 25 years ago, features more than 35 ghost stories rooted in the Rosenberg and Richmond area. Among them are spine-tingling tales like the Cotton Seed Mill Robber and the Brazos River Ghost, brought to life through Allwright’s personal memories and accounts gathered during his lifetime in Fort Bend County. He compiled these tales after years of captivating children and visitors with oral storytelling as a volunteer at George Memorial Library and docent at the Fort Bend Museum.
Allwright, who passed away in 2005, donated the proceeds from his book to the library’s local history department — a gesture that continues to benefit genealogical and historical research efforts in the community today.
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The author’s contribution to preserving local heritage didn’t stop with ghost stories. He also published four other books:
- My Memories of Rosenberg
- People of Fort Bend County That I Met
- Fort Bend County Ghost Stories (a sequel to the original)
- Short Stories, his final book, completed in 2003
Each book paints a picture of Fort Bend’s past — from childhood reflections and everyday life in Rosenberg, to the unique people and spectral legends that shaped the county.
Why Ghost Stories Matter in Fort Bend
While ghost tales might seem like lighthearted folklore, experts in regional history say such collections serve an important cultural role. According to the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, local ghost stories often function as “memory keepers,” preserving the values, fears, and humor of communities through narrative. By writing them down, Allwright helped ensure that generations of Fort Bend residents could connect with their past in a more personal and imaginative way.
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In an area like Fort Bend County — with deep roots in Texas’ sugar industry, war history, and cultural intersections — these stories offer both entertainment and insight. The act of documenting them through a lens of lived experience makes Allwright’s work particularly meaningful.
Where to Get a Copy
Copies of Fort Bend Ghost Stories are available for purchase now at the Genealogy and Local History Department at George Memorial Library, located at 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Proceeds directly support the department, which continues to be a valuable resource for those tracing family histories or researching Fort Bend’s development.
For additional details, residents can visit fortbend.lib.tx.us or contact the library at 281-342-4455. The Fort Bend County Libraries Communications Office is also available at 281-633-4734.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the area, “Fort Bend Ghost Stories” offers a hauntingly heartfelt glimpse into the region’s past — and it just might give you something to talk about around the campfire this fall.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
