For more than two decades, John C. Allwright brought the past to life—sometimes with a spooky twist. A longtime volunteer at the George Memorial Library and docent at the Fort Bend Museum, Allwright spent years collecting memories and stories from the Rosenberg/Richmond area, documenting its people, history, and even its ghosts.

Twenty-five years ago, Allwright compiled a collection of eerie tales from his lifetime in the area and published them as “Fort Bend Ghost Stories.” Featuring more than 35 haunting accounts—from the mysterious Cotton Seed Mill Robber to the spectral Brazos River Ghost—the book quickly became a local favorite. Allwright generously donated the proceeds from sales to the Genealogy and Local History Department at George Memorial Library, ensuring that his work would continue to benefit the community.

Allwright wrote a total of five books before his passing in 2005, all dedicated to preserving the rich history of Fort Bend County. In addition to the original ghost stories, he chronicled his own life and encounters with local residents in “My Memories of Rosenberg” and “People of Fort Bend County That I Met,” while “Fort Bend County Ghost Stories” served as a spooky sequel to his first collection. His final book, “Short Stories,” was published in 2003.

For generations, Allwright captivated children and adults alike with tales of local hauntings. By committing these stories to print, he ensured that the county’s ghostly legends and historical memories would be passed down for years to come.

Copies of “Fort Bend Ghost Stories” are still available for purchase at the George Memorial Library (1001 Golfview, Richmond), with proceeds supporting the library’s Genealogy and Local History Department.

For more information, visit Fort Bend County Libraries.