Growing Up in Texas

Dr. John W. Montgomery, born August 11, 1917, was one of eight siblings. He grew up near Henderson, Texas on a cotton farm. A dedicated student, his father encouraged him and his siblings to pursue educational opportunities. He wanted them to become proud citizens who could work to correct racial injustices of the time. Growing up before racial integration of public schools meant Montgomery and his siblings would have to travel far from home to attend schools for Black students. Montgomery earned his diploma at a high school forty miles away from his family's home.

Dr. John W. Montgomery was born during a time when cars began taking the place of horse-drawn buggies and wagons. What other inventions or ideas of the time changed the day-to-day lives of Americans?

Image 1: Property located in the 100 block of E. Main in Henderson, Texas, birthplace of Dr. John W. Montgomery. Date Unknown. Courtesy Texas Historical Commission.

Image 2: Henderson, Texas, looking west on the square toward the old courthouse. 1916. Courtesy Texas Historical Commission.