A new historical marker now stands in Magnolia’s city cemetery to honor the legacy of Montgomery County Constable Thomas J. Beyette, who was killed in the line of duty on August 6, 1931, while transporting two teenage prisoners. The dedication serves as a tribute to a life of community service, family devotion, and ultimate sacrifice.
A solemn ceremony took place at Magnolia Cemetery last weekend, commemorating the unveiling of a new Montgomery County Historical Marker dedicated to Constable Thomas J. Beyette. Beyette was tragically shot and killed in 1931 while conducting a prisoner transport.
Beyette, 46, was in the process of transporting two teenage suspects who had been arrested for the theft of a car tire when one of the suspects managed to take control of his weapon and fatally shot him in the head. A local judge accompanying him sustained injuries but has survived the incident. Authorities report that the suspects fled the scene but were subsequently apprehended. A man received a 99-year prison sentence, while the shooter was fatally shot by a deputy in Chambers County in December of the same year.
The marker project received sponsorship from five active precinct constables: Philip Cash, David Eason, Ryan Gable, Rowdy Hayden, and Christopher Jones. Additionally, it garnered support from the Magnolia Historical Society.
“The county marker stands as a testament to his dedication to family and community service,” stated Larry Foerster, chairman of the Montgomery County Historical Commission.
Beyette, a native of Collin County, Texas, began his life working on the family farm prior to his marriage to Janie Bradford in 1909. In 1918, the couple established their residence in Magnolia alongside their three sons, marking the beginning of Beyette's tenure as a constable.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Beyette family faced yet another tragedy just weeks prior to the murder of their loved one. Their eldest son, Thomas M., lost his life in a diving accident in Conroe in June 1931.
In the face of personal tragedies, the text on the marker highlights Beyette’s steadfast commitment:
Constable Thomas Beyette was not one to seek heroism or martyrdom. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to being a good man, prioritizing the care of his family and the service of his community until his final moments.
The ceremony welcomed a notable assembly of guests, including Magnolia Mayor Matthew “Doc” Dantzer, retired Precinct 5 Constable David Hill, and members of the Beyette family, notably Mike Beyette.
The memorial stands as a testament to the enduring vision of the late Magnolia historian Celeste Graves, who passionately advocated for the project until her passing in 2023 at the age of 103.
“This project serves to recognize her dedication to preserving the history of Magnolia while also paying tribute to our law enforcement community,” Foerster stated. He acknowledged Annette Kerr, the chair of the Historical Commission’s marker committee, for her pivotal role in bringing the project to fruition.
A recent addition has joined the ranks of over a dozen historical markers overseen by the Montgomery County Historical Commission. Each marker honors local heroes, cultural contributions, and significant milestones that have influenced the region's development.
