Alonzo B. Webster
Though this Dodge City man was not as famous as Wyatt Earp or Bat Masterson, the "fighting mayor" was significant in shaping the history and character of Dodge City.
Alonzo B. Webster was born in October 1845 in Rochester, New York. Webster enlisted as a private soldier during the Civil War. After the War, reaching a crossroads in his life, he went west to Hays, Kansas where he opened a general store and served as assistant postmaster. While in Hays, he married Amanda Colborn.
Webster gained the reputation of being tough, but cool-headed. In 1869, when threatened by a group of bad characters in his store, Webster shot a man dead.
Webster and his wife arrived in Dodge City in 1872 or 1873 and he soon established himself as one of Dodge City's early businessmen. In 1879, he built Richard Hardesty's house. Hardesty, a cattle baron, was brother-in-law of famed hotelier and restaurateur, Fred Harvey.
Webster served his first term as mayor from 1881 to 1883. He opposed the "gang" which Dodge City's famous lawmen and their friends belonged. Webster, a stickler for the rules, wanted a calmer element to prevail.
On June 22, 1882, Webster published a set of rules for Dodge City policemen in the Dodge City Times. Along with other regulations, City lawmen were prohibited from outside employment. While on duty, they had to wear their star or shield and could not be intoxicated. They had to have the mayor's permission to leave town. Furthermore, police could not assist in civil cases unless there was a breach of the peace or a disturbance. And they were required to work closely with the City Attorney with all arrests.
Soon after, Marshal Peter W. Beamer, who had held his office less than three weeks, resigned. He turned his duties over to Mayor Webster who filled the position for a short time. The Saloon War of 1883, was in part, due to Webster. Webster's election of 1881 ousted the gambling, prostitution and saloon tolerant "gang," which included Long Branch Saloon owner, Luke Short. The anti-gang selectively enforced rules against Short's establishment. Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson and other gang members returned to Dodge to fight this treatment. Fortunately, a compromise was reached without any blood being spilled.
In 1881, a statewide prohibition of alcohol took effect which was ignored in Dodge City for a few years. By 1884, Stock Exchange Saloon owner Webster, along with former buffalo hunter O.A. "Brick" Bond, saw the days of being able to openly sell alcohol were numbered. Together they opened the Palace Drug Store, which sold alcohol to those with a doctor's prescription.
The bullfight of July 4, 1884 was Webster's brainchild. It was the only traditional bullfight held in the United States.
After a break of a few years, Webster was again elected mayor in 1886 and took office in 1887. This second time he held the office for only a few weeks.
In addition to Webster's times as mayor and short stint as marshal, he also held the Ford County offices of Treasurer and acting Sheriff. During his time in Dodge City he was a merchant and at least dabbled in Colorado mining interests.
Webster died on April 12, 1887 at 41 years of "acute rheumatism." He left behind his wife, Amanda, and a 10-year old son, Alan, who later became a dentist. On April 15, the Masons held a large elaborate funeral, for which Dodge City businesses shuttered their doors. The funeral procession stretched for a mile from downtown nearly all the way to Prairie Grove Cemetery. The Grand Army of the Republic gave him full military honors. When Prairie Grove was closed in the late 1890's, his grave was moved to the G.A.R. section of Maple Grove, Dodge City's current cemetery.
Alonzo B. Webster was born in October 1845 in Rochester, New York. Webster enlisted as a private soldier during the Civil War. After the War, reaching a crossroads in his life, he went west to Hays, Kansas where he opened a general store and served as assistant postmaster. While in Hays, he married Amanda Colborn.
Webster gained the reputation of being tough, but cool-headed. In 1869, when threatened by a group of bad characters in his store, Webster shot a man dead.
Webster and his wife arrived in Dodge City in 1872 or 1873 and he soon established himself as one of Dodge City's early businessmen. In 1879, he built Richard Hardesty's house. Hardesty, a cattle baron, was brother-in-law of famed hotelier and restaurateur, Fred Harvey.
Webster served his first term as mayor from 1881 to 1883. He opposed the "gang" which Dodge City's famous lawmen and their friends belonged. Webster, a stickler for the rules, wanted a calmer element to prevail.
On June 22, 1882, Webster published a set of rules for Dodge City policemen in the Dodge City Times. Along with other regulations, City lawmen were prohibited from outside employment. While on duty, they had to wear their star or shield and could not be intoxicated. They had to have the mayor's permission to leave town. Furthermore, police could not assist in civil cases unless there was a breach of the peace or a disturbance. And they were required to work closely with the City Attorney with all arrests.
Soon after, Marshal Peter W. Beamer, who had held his office less than three weeks, resigned. He turned his duties over to Mayor Webster who filled the position for a short time. The Saloon War of 1883, was in part, due to Webster. Webster's election of 1881 ousted the gambling, prostitution and saloon tolerant "gang," which included Long Branch Saloon owner, Luke Short. The anti-gang selectively enforced rules against Short's establishment. Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson and other gang members returned to Dodge to fight this treatment. Fortunately, a compromise was reached without any blood being spilled.
In 1881, a statewide prohibition of alcohol took effect which was ignored in Dodge City for a few years. By 1884, Stock Exchange Saloon owner Webster, along with former buffalo hunter O.A. "Brick" Bond, saw the days of being able to openly sell alcohol were numbered. Together they opened the Palace Drug Store, which sold alcohol to those with a doctor's prescription.
The bullfight of July 4, 1884 was Webster's brainchild. It was the only traditional bullfight held in the United States.
After a break of a few years, Webster was again elected mayor in 1886 and took office in 1887. This second time he held the office for only a few weeks.
In addition to Webster's times as mayor and short stint as marshal, he also held the Ford County offices of Treasurer and acting Sheriff. During his time in Dodge City he was a merchant and at least dabbled in Colorado mining interests.
Webster died on April 12, 1887 at 41 years of "acute rheumatism." He left behind his wife, Amanda, and a 10-year old son, Alan, who later became a dentist. On April 15, the Masons held a large elaborate funeral, for which Dodge City businesses shuttered their doors. The funeral procession stretched for a mile from downtown nearly all the way to Prairie Grove Cemetery. The Grand Army of the Republic gave him full military honors. When Prairie Grove was closed in the late 1890's, his grave was moved to the G.A.R. section of Maple Grove, Dodge City's current cemetery.
Alonzo B Webster: The Unsung Hero of Dodge City and his Riveting Legacy
Unveiling the gripping tale of a true Dodge City legend, Alonzo B Webster, in our latest podcast episode provides a unique opportunity to peel back the layers of history. Born in 1845, this Rochester native served in the Civil War and later made a name for himself in the wild west. A businessman, a mayor, a marshal, and an adversary to the notorious gang led by saloon owner Luke Short, Webster epitomized cool-headed bravery.
Webster's life was full of daring exploits and ingenious ventures. One such event was his involvement in the infamous Saloon War of 1883. He was instrumental in this conflict, which arose due to his opposition to the gambling, prostitution, and saloon-tolerant gang led by Luke Short. His determination to enforce the rules and ensure a calmer element prevailed was a testament to his courageous spirit and dedication to law and order.
A fascinating aspect of Webster's life was his innovative ventures during the Prohibition era. Recognizing the days of openly selling alcohol were numbered, he and OA Brick Bond opened the Palace Drug Store, which ingeniously sold alcohol to those with a doctor's prescription. This venture showcased Webster's adaptability and business acumen.
Perhaps one of the most exciting chapters in Webster's life was his masterminding of the United States' only traditional bullfight on July 4th, 1884. Despite the cultural and legal challenges, Webster pushed ahead with this unique event, demonstrating his daring nature and innovative thinking.
Webster served multiple terms as mayor, proving his commitment to public service and his leadership skills. His steadfast dedication to the rules and desire for peace shaped Dodge City's history and character. His legacy is evident in the town's development and continues to resonate today.
Despite his untimely death at the age of 41, Alonzo B Webster's story is a testament to his courage, determination, and ingenuity. The impact he had on Dodge City and his daring exploits in the wild west offer an inspiring narrative that deserves to be shared and remembered. Through our podcast episode, we aim to do just that, unveiling the extraordinary life and times of Alonzo B Webster, the unsung hero of Dodge City.
Webster's life was full of daring exploits and ingenious ventures. One such event was his involvement in the infamous Saloon War of 1883. He was instrumental in this conflict, which arose due to his opposition to the gambling, prostitution, and saloon-tolerant gang led by Luke Short. His determination to enforce the rules and ensure a calmer element prevailed was a testament to his courageous spirit and dedication to law and order.
A fascinating aspect of Webster's life was his innovative ventures during the Prohibition era. Recognizing the days of openly selling alcohol were numbered, he and OA Brick Bond opened the Palace Drug Store, which ingeniously sold alcohol to those with a doctor's prescription. This venture showcased Webster's adaptability and business acumen.
Perhaps one of the most exciting chapters in Webster's life was his masterminding of the United States' only traditional bullfight on July 4th, 1884. Despite the cultural and legal challenges, Webster pushed ahead with this unique event, demonstrating his daring nature and innovative thinking.
Webster served multiple terms as mayor, proving his commitment to public service and his leadership skills. His steadfast dedication to the rules and desire for peace shaped Dodge City's history and character. His legacy is evident in the town's development and continues to resonate today.
Despite his untimely death at the age of 41, Alonzo B Webster's story is a testament to his courage, determination, and ingenuity. The impact he had on Dodge City and his daring exploits in the wild west offer an inspiring narrative that deserves to be shared and remembered. Through our podcast episode, we aim to do just that, unveiling the extraordinary life and times of Alonzo B Webster, the unsung hero of Dodge City.
