Chalkley Beeson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chalkley McArtor Beeson
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Chalkley Beeson, Dodge City, Kansas
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| Born | April 24, 1848 Salem, Ohio, United States
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| Died | August 9, 1912 (aged 64) Dodge City, Kansas, United States
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| Other names | Chalk |
| Occupation | Hunting Party Guide Cattle Rancher Musician Saloon Owner Sheriff of Dodge City Ford County state representative (1903-1908) |
| Known for | Owner of Long Branch Saloon |
| Spouse(s) | Ida Gause |
| Children | Stella Beeson (1877-1877), Merritt Beeson ( 1878-1956), Claude L. Beeson (1881-1886), Allen B. Beeson (1885-1889), T.S. Beeson (1888-1900) and Otero Beeson ( 1889-1944) |
Chalkley McArtor "Chalk" Beeson (born April 24, 1848 – died August 9, 1912) was a famous person from the American Old West. He was a successful businessman, a lawman, a cattle rancher, and a talented musician. Chalk Beeson is best known for owning the famous Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City, Kansas.
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Early Life and Adventures
Chalkley Beeson was born in Salem, Ohio. He was the seventh child in his family. Soon after he was born, his family moved to Marshalltown, Iowa.
When Chalk was 18 years old in 1866, he decided to head west. He traveled to Texas and started working as a cowboy. He was very good at it! A famous cattleman named Charles Goodnight once said that Chalk was "the best cowboy on the trail." He could calm a herd of cattle or get them moving faster than anyone.
In 1872, when he was 24, Chalk lived in Colorado. He worked as a guide for buffalo hunters. Some of his clients were very important people, like the Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia, Phil Sheridan, and George Custer.
Life in Colorado
After his hunting adventures, Chalk Beeson went to Pueblo, Colorado. He was an active member of the community there. He joined the volunteer fire department and played on Pueblo's baseball team. For work, he drove a stagecoach, carrying people between Denver and Colorado Springs.
By 1875, Chalk was ready for a new adventure. He moved to Dodge City, Kansas, which was a new town at the time.
Marriage and a New Business
In 1876, Chalk Beeson returned to Marshalltown, Iowa. There, he married Ida Gause, who was 22 years old. They got married on July 17, 1876.
Chalk and Ida planned to live in Kansas City, Missouri. But first, Chalk had to go back to Dodge City. He needed to collect money from A.J. Peacock, who owned the Billiard Hall Saloon. Peacock didn't have enough cash. Instead, he gave Chalk the deed to his saloon as payment.
So, Chalk Beeson became a saloon owner in Dodge City! Ida Beeson had to get used to this new life. Chalk's saloon was different from others. Instead of just a place for cowboys to relax, he offered something more cultural. Chalk Beeson had a full orchestra playing music!
He changed the name of his business to the Saratoga Saloon. A local newspaper wrote that it was a "rare treat" to visit Mr. Beeson's Saratoga and listen to his "best musical combination." People loved the good music he offered.
The Famous Long Branch Saloon
Because the Saratoga Saloon was so successful, Chalk decided to buy another one. The Long Branch Saloon was a very well-known place in Dodge City. It had been around since 1873.
On March 1, 1878, Chalk Beeson bought the Long Branch Saloon. Soon after, he partnered with William H. Harris. Together, they also started the COD Cattle Ranch south of Dodge City. Over the next few years, Beeson & Harris became a big company. They owned businesses in many different places, like Las Animas, Colorado, and Tombstone, Arizona.
After owning the Long Branch for five years, Chalk decided to sell his share. On February 6, 1883, he sold his part of the business to Luke Short. In 1884, Chalk bought a farm about two miles from Dodge City and moved his family there.
The Dodge City Cowboy Band
In 1884, Chalk Beeson started the "Dodge City Cowboy Band." This group became very popular wherever they played. The band members looked amazing in their cowboy outfits. They wore huge white hats, blue flannel shirts, and boots with fancy spurs.
Their fame grew so much that they were invited to perform in the parade for President Benjamin Harrison on March 4, 1889. This parade was the band's biggest moment. It was also their last performance together. Soon after returning to Dodge City, Chalk Beeson sold the band. He sold most of the instruments and the right to use the band's name for $750.
Sheriff of Ford County
In November 1891, Chalk Beeson, then 43 years old, was elected sheriff of Ford County, Kansas. He was a very good sheriff.
In November 1892, a man named Oliver Yantis and two others robbed a bank in Speareville, Kansas. They stole $1,697. When it was found that Yantis was in Oklahoma, Sheriff Beeson went there to find him. On November 30, 1892, Beeson, with three Oklahoma lawmen, found Yantis. There was a confrontation, and Yantis was seriously injured.
Chalk Beeson served two terms as sheriff and did an excellent job. He left office in 1896. For the rest of his life, Chalk focused on his cattle ranch. He also served in the Kansas State legislature four times between 1903 and 1908.
Death and Lasting Memory
On August 6, 1912, Chalk Beeson was doing his usual ranch work. He got on a horse that was a bit jumpy. When he tried to get off, the horse bucked, and Chalk was thrown. He passed away on August 9, 1912.
Chalk's family worked hard to keep his memory alive. In 1915, his sons, Merritt and Otero, opened the Beeson Theater in Dodge City. His wife, Ida Beeson, remained an important person in Dodge City until she died on June 15, 1928.
In 1932, Merritt Beeson opened the Beeson Museum. It became a popular place for tourists to visit. After Merritt Beeson died in 1956, his wife managed the museum. In 1964, the museum's large collection of old documents, photos, and items was sold to the Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City.
