Chalkley Beeson
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Chalkley McArtor Beeson | |
|---|---|
 Chalkley Beeson, Dodge City, Kansas | |
| Born | April 24, 1848 |
| Died | August 8, 1912 (aged 64) |
| Other names | Chalk |
| Occupation(s) | 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 of "Gunsmoke" fame |
| Spouse | Ida Gause |
| Children | Otero Beeson Merritt Beeson |
Chalkey McArtor Beeson (April 24th, 1848-August 8th, 1912), commonly known as Chalk Beeson, was a well known businessman, lawman, cattleman, saloon owner, manager and keeper of the Old West, best known as being one of the many owners of the famous Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City, Kansas.
Originally from Ohio, Beeson was the seventh born child of Samual and Martha Beeson. The family moved to Iowa, and at 19 Beeson left home, moving to Denver, Colorado. He worked, for a time, as a guide to buffalo hunters, with his clients including Grand Duke Alexis of Russia, Phil Sheridan, and George Custer.
By the mid-1870's he was living in Dodge City, Kansas, becoming involved in many citizen organizations, and becoming wealthy in the cattle business. He married Ida Gause on July 17th, 1876. He later, in 1878, became an owner of the Long Branch Saloon with partner William Harris, which led to his becoming associated with noted lawmen, outlaws, and gunmen of the time, to include Luke Short, Wyatt Earp, Bat, Jim and Ed Masterson, Charlie Bassett and others.
Beeson served for two terms as the Ford County sheriff, serving from 1892 to 1896. He was later twice elected to the State Legislature. He has been said to have been one of the most respected members of Dodge City during its wildest times. Beeson died on August 12th, 1912. His wife, Ida, lived until June 15th, 1928.
External links
- A Brief Biography of Chalkley Beeson from Steve Beeson's book on the Beeson/Beason family - Family History Center microfilm #1035659, Item #9
- Vertical File Biographies: Chalkley M. Beeson by the Kansas State Historical Society
- Access Genealogy: Beeson, Chalkley M. (extracted from A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans)
- Story of Chalkley Beeson’s participation in the Royal Buffalo Hunt of January, 1872 (extracted from A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans)
- The Long Branch Saloon at the Boot Hill Museum
- Story of The Long Branch Saloon by LegendsofAmerica.com
- Story of the Dodge City Cow-Boy Band
- Dodge City Trail of Fame Inductees