149 years of dedicated mayors

Throughout the many years that Webb City has been in existence, many men and women have given of their time and energy to make sure the city has been run proficiently. And in every instance, there has been a mayor of this fair city dedicated and willing to work hard in order to keep things running smoothly.

I feel that it’s time to give some recognition to those who worked long, hard hours for practically no pay. Most of the names of these mayors will ring a bell, as they have made other impacts in the history of Webb City.

Webb City was incorporated as a town on Dec. 11, 1876, (nearly 149 years ago) and it has often been said that the first mayor of Webb City was J.E. McNair. But truth be told, he was really the chairman of the Board of Trustees. On Jan. 13, 1877, just after accepting that position, he was offered the position of postmaster and took that instead. His vacancy on the board was filled by F. Ball, and the vice chairman, James Smith, took over as chairman. One year later, Webb City had the first actual election of officers, and George H. Smith was chosen to be chairman of the board.

On Feb. 28, 1878, the citizens voted to approve a proposition to incorporate Webb City as a fourth class city, to be led by a mayor and aldermen instead of trustees. In April of 1878, Ben C. Webb became the first mayor. At this time, the term of mayor was just one year. In 1879, Ben Webb won the election again and served a second year.

It seems the city was in a financial hurt because of a mix-up on a tax levy in 1877 and 1878. Money spent in anticipation of the tax revenue created problems when the money didn’t come. Becoming a fourth class city allowed the collection of taxes for the first time, and the city was on good financial footing again.

The 1880 election brought in T.J. Harrington as mayor, and he won again in 1881. But in 1882, he lost to James Gammon. Gammon resigned after only few months so Harrington was asked to fill the position and went on to win the next three annual elections. During this time, there were four council members.

The elections of 1886 and 1887 were won by William Hilburn. Then in 1888, Peter McEntee was elected as mayor and many changes took place. The city limits were extended, and Webb City became a third class city on Dec. 26, 1889.

T.J.Harrington came back to win the 1890 mayoral election. The term was lengthened to two years under the third-class system.

The next mayor, in 1892, was C.S. Manker, followed by J.J. Funk in 1894. During Manker’s term, the city attorney was W. M. Robinson, and in 1894, Robinson was elected to the Missouri Supreme Court. E.C. Crow filled in as city attorney after Robinson and soon became the attorney of the State of Missouri.

F.M. King became mayor in 1896 and resigned after one year, at which time J.W. Frey filled the unexpired term. E.E. Spracklen became the new mayor in 1898. There was an attempt to expand the city limits to Oakland Corner during Spracklen’s term, but it was contested and didn’t pass.

The 1900 and 1902 terms were won by S.T. Clark and D.F. Wertz, respectively. The next two terms of 1904 and 1906 were served by G.W. Moore, who oversaw the town’s dusty dirt roads covered with bricks. In 1908, there was another Mayor McEntee, but this time it was Patrick McEntee.

Under Mayor W.V.K. Spencer, elected in 1910, the city went dry after a heated battle. The vote was 1,195 to 2,262, with 49 votes thrown out. By this time, the mayor was receiving $250 per year to serve the city, and council members were getting $1 per council session. Spencer served two terms.

Here is the rest of the list of men who did their patriotic duty and served as mayor of Webb City: 1914, J.E. Locke; 1916 – 1922, W.F. Gill (three terms); 1922, A.G. Young; 1924 , W.F. Gill (fourth term); 1926, C.C. Harris; 1928, W.H. Tholborn; 1930, Walter Ragland (two terms); 1934, Frank C. Nelson; 1936, Lee A. Daugherty; 1938, Dr. M.S. Slaughter (two terms).

In 1942, the term was lengthened to four years, with Don O. Adamson filling the first four-year term, from 1942 to 1946. Following him were: 1946-1950, Fred Nelson; 1950 – November 1951, Robert J. Cummings; 1951 – 1954, C.S. Fly; 1954 – 1958, Ed W. Murray; 1958 (six months) Dr. Earl Baker; 1958 – 1959, Mayor Pro Tem Paul Hight; 1959 – 1966, Don O. Adamson; 1966 – 1969, Robert J. Baker; 1969 – 1970, Mayor Pro Tem Don Scott; 1970 – 1974 – Robert Patrick; 1974 – 1976, Sterling Gant; 1976 – 1985, P.D. Crockett; 1985 – 1986, Mayor Pro Tems Carolyn McGowan and Kathryn Patten; 1986 – 1990, Bill Lundstrum; 1990 – 1992, Philip Richardson; 1992 – 2002, Sterling Gant; 2002 – 2006, Glenn Dolence; 2006 – 2015, John Biggs; 2015 – present, Lynn Ragsdale.

The position of mayor has never been a money-making position. There was a time when they were given $100 a month for expenses. Then it was raised to $425 a month. In 2009, the City Council decided the position should pay at least $1,250 a month to make it somewhat attractive, especially for someone working at it full-time. Council members continue to receive $25 per month.

When you consider all the flack the mayor and council members have to endure, with not much praise, it is amazing how these dedicated people donate their time and energy to the public and the City of Webb City. We Salute You!