Chester A. Mason

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Chester A. Mason

Date of Birth:

1903

Date of Death:

November 12, 1932

Location of Death:

Beatrice, NE

Circumstances of Death

Prohibition Agent Chester Arthur Mason, accompanied by a confidential informant (CI), purchased illicit liquor from a known bootlegger, Ted Wells, in Beatrice, NE. When Agent Mason attempted to place Wells under arrest, there was a scuffle and Wells drew a gun and killed Agent Mason and also seriously wounded the CI. Wells escaped, but was later captured by agents and local officers. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for manslaughter.

Background

Agent Mason joined the Bureau of Prohibition on April 13, 1931, with an annual salary of $2,300. He carried badge #347. Previously, he was a school principal in Grand, ND. Agent Mason had served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was a graduate of the University of North Dakota.