A businessman and politician who served as the 47th Mayor of Kansas City, known for his civic leadership and efforts to revitalize the city's economy. He's also credited with founding the American Royal Association, a prominent livestock and horse show organization.
Harold Roe Bartle, affectionately known as "The Chief," was a multifaceted American icon who left an indelible mark on the city of Kansas City, Missouri. As a businessman, philanthropist, executive, and public speaker, Bartle's most notable achievement was luring the Dallas Texans American Football League team to Kansas City in 1962, which led to the franchise being renamed the Kansas City Chiefs in his honor.
Bartle was born on June 25, 1901, in Richmond, Virginia, to Samuel Dunn Bartle, an English immigrant and Presbyterian minister, and Ada Mae Roe. Music played a significant role in his early life, with Bartle demonstrating exceptional talent on the piano and organ by the age of 13. His family's musical inclination was matched only by their sense of adventure, as evidenced by Bartle's attempt to enlist in the army at 13, only to be discharged after his father produced proof of his age.
Bartle attended Fork Union Military Academy from 1916 to 1920, where he honed his debating skills and became a championship debater. He then attended the University of Chattanooga in 1920, showcasing his athletic prowess, but his academic pursuits were interrupted by a bout of pneumonia. Bartle eventually earned a law degree from Hamilton College of Law, a Chicago-based correspondence school, in 1921.
Bartle's early career was marked by his admission to the Kentucky bar in 1920 and his work as a prosecuting attorney in Lebanon from 1920 to 1922. However, it was his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America that truly defined his leadership skills. Bartle's dedication to the organization earned him the title of Scout Executive in Kansas City, a position he held from 1926 to 1962.
In 1962, Bartle's persuasive nature and business acumen convinced the owner of the Dallas Texans, Lamar Hunt, to relocate the team to Kansas City. As a token of appreciation, Hunt renamed the franchise the Kansas City Chiefs, a nod to Bartle's nickname "The Chief." This monumental achievement cemented Bartle's legacy in the world of American football.
Bartle's personal life was marked by his marriage to Margaret Ann Caroline Jarvis in 1923, with whom he had one child, Margaret Roe "Jimmy" Bartle Taylor. Bartle's stature, both physically and figuratively, was imposing – he stood at 6'4" and weighed over 200 pounds. Despite his larger-than-life persona, Bartle remained humble and committed to his community, serving two terms as mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.
Bartle's impact on Kansas City extends far beyond the realm of sports. His philanthropic efforts and vision for the city's growth earned him numerous accolades, including the naming of the H. Roe Bartle Convention Center in his honor. Today, Bartle's legacy serves as a testament to the power of leadership, perseverance, and community spirit.
Bartle's remarkable journey serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the significance of visionary leadership, community service, and the profound impact one individual can have on a city and its people.
Born in 1884
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