The Story of Tom Pendergast
In the vibrant tapestry of Kansas City's history, one figure stands out as a larger-than-life character who left an indelible mark on the city and its politics. This is the captivating story of Tom Pendergast, a man who held immense power and controlled Kansas City and Jackson County from 1925 to 1939. From his humble beginnings to his eventual downfall, Pendergast's life and dealings shaped the city's landscape and politics in profound and controversial ways.
From Irish Roots to Political Power
Circa 1900 portrait of Tom Pendergast. Courtesy Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Thomas Joseph Pendergast, or "TJ" to his close friends, was born into an Irish family in St. Joseph, Missouri on July 22nd, 1872. Raised with nine siblings, he learned the intricacies of politics from his older brother, James Pendergast. It was in James' West Bottoms tavern where Tom first became familiar with the city's political workings and the strategic advantages of controlling voters.
After James' passing in 1910, Tom assumed his brother's position and began building his own political machine. The connections and alliances that were originally forged in the West Bottoms would pave the way for his future prominence.
The Rise of the Pendergast Machine
Under Pendergast's astute leadership, the Jackson County Democratic Club became a formidable force in Kansas City politics. He found it more effective to wield his power as an unelected official rather than seek public office. His large network of Irish family members and friends allowed him to influence elections, often through questionable means such as voter fraud. Pendergast's control extended beyond the ballot box as he distributed government contracts and patronage jobs, solidifying his power and loyalty within the city.
Pendergast had a significant interest in various businesses throughout the city. He was known to own stocks and have stakes in utility companies, real estate, and even local newspapers. Moreover, his political clout helped him secure numerous city project bids for construction and development contracts, including Municipal Auditorium, City Hall, Brush Creek, and many others. Having ownership stakes in multiple concrete companies meant that city projects were almost guaranteed to have a Pendergast-owned company benefiting from major city projects.
Corruption, Control and Connections
Truman and Pendergast. Courtesy Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Pendergast's reign was marked by a mix of corruption, organized crime ties, and ambitious public projects. He turned a blind eye to vices like gambling and alcohol, which flourished in Kansas City during the Prohibition era. Pendergast's machine had close ties to the Italian and Irish mobs, facilitating the operation of speakeasies, illegal gambling dens, and brothels throughout the city. The profits from these illicit activities flowed into Pendergast's coffers, further enhancing his control over the city.
One of the most well-known associations in Pendergast's life was his relationship with a young Harry S. Truman. Pendergast supported Truman's political career, helping him ascend to the U.S. Senate and eventually the presidency. Their relationship was complicated: in public, they would often position themselves as adversaries, but behind closed doors, they deeply respected and admired the power and influence of each other. At the end of the day, there’s no doubt that Truman benefited mightily from his association with Pendergast. Their association remained a topic of scrutiny, and Truman faced criticism for his association with the controversial political boss.
Prohibition, Mafia Ties, and The People are Thirsty
1940: T.J. Pendergast Wholesale Liquor. Modern-day: Lazia. Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
During Prohibition, Pendergast's organization ensured the uninterrupted flow of alcohol in Kansas City. Despite the nationwide ban on alcohol, Kansas City became known as a "wide-open town" where establishments openly traded in illegal alcohol. Pendergast's corrupt police force turned a blind eye to these activities, receiving regular payments from the establishments in return.
The city's reputation for vice and its association with the mob only grew during this era, fueling the prosperity and power of the Pendergast Machine. While the rest of the nation obeyed a strict no alcohol mandate, residents of Tom’s Town largely were able to enjoy their spirits as normal, due to Pendergast’s control over the police and politics. It was for this reason that the editor of the Omaha World-Herald remarked, “If you want to see some sin, forget about Paris. Go to Kansas City.”
When questioned on how he justified ignoring prohibition, Tom Pendergast uttered the now-iconic quote, "The people are thirsty." This statement encapsulated his willingness to disregard federal laws and cater to the desires of the people in Kansas City.
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Pendergast recognized the demand for alcohol and capitalized on it, further cementing his control and popularity among the citizens. His ability to satisfy the desires of the people, albeit through illicit means, allowed him to maintain his grip on power.
Tom and James Pendergast. Courtesy: Tom’s Town Distilling
While some historians believe that Pendergast had associations with mafia figures, concrete evidence remains scarce. There is no doubt that Pendergast's machine as a whole benefited from the activities of organized crime during Prohibition.
The machine's control over the city's police force and city council allowed it to operate with relative impunity, and its public works projects provided jobs and economic relief to many Kansas City residents during the tough economic times.
The Downfall and Complicated Legacy of Tom Pendergast
Mugshots of Tom Pendergast. Courtesy National Archives.
Pendergast's empire began to crumble due to a falling out with Missouri Governor Lloyd C. Stark and increased scrutiny from federal authorities. In 1939, he was convicted of income tax evasion and served 15 months at the federal prison in Leavenworth. The Pendergast Machine disintegrated, and its once formidable grip on Kansas City faded away. However, the impact of Pendergast's rule cannot be overlooked. His machine had launched the political career of future President Harry S. Truman, earning Truman the nickname "the Senator from Pendergast." Pendergast's downfall also paved the way for a wave of reform in Kansas City's governance, as citizens sought to break free from the clutches of corruption.
Tom Pendergast's life was a mosaic of power, corruption, and public service. His political machine, intertwined with the mafia and fueled by the era of Prohibition, left an undeniable imprint on Kansas City. While his methods were often ethically questionable, his legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in politics and the lasting impact of influential figures. As the city moves forward, it pays homage to its past, ensuring that the story of Tom Pendergast and the era he shaped will never fade from memory.
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