A leading figure in 20th century Crockett history, John Gordon "Big Jack" Beasley, Sr., was involved in a number of local businesses, including the Davy Crockett Federal Savings and Loan, which he helped organize in 1928. He served as mayor of Crockett from 1936 to 1940 during the city's Centennial Celebration. Accomplishments of his administration included paved and lighted streets for the city and the David Crockett Memorial Building and Park.