Webster Chester was born on October 31, 1876, in Noank, New London, Connecticut.

He was an American naturalist and educator who graduated from Colgate University in New York in 1900. He became a dedicated biology professor at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where he taught for over 40 years, starting in 1903. After his retirement, he returned as professor emeritus and maintained a positive relationship with the school until his death. As a beloved community member, he singlehandedly built the biology department from the ground up despite having incredibly limited resources. He often went out of his way to personally collect and prepare samples for his classes, construct and refurbish scientific equipment, and even design the new science hall. His influence extended across all facets of the school, and he played a significant role in many changes—both large and small—in areas ranging from biology to administration and class structure. He is considered the founding father of the biology department at Colby College, which also has a biology museum named in his honour.

He was married to Edith Mae Watkins. He died on October 7, 1971, in Waterville, Kennebec, Maine.