BIOGRAPHY: Thomas A. W. WEBB, Mifflin County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by P. S. Barr Copyright. All rights reserved. http://files.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/mifflin/ _______________________________________________ The Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley, Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Perry, Pennsylvania. Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. Runk & Co., 1897, Volume I, pages 627-628. THOMAS A. W. WEBB, Allensville, Mifflin County, Pa., was born in Juniata county, Pa., October 20, 1831. He is a son of John and Mary (Wilson) Webb. John Webb was a son of James Webb, of Chester county; he was of Scotch ancestry on the paternal and of Welsh on the maternal side. He was a weaver; he came to Juniata county while yet a young man, and for some time was engaged there in weaving and farming. He removed to Virginia, but returned after four years and settled near McConnellstown. He farmed and did weaving there for four years, and then in 1845 came to Union township, Mifflin county. He removed to Allensville and worked in the woolen factory. John Webb was married in Juniata county to Mary Wilson, a lady of Scotch-Irish descent. Their children are: Jane (Mrs. Henry Romig), deceased; Catherine (Mrs. Jacob Zerby), of Mifflin county; Thomas A. W.; Elizabeth (Mrs. H. H. Gibboney), of Reedsville; Margaretta (Mrs. John Musser), of Huntingdon county; James, deceased; John W., deceased; Rachel (Mrs. Robert Morgan.) Mrs. John Webb died in Union township, April 24, 1864. John Webb was a Democrat, but later a Republican. He served the township in various offices. Mr. Webb was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was an earnest Christian, and has left to his children the memory of a noble, upright life. He was a teacher in the Sunday-school and a class leader. His death occurred October 30, 1867. Thomas A. W. Webb acquired his education in the public schools of Union township, and began his business life at weaving in the woolen factory of Gibboney Brothers in Union township, where he spent about ten years. He then came to Allensville, and with Mr. Zerby, his brother-in-law, as partner, began the manufacture of woolen goods. This firm continued for thirty-four years, from 1855 to 1889. Mr. Webb's son, John A. Webb, then bought out the interest of Mr. Zerby, and became a partner with his father, under the firm name of Webb & Son. The firm spent $10,000 in improved machinery and appliances, and is doing a prosperous business. Mr. Webb owns 68 acres of land and has built a fine home. He is a Republican, and has served the township as school director for three years, tax collector for one term, and justice of the peace of Menno township. He was first elected to the justiceship in 1881, and has held it ever since. He belongs to Mt. Moriah Lodge, No. 300, F. and A. M., Huntingdon. Thomas A. W. Webb was married at Huntingdon in 1858, to Anna Hamm. Their children are: Clara (Mrs. Dr. J. P. Gettler), of Belleville; Elizabeth; John A.; George L., dentist. Mr. Webb is a progressive and enterprising citizen, respected for his honest dealings and Christian character. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has held the office of trustee, steward and elder. He is class leader and a teacher and superintendent of the Sunday-school. John A. Webb, son of Thomas and Anna (Hamm) Webb, was born in Menno township, April 14, 1864. He attended the district schools, the Huntingdon Normal School, and the University at Lebanon, O. He then taught school for ten years in Mifflin and Huntingdon counties. For one year he was shorthand writer for a manufacturing firm in Philadelphia. He then came home and succeeded Mr. Zerby as partner to his father, in 1889. He has put his energy and ability into the business and it has been a success. John A. Webb is a Republican, and takes an active interest in politics. He has been delegate to the county conventions. John A. Webb was married in Philadelphia, in 1893, to Lina L., daughter of Joseph King, of Menno township. Their children are: Esther; and Helen. Mr. Webb is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in which he serves as trustee. He teaches in the Sunday-school, and is also a member of the Epworth League.