Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-03-12
DEATH OF HON. JAT1ES H. WEBB
of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania newspapers an
nounce the death, at his late home
in ToWanda, in that State, of the
gentleman whose name heads this
article, who was the eldest brother
Of Judge Charles M. Webb, Of this
city. The deceased had passed
his seventy-hfth year, and was
broken in health during the last
few years of his life. He had long
been prominent in northern Penn
sylvania, having held many posi-
tons of public trust, and was
known and respected throughout
the entire state. The following
extracts from papers published in
the city in which he lived and died
will enable the reader to judge Of
the estimate placed upon his char
acter by those among whom his
life was spent:
mo man of the present genera
ton has been longer or more
closely identified with the politics
of Bradford county than James H.
Webb. His love for political
affairs seemed to come naturally
to him. His father was prominent
ly identified with the politics of the
county and all the sons seem to
have inherited his aptitude in that
direction. Early in life James
showed partially for public af-
fairs which continued through life,
and although for some years past
the inhrmities of advanced age
have compelled his retirement from
active participation in them he has
taken an active interest in all pub
lie questions and his counsel has
been much priced and saught for.
His judgment was rarely at fault
and It was seldom that his forecast
of political events was not justified
by subsequent results.
While Mr.. Webb did not aspire
to the place of party leadership he
was sometimes compelled by the
course of events to assume that
role. 1t was, however, a position
he was pre-eminently qualified to
fill. His wide acquaintance, his
intimate knowledge of men and
public affairs, his rare tact and
skill in controlling men and in
forming political combinations
made him strong and successful
leader. He was a hard and fear
less fighter and the brilliancy of
his leadership never shone more
conspicuously than when the con-
test was close and the cause des-
perate. Cool, resourceful and
alert he was quick to see the weak
point in the enemy's line and quick
to take advantage Of it. 1t was
these qualities that won him more
than one doughtful fight and turn
ed apparent defeat into brilliant
victory.
Mr.. Webb's legislative career is
naturally less familiar to the pre-
sent generation than to those con-
temporary with him. 1t was as
member of the Lower House that
he gained greatest distinction. He
became known soon after taking
his seat as one Of the ablest mem
bers of the body and his influence
grew throughout his long service
there. While in the legislature he
was able to render his constituents
and the State at large valuable ser
vice and the fact that he was re-
turned to the House SO many times
shows that it was duly appreciated.
His elevation to the speakers chair
was recognition of his merit and
he proved to be most capable
presiding officer. He was infuen-
tial in having a great many local
laws enacted and the wide &C
quaintance and many friends made
at that time gave him great in
fuence at the State Capitol and
throughout the State, not only
while he was a member of the
House but many years thereafter
His friends and the party made
many demands upon his services
to which he always gave prompt
and willing response. Here as in
every position occupied by him his
sterling integrity was recognized.
In all his long and varied career
as private citizen and public SER
want his honesty was never quest
Toned and never even when partisan
feeling ran highest against him was
the whispering tongue of scandal
busy with his name.
1t is no common loss which this |
community suffers IN the death of
James H. Webb. To the many |
who were privileged to know him
al 4