My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS J. WEBB, dealer in and manufacturer of shoes at Mechanicsburg, Pa., is one of the leading and representative citizens of that place. Mr. Webb was born Oct. 17, 1857, in Frankford township, Cumberland Co., Pa., a son of Samuel and Hilary A. (Williams) Webb.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Webb were James and Elizabeth (Fetrow) Webb, and the maternal were Josiah and Elizabeth (Minnich) Williams, of Cumberland county.

Samuel Webb was born in 1838 in York county, and was educated in the district schools. During three years of the Civil war he faithfully served his country as a volunteer in an infantry regiment, and after the close of the war returned to his home in Monroe township, where he now resides. He married Mary A. Williams, who was born in 1834 in Frankford township, Cumberland county, and now resides near Trindle Spring, on the old homestead. Their four children were: George W.; Anna M., deceased; Ely J., and Thomas J., who was the second in order of birth.

Thomas J. Webb was reared through boyhood on the farm and was educated in the district school. Then he learned shoe-making and worked on the bench for several years, after which he became a clerk in a shoe store, in this way gaining experience both in the making and in the selling of shoes. In 1896 he started in as a dealer on his own account, opening up on North Market street, in Mechanicsburg. In 1902 he moved to his present store on one of the leading business streets, and here he carries a large and varied stock of all kinds of footwear and enjoys a large and steadily increasing trade. He has been in the business continuously for twenty-two years, and his experience, coupled with his honest methods and excellent goods, has brought him prominence in his line. In connection with his sales department he also does a large repair business.

On Dec. 25, 1879, Mr. Webb married Mary A. V. O’Neal, daughter of Thomas J. and Mary (Reinhart) O’Neal, who were formerly from Virginia, but who now reside in Mechanicsburg. To this union one daughter was born, Minnie Virginia, who is a graduate of the Mechanicsburg high school. Mr. and Mrs. Webb are members of the Bethel Church, in which Miss Webb is organist, being gifted with musical talent. Mr. Webb is prominent in a number of social and fraternal orders, being a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M., in which he has filled most of the chairs, and since 1895 has been treasurer. He is also a member of the K. of T. M., in which he has held official position, has been sub-commander and post commander and is now deputy grand commander of the Cumberland Valley Commandery; is a member of the Daughters of Liberty, and of the Royal Arcanum, in which he is regent of Mechanicsburg Council; and is an active member of the Rescue Hook and Ladder Fire Company.