My Genealogy Hound

LEE BRADFORD WEBB. This prominent resident of the town of Orange, Schuyler County, needs no introduction to our readers, for he is well known throughout this section as the popular Postmaster of Sugar Hill, which office he has held since his appointment under President Hayes’ administration. He is likewise the efficient Supervisor of the town of Orange, and in addition to discharging the duties of these positions, gives much time and attention to his farming interests.

Mr. Webb has always lived in this county, having been born in Sugar Hill, August 7, 1859. His parents, David and Julia (Burt) Webb, still reside in Sugar Hill, where the father was born on the same farm as was our subject, December 12, 1822. He, in turn, was the son of William Webb, who was born in Goshen, Orange County, January 17, 1791. He was united in marriage with Catherine Forshee, and by this union were born twelve children. Eight of the number married and had families, and of these we make the following mention: Charles departed this life in Ohio, July 1, 1883; Barnard, who was a resident of Dundee, died August 27, 1882; Bradford died July 2, 1893, and was buried on the Fourth of July; David, the father of our subject, was the sixth-born; Gates is also deceased; Mary Ann married John Huey, and died in Tyrone, September 24, 1864; Hannah became the wife of Henry Horton, and makes her home at Sugar Hill, which is also the dwelling-place of Mary, now Mrs. Sylvester Kent.

In 1818 the grandparents located in Schuyler County, but previous to this time had removed to the town of Lodi from Orange County, and on settling here took up a quarter-section of land, which is still held in the family. The grandfather, who was Assessor of his town for a number of years, and held the office of Postmaster, died January 4, 1879, aged eighty-eight years. His good wife, however, preceded him to the land beyond many years. For a period of sixty-two years he had been a resident of the old home farm, which he purchased in its primitive state and improved. Some fifteen years prior to his demise, however, he disposed of his estate to his two sons, David and Bradford. He was very prominent in his community, and lived retired for several years. During the War of 1812 he served as a drummer on Staten Island, and in the later years of his life was granted a pension.

The father of our subject chose for his first wife Miss Anna Smith, who died leaving no family. He then chose as his companion Miss Julia Burt, who is still his cheerful helpmate. David Webb is a well preserved old gentleman, and takes a decided interest in the affairs of his community. For many years he voted the Democratic ticket, but is now a strong Prohibitionist, and has done much toward furthering the interest of the good work of temperance in his community.

The parental family included four children, of whom Samuel B. was the eldest; he is a substantial farmer, and is now living in Sugar Hill. Flora A. is unmarried and keeps house for her brother Lee, who was the third of the household. Eva L. is the wife of Martin Howell, who resides on his farm near Dundee.

The subject of this sketch is well educated, having received a thorough common-school education, finishing with two terms in Starkey Seminary. On reaching his majority, he began farming on a tract of eighty acres, fifty of which formed part of the old homestead. His marriage occurred January 2, 1883, when Miss Mary Macreery became his wife. She was the daughter of William and Margaret (Totten) Macreery, who are at present residing in Townsend, although they were living at Sugar Hill at the time of their daughter’s birth. Mrs. Webb departed this life June 6, 1887, after nearly a year’s illness, leaving two sons: Seth William, born on Christmas Day, 1883; and Arthur David, born February 25, 1885.

Mr. Webb has made the most of his money by farming and stock-raising. It is said that there are but two flocks of Cheviot sheep in Schuyler County, and one of these is owned by Mr. Webb. He also breeds horned Dorset sheep, and exhibits both breeds at the county fairs. He is a member of the Fair Association.

Ever since eighteen years of age our subject has been prominently before the public in some capacity. On attaining his majority, he was the successful candidate for the office of Inspector of Elections, which he held for three or four years, and in February, 1894, he was elected Town Supervisor. He has been very influential in the councils of the Democratic party, having attended both county and congressional conventions, and has never missed casting his vote since twenty-one years old. He is Treasurer and one of the Trustees of Sugar Hill Presbyterian Church, of which his good wife was a member.