My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH S. WEBB, who is now serving as Sheriff of Carbon County and makes his home in Mauch Chunk, has always lived in the Keystone State. He was born in Bloomsburg, Columbia County, on the 14th of April, 1847, and is the son of Hiram and Mary Ann (Mills) Webb. The father was a farmer by occupation, and for many years followed that pursuit. His death occurred in Lehighton in 1862, but his wife is yet living in that place. In their family were five children.

The member of the family in whom our readers are most interested is the efficient County Sheriff, and the record of his life is as follows: When he was about two years of age he was brought by his parents to Carbon County, and in the public schools of Franklin Township acquired his education. He early became familiar with all the duties of farm life, for as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields. At the early age of fourteen, however, he left home to enter the service of his country. Although so young, he was stirred by patriotic impulses, and in 1861 became a member of Company I, Eighty-first Pennsylvania Infantry, commanded by Col. James Mitter. He then went with his command to the south, where he did guard duty for a time. At Charles City, Va., he was wounded by a gunshot in the right thigh, and for some time was disabled for duty. At the battle of Fredericksburg he was shot in the right shoulder and under the chin, a ball cutting the jugular vein. During most of the time he remained in the hospital until he had sufficiently recovered, when he at once joined his comrades for duty in the field. Meritorious service won him promotion, and he at length became Captain of his company. He was always found at his post, faithfully performing the task allotted to him, and was one of the valiant boys in blue from 1861 until July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged.

Mr. Webb then returned to his home in Lehighton, where he was variously employed for some time. He embarked in hotel keeping, and did a successful and lucrative business along that line until 1891, when he was elected Sheriff of Carbon County on the Republican ticket. In January, 1892, he entered upon the duties of the office, and is now filling the position with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. While living in Lehighton, he also served as Constable for six years. He is a stalwart advocate of the Republican party, and its men and measures always receive his support.

In 1866 Mr. Webb was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Miller, of Lehighton, daughter of Henry D. Miller, one of the early settlers of the place. Three children grace their union, two sons and a daughter, Thomas W., Joseph S. and Ada C. Mr. Webb takes considerable interest in civic societies, and holds membership with Lehighton Lodge No. 101, I. O. O. F.; Weissport Lodge, K. of H, and Lehighton Post No. 484, G. A. R.