17 February 1898 - "Memphis Commercial Appeal"

JOHN L. WEBB IS DEAD - Well Known in This City - John L. Webb, familiarly known as "Cap" Webb, a well-known citizen of Memphis, died at his home, 24 Cummins Avenue, last night at 10 oÕclock. His death was unexpected and was the result of sickness of short duration. Mr. Webb returned from his place of business uptown yesterday afternoon about 3 o'clock saying he was very sick. He grew gradually worse and about 10 o'clock that night the end came. The dead man was well known in Memphis, and had a host of friends. He lived in Memphis nearly all of his life and was prominent in business circles. For fifteen years he was with the firm of Watson & Wood, cotton dealers. He was known as one of the best cotton classers in the city. He leaves a wife and two children, one son and one daughter. His wife is now in California with her son, Felix, who is reported to be in almost a dying condition. Mrs. Webb left the city only a few days ago to go to the bedside of her sick boy. Miss Anna Webb, his daughter, was the only member of the family at home when death claimed the father. Mr. Webb was related to H.H. Maury, of Webb & Maury, the Mansfields and many other prominent people of this city. He was about 55 years old. He was a brother of Maj. T.S. [Thomas Shapard] Webb, a prominent lawyer in Knoxville.

THE DEATH OF JOHN L. WEBB
It Took From the Walks of Life a Man Long Well Known in Memphis

The funeral of the late John L. Webb took place from his residence on Cummins Avenue Friday morning, and his remains were interred in the old family burying ground in Elmwood Cemetery. His funeral was attended by his brother, Maj. T.S. Webb, a leading citizen and prominent lawyer of Knoxville. The pall bearers were Rivers Groves, E.R. Moodie, L. McDowell Massey, W.D. Mallory, W.T. Hunt, and Charles Postal. There was a very large attendance of people, who represented many of the oldest and best families of Memphis.

The sudden death of Mr. Webb, occurring only a few hours after he returned home from business, was a great shock and surprise to his numerous warm friends. He was a man of sterling traits of character, as true as steel to those he liked, and naturally drew people about him. Mr. Webb was born in Haywood County, Tenn., December 2, 1838, but lived the greater part of his life in Memphis. He served four years in the Confederate army, and was a private in the Hickory Rifles, 154th Tennessee infantry. He enlisted April 23, 1861, and was paroled in May, 1865. Since the war he has been engaged in the cotton business, being one of the best classers in the city, and for fifteen years was with the house of Watson, Wood & Co.

He married soon after the war Miss Isadore Ketchum of Somerville, who survives him. They had two children, Felix W. Webb, who married Miss Anna Hart, and is now in California for the benefit of his health, attended by his mother, and Anna Walker, who is still at home.

Mr. Webb was distinguished for gallantry as a Confederate soldier, and was much loved by his comrades. He became a member of the Confederate Historical Association February 12, 1895.

He was as warm-hearted and gentle as he was brave and noted for his many acts of generosity and unostentatious charity. Some of his beneficiaries were the sincerest of mourners at his funeral. In the death of Mr. Webb a familiar figure disappears from the streets and walks of business life. The bereaved widow and her son Felix will reach home in a few days.

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