After an illness extending through the greater part of two years, Oscar Webb of Protection-tp., died in the Wichita hospital at 9 o'clock a.m. on last Sunday, March 27, 1921. Pernicious anemia was given as the cause of his death.During the long period of Mr. Webb's failing health he had resorted to all the medical skill available, including one or two sojourns to Excelsior Springs, Mo., but only temporary relief was ever received. Just four weeks before his death his condition became worse and he went to Wichita and entered the Wichita hospital for treatment. Transfusion of two quarts of blood from the body of his son, Paul, failed to save his life. His case seemed to be beyond the power of medical skill to bring about restoration to health, hence he gradually grew worse and at last his long suffering was brought to an early end by his quietly passing away at the time stated. The body was brought to Protection on Tuesday and burial was made from the Baptist church in that city at 1:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Rev. I. W. Bailey, now of Ottawa, Kans., and a former pastor in Protection, preaching the funeral sermon. He paid a beautiful tribute to the life and character of his departed friend and exhorted the living to emulate the example of Christian living set by Mr. Webb. The pastor, Rev. E. H. H. Tubbs, had charge of the services. Six of Mr. Webb's neighbors for many years - Art Vanwey, W. P. Sanders, A. C. Alexander, Z. J. Bratcher and Haney Harden - acted as pallbearers. The music was furnished by a double quartet, and C. G. Murray sang a very beautiful solo. A large number of the neighbors and old acquaintances of the deceased were present to show their high regard for a departed friend and good neighbor. Interment was in the Protection cemetery.
Deceased was a native of Indiana, having been born near Blooming Grove in that state on December 12, 1853. His age at the time of his death was, therefore, 67 years, 3 months and 15 days. On February 27, 1884, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Dobbins. For a while the family lived near Fortville, Ind., and for a few years during his youth Mr. Webb was a near neighbor and schoolmate of the famous Hoosier poet, James Whitcomb Riley. In the year 1888, Mr. Webb and his family decided to seek a home in southwestern Kansas. They settled on a farm about one mile east of Protection and there they continued to make their home. By the exercise of good judgment, perseverance and economy Mr. Webb weathered the trying times of poor crops, low prices and adverse business conditions, staying with the country and never faltering in his faith in the possibilities of Comanche-co. as a desirable place for building up a home. He was rewarded for his industry, and in time surrounded himself with many of the comforts and conveniences of a well planned home. His interest in public affairs was always shown in a substantial way, and his influence was always found on the side of progress and betterment in all civic affairs. He was just such a citizen as contributes most toward the upbuilding of any community, hence he will be missed in the entire western half of the county, where he had long been an acknowledged leader in all forward movements.
Mr. Webb was quiet, unostentatious and strictly unselfish in all he did, honorable in his dealings and kind and considerate in his relations to all with whom he came in contact. Nobody ever questioned the honesty, the pure motives and the high ideals of Oscar Webb. He was a believer in the best things in life and in countless ways he manifested the true spirit of the Christ whom he served. For many years he had been an active member of the Baptist church and had materially aided in advancing the work of the church and Sunday school.
Another pioneer citizen, good neighbor and loyal husband and father is gone! But Oscar Webb was prepared for the event of death. Although he is gone from us, his influence for good will live on.
Mr. Webb is survived by his faithful wife and by four sons and one daughter. The children are: John and Miss Maude Webb, who with the mother, live on the home place, Fred Webb of Plainview, Texas, Paul Webb of Pratt, Kans., and Frank Webb of Arkansas City, Kans. He is also survived by two brothers - James and Emmonds Webb of Maxwell, Ind. All of these except the brothers were present at the funeral. Six grandchildren also survive.
Also see:
James W. Dappert: Reminiscences of Early Days in Comanche-co.
The Western Star, January 15, 1926.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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