[page 440] Prominent among the enterprising, energetic and successful business men of Bedford is Henry C. Webb, who belongs to that type of representative American citizens who in promoting individual interests also contribute to the general prosperity. He is now manager of the Hawkey Lumber Company, in which connection he is controlling an important commercial interest in Bedford. A native of Knox county, Illinois, he was born near Galesburg, March 2, 1850, his parents being Dr Luke and Melvin (Allen) Webb, who were natives of Ohio. The former was a son of John V. Webb, who was also born in the Buckeye State and died in middle life. The maternal grandparents of Henry C. Webb were John B. and Belinda (Bull) Allen. Mr Allen was born in Ohio, following the occupation of farming as a life work and, removing westward, east in his lot with the early settlers of Knox county, Illinois, where he died when about eighty years of age. His wife reached the age of seventy years and they reared a large family.

Dr Luke Webb, who in early life studied and followed dentistry, afterward worked at cabinet-making. He became one of the early settlers of Knox county, Illinois, where he resided until March, 1874, when he came to Iowa, establishing his home in Taylor county. Here he died February 24, 1890, at the age of sixty-seven years, and his widow is now living with her daughter in Pleasanton, Kansas. Both were consistent and devoted members of the Methodist church. Their family numbered six sons and four daughters: Henry C.; Fielding B.; John V.; William; Martha, the wife of Horace Smith, of Colorado; Luella, the wife of Edward Bundy, of Denver, Colorado; Belinda, of Pleasanton, Kansas; Elizabeth, the wife of George Palmer, of Denver; Ira, who died in 1870 when sixteen years of age; and Elmer, who died in 1869 when about two years of age.

Henry C. Webb was reared in the county of his nativity, where he remained to the age of twenty-six years. He has since made his home in Bedford. He had [page 441] previously attended the district and public schools of Illinois and afterward operated his father's farm in Chestnut township, Knox county, Illinois, and engaged in purchasing stock for him. He arrived in Bedford on the 20th of October, 1876, and engaged in shipping stock until January, 1890, when he was appointed postmaster under President Harrison. For four years he capably managed the affairs of the office and on his retirement from the position he became connected with the lumber trade and for the past three years has been general manager for the Hawkeye Lumber Company. He is thoroughly conversant with the trade, is an excellent judge of lumber and his previous experience in this line well qualifies him for the duties that devolve upon him in his present connection.

Mr Webb was married October 8, 1874, to Miss Agnes Smith, who was born in Knox county, Illinois, a daughter of George M. and Rachel (Jones) Smith, who were natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Illinois. They had eight children and unto Mr and Mrs Webb eight children have been born, namely: Inez Gertrude, Sidney P., Nellie B., Nettie, Vera, Beth, and two who died in infancy.

In his political views Mr Webb is an earnest republican in hearty sympathy with the principles and purposes of the party. Fraternally he is connected with Bedford Lodge, No 101, K.P., and he and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist church. They are well known in the social circles of the city and the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr Webb is very popular by reason of a social, genial nature and cordial disposition. He always has a cherry greeting and pleasant smile for those with whom he comes in contact and back of this are the substantial qualities which make for strong character and self-reliance.