THE PRESS, Manchester, Iowa May 11, 1933

Lafe Webb Joins Silent Majority

For nearly forty years Lafayette Webb has been a resident of Edgewood. His youth was spent in the well known family homeplace in Delaware County known as Hickory Grove. The location was one mile south of the Oneida corners, the former site of Hickory Grove M.E. Chrch. It was there he attended school and church. He was interested in the Sunday school of that locality, acting at times as superintendent. He retained through life a belief in principles thus established.

Becoming a proficient jeweler and watchmaker, he was secured by W. N. Boynton of Manchester to have charge of his flourishing business in that line of work. Older citizens of Manchester will recall his affable manner and fashionably dressed appearance. He occupied the position for many years.

On coming to Edgewood, Mr. Webb opened a jewelry shop in the post office when Sears Y. Richards was postmaster. The location was on the west side of Washington Street where the hardware business of Mr. McCallum is now conducted. After some time he removed to the drug store of F. W. Royden, in spare time assisting in some details of the business. When the stock was sold to Peick's Pharmacy, Mr. Webb continued with the new firm. In that connection he spent more than 25 years. As advancing years lessened his ability to be of useful service, he kindly continued in this position. For several years during the hours when free from business, he has occupied a small building used formerly as a portable photography gallery, near the railroad tracks in the east part of town.

About three weeks ago Mr. Webb, without consulting anyone else, made an application to the custodian of the Clayton county home near Elkader, for admission. When the officer came, the surprise was general. On the morning of Sunday, May 7 when his room was entered, it was found that during the latter part of the night or early morning hours, the silent messenger had called. The heart, which had faithfully functioned for 83 years, 10 months, had ceased to beat and our friend was at rest. Notice was sent to Mr. Peick, who in company with Mr. Platt, the funeral director, brought the remains to Edgewood. The final rest will be in the Delaware cemetery beside the mother, Mrs. Matilda Webb and other relatives and friends.

A sister, Mrs. Laura Hamilton, resides in Pasadena, California, and a year or two ago visited her brother and offered to take him to her home. A brother, Isaac Webb, with home in South Dakota, was in a hospital in Chicago. A cousin living in Monona, and Arthur and Albert Billings, also cousins, residents of Delhi, are the only relatives at this time ascertained. By nature Mr. Webb was reticent regarding his own affairs. If the rumor of a disappointment in a youthful romance was true, he buried his own grief that he might not add to the sum total of the sorrows surrounding him. He was of a genial and kindly disposition, and during the years gave expression of his interesting in young people. Many now grown to manhood recall memories of fishing excursions under his capable direction. With extensive reading, he kept well informed on public affairs, and was able to interest those with whom he conversed. From many will kind remembrance be given to the memory of this intelligent, patriotic and friendly citizen.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, May 9th, services were held in the Platt funeral parlors in Edgewood.