Born in Middle Tennessee, August 20, 1827, and is a son of William and Sarah (Moornan) Webb, both of whom were natives of Richmond County, N. C. The early life of our subject passed uneventfully; he attended the district schools during the winter season and aided his father in the labors of the farm during the summer months. Having attained to years of maturity, on the 2nd of October, 1845, he led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah A. B. Case, a native of Wayne County, Ind., and a daughter of William and Lavina Case. In 1840 the young couple removed to Wabash County, Ind., where Mr. Webb engaged in farming until 1849, when he went to Somerset, that State, and embarked in the mercantile business. His undertakings in that line were successful in a marked degree and from that time forward he devoted almost his entire attention to mercantile pursuits. In 1852, however, he was compelled to retire on account of failing health and spent the succeeding year in farming but going to Kokomo, Ind. in 1861, he resumed operations in the mercantile line. Again be built up a good trade, but closed out in 1864 and removed to Peru, Ind., where he opened a store and continued there in business until 1865, when he came to Des Moines. In 1885, Mr. Webb was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died that year, leaving a husband and two children to mourn her death. On the 7th of October, 1885, Robert Webb was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Nora Case, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Isaac Case, of Chicago. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist Church and take an active part in the advancement of the cause. The schools have also found in Mr. Webb a true friend. Believing education an essentiality to good citizenship he has done much for its promotion and deserves no little credit for his efforts in that direction. For ten years he was a Director in the State Agricultural Society. His fellow citizens appreciating his worth and ability have frequently called upon him to serve in official positions and he has taken an active part in political affairs. While a resident of Indiana be was twice commissioned Justice of the Peace. In 1876, he was sent as a delegate to the National Republican Convention, at Cincinnati, which nominated R. B. Hayes for the Presidency and in 1878, was elected by his party to a serve in the Iowa Senate, where he at once took rank among the leading and influential members. He has aided in the up building of the town, county and State, has identified himself with the best interests of the community and has lived the life of an upright Christian gentleman.
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