The Webb Family first came to Shackelford County in 1883, with Sam Webb (1855-1927) arriving in Albany just two years after the railroad had connected a terminus in the small, growing town. He purchased a large ranch six miles east of Albany where he lived with his wife and seven children. Partnering with his father, General William Graham Webb, he set up a Real Estate and Insurance business called Webb and Webb. After his father’s death, Sam went into business with Louis Hamilton Hill to become Webb and Hill.
Over the years, the business was involved in real estate, insurance, and to a lesser extent, cattle sales. For a short period time in the early years a man named Campbell also joined the enterprise and as lawyers he and Webb offered legal services. Over the course of the next three decades, the business name changed as partners came and went, but Sam Webb remained a mainstay until he retired in his later years.
Within a few years of his retirement Sam’s son, William Graham Webb Sr. (1879-1961), in partnership with his own two sons William Graham Webb Jr. (1901-1977) and Sam Richard Webb (1913-2008) founded a new real estate and insurance firm in 1932. The business’ name once again returned to Webb and Webb.
Beyond their business enterprises, the Webb Family were deeply committed to and active in their local community. W.G. Webb Sr. was instrumental in the creation of the Fort Griffin State Park, and it was also through this persistent efforts what the Ledbetter Picket House was moved to Albany and kept intact as an example of frontier living.
William Graham Webb Jr. worked on a volunteer basis as a reporter covering local Albany events for the Albany News, the Abilene Reporter-News, and even the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Sam Richard Webb worked tirelessly for the Fort Griffin Fandangle, the Albany Chamber of Commerce, the local American Legion, the Albany Dance Club and the Albany High School Ex-Students Association. Sam continued to helm the Webb and Webb insurance agency until his retirement in 1990.
Their oldest sister, Virginia May Webb (1902-1983), married Albany transplant and oilman Graham Peterson Crutchfield. They were both active in the Fort Griffin Fandangle, with G.P. playing a vital producer role while Virginia was a regular cast member. Both had a love for outdoors activity and hunting, and enjoyed the opportunities for both that Shackelford County provided.
Molly Sauder
Archivist & Librarian
