Updated June 12, 2023 to include birth records for the couple’s sons and information from the 1931 Census.
When James Edward Webb was born in 1887, in Lancashire, England, his father, William Richard (1859-1942), was 28 and his mother, Elizabeth (née Dutton) (1859-1943), was 28. Census records suggest that he was born on June 24, 1887, but his baptismal record suggests he was born on November 4. His granddaughter has confirmed that his birthday was actually November 5th.
James was baptized on February 3, 1888 (the same day as brother Joseph) at St. John the Divine, the parish church in Pemberton, Lancashire.
James emigrated with his parents and several of his siblings (he had five brothers and three sisters) to Canada between 1903-1905.
James married Sarah Kathleen Payne on January 1, 1910, in Wentworth, Ontario, Canada.
When Sarah Kathleen Payne was born on June 22, 1888, in Ontario, Canada, her father, Joseph Robert Payne was 24, and her mother, Sarah (née McDonald), was 25.
Sarah and James had four children over 24 years:
- James Alfred Webb (1910-1975) married Mary Ellen Worron (1909-1977)
- William Anthony Webb (1915-1973) married Margaret Mary Ann Steven Barnetson (1914-2003)
- Frederick Allan Webb (stillborn April 28, 1933)
- Sadie Elizabeth Webb (1934-2008) married Kenneth Douglas Thompson (1934-2006)
Just over six months after the couple is married, son James Alfred is born on June 6, 1910. Father James is listed as working as a boilermaker and the family is living with his parents at 85 Wellington Street North. The house at 85 Wellington Street North has since been replaced by a large apartment building.
On the 1911 census, James, Sarah and their new son are living across the street at 86 Wellington Street in Hamilton. James is working in a grocery (James Jr.’s birth record confirms this as his father’s occupation is listed as a “carter” which suggests that he was delivering groceries).
William Anthony is born on August 6, 1914. At this time, the family is living at 208 Wellington Street North. Records indicate that James was likely living with his brother William, as William’s son George was born in October of that year at the same address. Google maps indicates that the home at that address was demolished sometime between 2012 and 2014 as a newer home has been on the lot since that time.
The couple are found with their two older children at 173 Oak Avenue in Hamilton on the 1921 Canadian Census. James’ was a carpenter.
Sarah predeceased her husband on April 16, 1947, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 58.
James died on February 22, 1972, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 84.
The couple are buried in Woodland Cemetery (Section 20, Lot 108 (west grave)). The record suggests “James Edward Webb of 51 Douglas Street purchased this 30-square foot, single grave in April 1947. There are two burials at this grave.” The stone reads “WEBB, James E., 1887-1972, hus. of Sarah K. PAYNE, 1890-1947.”
