William B. Webber
SOURCE: "History of Champaign County, Illinois with Illustrations," 1878
SURNAMES: BARNETT, THOMPSON, WEBBER
WILLIAM B. WEBBER. One of the leading members of the bar of Champaign county, was born in Urbana, Illinois, Oct. 31st, 1837, and is the third child of Thomson B. and Martha (THOMPSON) WEBBER, who were among the early settlers of this county. (A biographical sketch of T. R. Webber appears elsewhere in this work.)
The early education of William B. was obtained in the common schools of this county. As a student, he was energetic and industrious. His father being elected circuit clerk, young Webber served four years under him as deputy. When about twenty-three years of age he began the study of law, in the office of Judge William D. Somers and Capt. John C. Moses, of this city. He was admitted to the bar in 1863, and began the practice with his former preceptor, Judge Somers. That partnership existed for six years. He then practiced alone for about two years, and became a partner of Judge J. O. Cunningham, which partnership continued over five years. As a lawyer, Mr. Webber has been successful, and has taken part in several important cases, which have added much to the reputation and high standing of the bar of Champaign county.
On the 1st of September, 1864, Mr. Webber was married to Miss Sarah BARNETT, the daughter of Allen BARNETT, of Shelby county, Kentucky. Mrs. Webber is a lady of culture and refinement, and is a graduate of the Kentucky Female College. She is also a member of the Baptist Church. As the fruits of the above Union, Mr. Webber and wife have had born to them four children.
In politics he has always been a member of and an earnest advocate of the principles of the Democratic party.
In the fall of 1877 he was the Democratic candidate for county judge, but Champaign county being a strong Republican county, he was defeated. He, however, ran ahead of his party ticket about three hundred votes, which attests his popularity as a citizen. As a lawyer, he is recognized as an able and safe counselor, and the secret of his success has been in his close attention to business. Honesty and integrity have characterized his every-day life. In him all will recognize a self-made man.