James Webb was born in Essex in 1859, but he grew up at Lutterworth, where his father was a coachman, then a gardener. James worked as a gardener and became head gardener at Trent College. After marrying Annie Maria in 1886 he became a farmer and moved to Barn Farm in New Sawley. As the landowner gradually sold off fields for housing, James ran a livery (boarding) stable from the farm and operated as a general carter. He later ran passenger taxis and carriages.
He joined Sawley Parish Council in 1894 and later became the chairman, as well as a member of the Board of Governors of Shardlow Poor Law Union. After New Sawley was incorporated into Long Eaton in 1921 he became the local councillor.
James seems to have retired in 1920 as he was selling off his horses and vehicles (see newspaper clipping). He died of a stroke in 1926.
Their children were:
- Catherine Annie (1888-1953) married George Marsh, who became the warehouse manager for the Long Eaton Cooperative Society.
- George James (1889-1953) married Rose Eales (of Eales jewellers in Long Eaton High St). He ran Webb Car Service from the same site. George died a week before his sister Catherine. The company later branched into the funeral business and became Webb Funeral Service in 1974.
- Lawrence John (1899-1917) died aged 18.
