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Archiver > WEBB > 2003-09 > 1064886090
From: "Betty Ellis" <>
Subject: [WEBB] WEBB, Thornton J. "Tony"; b.Bristol,Eng; d.Horseheads,NY;son of Francis Webb
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2003 21:41:52 -0400
http://miva.stargazette.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?localobit.mv
Elmira Star Gazette, Elmira,Chemung,NY
WEBB
Thornton J. "Tony" Of Horseheads Age 91, Sunday, September 17, 2000 in the Elcor Health Services, Horseheads, NY. Survived by loving wife, Mary E. Webb; daughter; Heather Myles; sons, T. John Webb, predeceased widow Joan Webb, Garfield (Brenda) Webb; grandsons, Jason (Alison) Webb, Chance Webb; step-daughter, Patricia (Jerald) Meeker; step-grandchildren, Julie Ann, Ted (Kristin), Christine Meeker; great-grandaughter Sydney Alexis; several nieces and nephews in England & Australia; nephew: Kevin (Bonnie) Vanderpoel; great niece & nephew; Danielle and Christopher Vanderpoel; niece; Doreen Vanderpoel; special niece; Lori (Bruce) Mosteller; dear friends; Mary Jane Carl, Lee Demoney, Velma Miller, Mary Louty, Ann & Rich Robinson, and Bruce Roemmelt. Born February 6, 1909 in Bristol, England over a pub operated by his father, Francis Webb. The pub, The Mardyke Hotel still is doing a great business and was visited by Thornton's friend recently. Thornton was the next youngest of 17 !
children. He received his nickname "Tony" because of his extremely mannerly ways at a very early age, (never failing to "Duff" his hat to the ladies). He was of high tone manner. Life had fond memories until age 6 when his mother died at age 45 in London. With a young baby girl to raise by two older sisters, Tony and a brother became the wards of Dr. Thomas John Barnardos Orphanage. They were sent to a private home or foster home in Long Credon, west of Chelton Hills. Their life was a far cry from a mother's love. At age 13, Tony became one of the 80,000 children between 1870 and the depression of 1930 from the British Isles who journeyed to Canada. With no choice in decisions he became cheap farm labor, placed with farmers to work in fields, handling chores and having the responsibility of a man. Like the many known as "Home Children" he was lonely and forelorn plus hardship and abuse. His only reward for 3 1/2 years of slave labor was $200 which he did not receive until he!
was 24. Tony's special presence of God in his earliest days of life, he claims was his saving grace to endure the loss of loved ones and lonliness. He moved on after his 3 1/2 years apprenticeship to another farm where he was treated kindly and finding a family life. At age 21, Tony returned to England. After enjoying this family for 3 months he returned to Canada to a promised job on a Fox Farm, only to find the Fox had died and the owner was bankrupt. Being the time of "The Deep Depression" he worked for room and board and at times had to take to the road. At one time he lived two weeks on 25 cents. He never lost his faith in God. In due time he arrived in Bowmansville, Ontario, Canada. (He went on the last Harvesters Excursion on the Vancouver Express ending up in Ole Sage, Vancouver near the US border. He became ill and had to return to Bowmansville, Ontario, Canada. He recovered to take a job on Canadian Pacific RR laying steel, from Havelock to Indian River. After thi!
s project was completed he set out to find another job). He then worked in the Textiles and later received employment in Bowmansville Foundry as a chrome plater. He worked there for 36 years, providing a better life for himself, his wife and children. His daughter was Heather, his sons, T. John Webb Jr., and Garfield G. Webb. In 1968 sorrow and lonliness returned to him with the loss of his wife of 36 years. In 1970, he met and married his present wife, Mary. On Nov. 26, 2000 they would have enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 30 years in spite of serious illness for both. Tony has been a soldier in the Salvation Army 54 years as Corp. Treasurer and Bandsman playing e Flat Bass Horn and a very effective collector at Christmas. Even though his health has failed in a greater degree he is still willing to serve the Lord. The extension of his faith is found in his great love of being a Master Mason and serving as he is most capable. You can continue from your own observation of his !
life in Masonry. In 1973 he was raised as Master Mason in Ivy Lodge #397 in Elmira where he served as Tiler, as well as a member of the Fellowcraft Team. In 1978 he received the Holy Royal Degree in Elmira Chapter #42 Royal Arch Masons and has been master of the First veil. In 1980 he joined the Southern Tier Council #16 where he served as Chaplain. Also in 1980 he became a Knight Templar in St. Omer's Commandery #19 where he has served as standard Bearer and sentinel. In 1974 Tony became a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason in the valley of Corning. Tony was a quiet, industrious mason who loved the Lord and his fellowman as evidenced by his being named meritorious companion in Elmira Chapter #42 R.A.M. in 1984, and presented the meritorious award in St. Omer's Commandary #19 in 1985. The 1990 spring class was named in honor of Tony. Family and friends are invited to call Wednesday, September 20, 2000 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmi!
ra. Funeral and Committal Service will follow there at 2;30 PM. Captain Charles Harris of the Salvation Army, officiating. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Elmira at the convenience of the family. Many thanks to Elcor Nursing Facility where Tony resided LODGE NOTICE Brethern of the Ivy Lodge #397 are invited to attend a Masonic Service for our fallen brethren Thornton J. Webb, Wednesday, September 20, 2000 at 2:30 PM at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY.
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