Oldest woman in Hancock County 1920.

While doing some research at the East Liverpool Carnegie Library I found an article that was very interesting to me. It talked about the oldest woman of Newell and Hancock County overall falling and fracturing her hip. Although it is sad to hear of her fate, I thought that it was neat that she was locally recognized as the “oldest resident of Hancock County”. Now-a-days, people (especially a lot of woman) in this society don’t tell their age; nor celebrate their old age. There are, of course, the oldest man and woman in the record books, but to be a century and a decade old is quite a large deal. In small communities when someone reaches one hundred, it can become a big deal as well ~ however, around here I only know of three people in that age range; and they unfortunately are in a bad state of mind.

Here is the first article that I found on Mrs. Rachel Webb:

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East Liverpool Evening Review

Friday, December 3, 1920

Page 7 ~ Microfilm at the East Liverpool Carnegie Library

Aged Newell Woman Injured In Fall

Mrs. Rachel Webb, 95, who is said to hold the distinction of being the oldest resident of Hancock County, is suffering from the effects of an injury which will probably make her bedfast for the rest of her life.

Mrs. Webb, who was born and reared in Hancock County, makes her home with her son, James Webb, on Fourth street. A few days ago the aged woman slipped and fell to the floor, fracturing her hip.

Mrs. Webb, up until the accident, was quite active in spite of her age. She went to the polls to cast her ballot at the general election in November. She is a few months older than Mrs. Eliza Cameron, mother of Mrs. C. F. Allison, of Chester.

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If you look back in time, during the year 1921 (year of these articles); you will see that people were only living to their 50’s and some to their late 60’s ~ with all the disease, and not really advanced medicine. So you could understand in this circumstance why ninety-five year old Rachel got the title.

I did some research on Rachel and have not found much. I did however find her memorial on Findagrave.com, and with the date of death from her memorial page I was able to find her obituary on microfilm at the East Liverpool Carnegie Library.

Here is her obituary:

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East Liverpool Evening Review

Friday, December 31, 1921

Page 7 ~ Microfilm at the East Liverpool Carnegie Library

Oldest Newell Woman Is Dead

Mrs. Rachel B. Webb, Aged 95, Died Here Wednesday Evening.

Mrs. Rachel Baxter Webb, aged 95, the oldest resident of Hancock County, died at the home of her son, James Webb, Jefferson Street, Newell, at 8:30 o’clock Wednesday evening following a month’s illness of infirmities of old age.

While engaged in house work about a month ago, Mrs. Webb fell to the floor, injuring her hip. She had been bedfast since that time.

Mrs. Webb was born on a farm west of Pughtown near what is now the Baxter Mills District, a daughter of George Baxter, who operated the grist mill there. Forty-four years ago she moved to another farm near Gas Valley, where her two sons, Geo. B and Samuel Webb now reside.

She was married to Thomas Webb in 1851. Her husband died in 1874. Shortly after the death of her husband Mrs. Webb and her family re-moved to Gas Valley where she made her home until about two months ago, when she went to the home of her son James in Newell.

The deceased is survived by three sons, George B and Samuel Webb of Gas Valley, and James Webb of Newell. She is the last surviving member of her family. The late Mrs. Ruth Gardner of Chester was a sister. Mrs. Webb was a member of the First Presbyterian church of Newell.

Funeral services will be conducted at the James Webb Home here Friday afternoon at 1 o’clock, Rev. Hermann M. Hosack, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, officiating. Burial will be made in the Union Cemetery, Pughtown.

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Sadly Rachel passed away, but just wanted to share part of her story. These articles are so interesting to me.

I will continue to research this part of Hancock County history, and post anything else I find. I am interested to research more on Rachel’s father George as well, so possibly will do a story on him in the future.

If you have any information on this, or are related to this Webb family; let me know.