In 1974, at the age of twelve, listening to my Aunt Annie and Aunt Hassie (daughters of Lambert Webb and granddaughters of Washington Webb), they taught me the family history; our roots and where we came from. Over the next several years, I gained knowledge of the Webb-Thomas legacy. I realized that there was still a lot of information to be complied together to complete our family history. My major concern was learning all I could about my family so that I could pass this knowledge down to future generations. By the early 1980's, the passing of Aunt Annie and Aunt Hassie, I felt that a significant amount of our family history died with them.

      At the age of forty, I took it upon myself to write down all the information compiled in my memory and do extensive research on my family from as far back as 1840. I was hungry for more information. In 2002, I attended the 50th Webb-Thomas Family Reunion held in Jackson, Tennessee. There, I met my cousin Willie B. Webb who was able to give me additional information about the Webb-Thomas legacy.

      Upon my return to Dayton, Ohio, I was able to connect the family names and dates of birth as I continued to do my research. I discovered that Henry Thomas and Washington Webb had other brothers and sisters, cousins, and extended family members. During my research I finally found the missing link: I discovered there was another set of Webb-Thomas family and they had celebrated a 20th family reunion in 2003. I contacted Lula Thomas-Smith (Dayton, Oh), her sister Vanessa Thomas (New York), and their cousin Vemon Webb (New York). After our many conversations, we agreed that the missing families should unite. There are other Thomas' in Dayton, Oh as well: Jimmie Thomas of Thomas Funeral Home and his brother E.T. Thomas, whom were eager to unite and join the family.

      The information that I have compiled is the information that is referenced in The Beginning. With research, information shared from other family members, and locating some of the missing links to the other Webb-Thomas family, the concept and name Family United Reunion 2004 seemed so appropriate. I am hopeful that this will be the beginning of uniting more of our family, as well as the continuance of our Webb-Thomas Chronicles and family stories. Most of all, I am hopeful that we continue the Webb-Thomas legacy of strength, courage, and the everlasting love of Washington Webb and Henry Thomas.

By: David R. Webb
Son of Russell Webb
Grandson of Lambert Webb