J. D. Webb

James Daniel Webb (born October 30, 1879 in Eutaw, Greene County; died July 14, 1956 in Birmingham) was Birmingham's city engineer from 1905 to 1921, and continued working as "engineer emeritus" until shortly before his death.

Webb was the son of Henry Young Webb Jr. He learned engineering through apprenticeship and served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for seven years, then joined the Jefferson County Sanitary Sewer Commission. Webb married the former Alice Ingram Turpin on April 26, 1906.

After becoming city engineer Webb was involved in designing all the downtown viaducts and the city's industrial water system, including the 1939 impoundment of Inland Lake as a reservoir. He also worked on designs for a proposed Red Mountain Tunnel. For his work he was honored by the American Public Works Association.

Webb died at his home at 1429 12th Avenue North in July 1956. He was survived by four daughters; Alice, Sallie, Elizabeth and Jennie. Ed Ramage officiated at his funeral at Johns-Ridout's Chapel. He was buried following another service at his home town in Eutaw.

References

• "Rites To Be Held Today For James Daniel Webb" obituary (July 1956)