Webster J. Colburn

       
   Webster J. Colburn, of Chattanooga, was born in Chatanqua County, N. Y., November 26, 1840; son of Albert T. and Betsey (Older) Colburn, natives of New York. They removed to Michigan and from there to Wisconsin, where our subject was reared and educated. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, First Wisconsin Infantry, and served over five years, first as a private in the above company, then re-enlisted in the Third Battery of Wisconsin Light Artillery as sergeant; was promoted to second lieutenant; in 1864 was appointed captain and assistant quartermaster of volunteers, and was breveted major in 1865 for meritorious service.   In the final report of the quartermaster-general, at the close of the war, be was one of the officers specially mentioned for good service. He was on duty eighteen months during the war at Chattanooga, and was mustered out at Memphis as chief quartermaster of West Tennessee in 1866. He then engaged in the insurance business at Memphis, but came to Chattanooga in 1867 and engaged in the same business, which he has continued successfully up to the present, representing, the Phoenix Fire, of Hartford; the Phoenix Assurance of London; the Imperial, of London; the New York Underwriters' Agency, and the Georgia Home. In 1885 he was instrumental in organizing the Mountain City Fire and Marine Insurance Company of Chattanooga, of which he has since been the efficient secretary. September 13, 1866, he married Miss Ada E. Brabson, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of the late Hon. Reese B. Brabson, a member of Congress from this district. This union resulted in the birth of eight children-three sons and five daughters. Mr. Colburn is a Democrat in his political views, a Mason, a K. of H., and a member of the A. L. of H., besides being a member of several military orders and societies. He and family are members of the Episcopal Church.
Goodspeed's "History of East Tennessee" 1887