webb was nominated by president woodrow wilson on october 30, 1919, to the united states district court for the western district of north carolina, to a new seat authorized by 40 stat. 1156. he was confirmed by the united states senate on november 5, 1919, and received his commission the same day. he assumed senior status on march 1, 1948. his service terminated on february 7, 1955, due to his death while visiting wilmington, north carolina. he was interred in sunset cemetery in shelby.