A film editor by profession, J. Watson Webb was heir to both the Vandernilt and Havemeyer families. The Yale University graduate began work in Hollywood as an apprentice film editor at 20th Cntury Box. He became Darryl F. Zanuck's head film cutter. Among films he edited were "Cheaper by the Dozen," "State Fair," "Wing and a Prayer," and "With a Song in My Heart." Retiring from film editing in 1962, he served as president of the Shelburne Museum from 1960-1977.