John and Mary (Depew) Box

John Box was born in 1846 in Lawrence, Indiana, to William and Elizabeth Box when they were 30. Within three years, his family relocated from Indiana to Barry County, Missouri, where his siblings were subsequently born. At the age of 15, the Civil War erupted, and Missouri was deeply divided. Two years later, Union soldiers arrested his father on suspicion of being a Confederate sympathizer. John was 17 when his father died in a prison camp in Springfield, Missouri. There are no details about the circumstances of his father's death or place of burial.

John married Mary Elizabeth Depew on July 11, 1868, at the age of 22. Mary was born in 1846 in Dade County, Missouri, near Jefferson City, to George and Matilda Depew. Her family did not own any property, but her father supported them by making and repairing wooden carriage wheels. She was the fourth of six children and was the only girl among five brothers. When Mary was 13, her mother died unexpectedly. Her father did his best to work and care for the children. Mary was particularly close to her two youngest brothers, George and Eli.

Mary and John had six children and were married for 64 years. John was a lifelong farmer. He passed away on April 8, 1932, at the age of 85. Mary died the following year on February 17, 1933 at 87. Both John and Mary are buried in Antioch Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.