J. R. Box

Following from an obituary of J.R. Box. He came from Alabama to Rusk County, TX as a boy, and after marriage moved to Van Zandt County.

Mr. J.R. Box, one of the oldest citizens of the county and a highly respected citizen of Hayden community, died at his late home last Tuesday afternoon, December 7, 1915, at 5 o'clock, and his remains were interred in the Myrtle Springs cemetery the following afternoon at 3 o'clock. Funeral services were conducted by Revs. K.W. Furrh, R. M. Wilson and E. D. Jeter, and a large concourse of relative and friends assembled at the grave to pay a last and sad tribute to this good man.

Mr. Box was born in Benton County, Alabama, July 28, 1835, and was 80 years of age at the time of his death. He came to Texas when a mere boy, settling in Rusk County, where he was married later to Miss Margaret Elliott, and they came to Van Zandt county in 1870. In 1871 Mr. Box settled on the farm where he died and has lived there continuously since that time. He enlisted in the Confederate army at the outbreak of the Civil War, serving in the 14th Texas regiment, General Ector's brigade, Capt. House's company. He served with distinction and honor throughout the four years of the war. He united with the Baptist church in 1876, being one of the original members of the old Myrtle Springs Baptist church, and was the last surviving male member so far as known, who joined when that church was organized, his widow being the only surviving member of the original organization. For many years he has been what might be termed the right arm of the Baptist church of this community, always taking an active and enthusiastic interest in church work as well as all other things for the up building of his community and the betterment of conditions generally. He was a good citizen in every sense of the word and his life was such as he thought the Master would have him live. A Pioneer citizen has passed to his reward and left the world better for his having lived.