In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1830
From History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time (1911)
WILLIAM BOXWELL
With the farming interests of Linn township William Boxwell has been actively identified for many years and is now the owner of a well improved and valuable property, consisting of one hundred and eighty-five acres on section 14. He was born in Virginia on the 23d of January, 1830. his parents being Robert and Rhueda (Young) Boxwell. who were also natives of the Old Dominion and in 1845 brought their family to Linn county. Iowa, locating on a farm where they spent the remainder of their lives. Here the father died in 1868 and the mother's death occurred in 1874. In their family were eight children, of whom three are still living.
Reared to agricultural pursuits William Boxwell remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, giving his father the benefit of his labor. Having acquired an excellent knowledge of farming, he then rented land, which he operated for some years, and in 1865 purchased the farm on which he now resides, and to its cultivation and improvement he has since devoted his energies with good success. He received a good common-school education and has always made the best use of his advantages in life.
It was on the 23d of January, 1865, that Mr. Boxwell was united in marriage to Miss Julia E. McCrary, who was born in New York state. March 7. 1845, a daughter of William and Almira (Mann) McCrary. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania but her mother was born in Massachusetts. Tn 1850 the family removed to Illinois and two years later became residents of Iowa, where Mr. Mc- Crary passed away in 186(3. His wife long survived him, dying in 1890. They were the parents of eight children and Mr. and Mrs. Boxwell have a family of four, namely: Frank L.. now a resident of Jones county, Iowa; Moses A., who lives on the home farm; Clarence L.. who resides in Davenport. Iowa; and Clara
E., the wife of Clarence E. Lee, of Cedar Rapids. They also have seven grandchildren.
The republican party has always found in Mr. Boxwell a stanch supporter of its principles, but he has never taken an active part in public affairs as an office seeker, his time being fully occupied by his business interests. Both he and his wife are earnest and consistent members of the Presbyterian church of Linn township and they have the respect and esteem of all who know them.
As printed in History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1911. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.