Representative John Calvin Box

John Calvin Box served as a Representative from Texas in the United States Congress from 1919 to 1931. A member of the Democratic Party, John Calvin Box contributed to the legislative process during 6 terms in office.

John Calvin Box’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, John Calvin Box participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

John Calvin Box (March 28, 1871 – May 17, 1941) was a U.S. Representative from Texas. Box was born on the family farm at Hammond’s Creek east of the present day Latexo community in northern Houston County, Texas to John Jasper Wesley Box and Susan Adeline Morris Box. He attended the country schools, and United Methodist Church-affiliated Alexander Collegiate Institute (later Lon Morris College) in Jacksonville, Texas. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1893 beginning his practice in Lufkin, Texas Angelina County, Texas. His father, J.J.W. Box was a confederate army veteran and farmer. His mother a home maker and devoted wife and mother. His son, John C. Box, Jr. followed his father in the practice of law continuing the firm’s work in Jacksonville, Texas. He moved to Jacksonville, Texas, in 1897 and continued the practice of his profession. He was also a licensed Methodist lay minister. He served as judge of the Cherokee County Court 1898-1901. He served as mayor of Jacksonville 1902-1905. He served as member of the Democratic State committee 1908-1910. In 1913 John Calvin Box was one of the original founders of Southern Methodist University located in Dallas, Texas serving as a member of the board of education and as chairman 1913-1918. Box was elected as a Democrat to the Sixty-sixth and to the five succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1919 – March 3, 1931). While serving in congress, he voiced strong opposition to uncontrolled border crossing by foreign nationals warning of future problems from these incursions. He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1930. He resumed the practice of law in Jacksonville, Texas, until his death there May 17, 1941. He was interred in the City Cemetery.