Frank and Josie (Box) Dilbeck

William Franklin Dilbeck was born on February 18, 1871, in Kentucky to George and Martha Dilbeck. Frank was born during the journey his pioneer parents began in Virginia as they traveled to Missouri. He was the oldest of seven siblings and the only one born during the trip. His other six siblings were all born in Missouri, where his parents eventually settled. Frank grew up on a farm in Barry County, Missouri, and at the age of 22, he married a local girl named Josie Box, who was just 15 at the time.

Josie was born on December 2, 1877, to John and Mary Box. She was the third of six children and was raised on a local farm in Barry County, Missouri. As a teenager, she lost one of her sisters in a horse riding accident, and ten years later, she lost another sister who passed away unexpectedly.

Frank and Josie owned a farm with a creek running through it. They redirected the creek and constructed a mill with a water wheel to grind the grain they cultivated on their farm. They had nine children and spent the remainder of their lives on that farm. Frank passed away on July 25, 1935, at the age of 64. Josie continued on but eventually had to sell the farm and move in with one of her daughter's families. She lived for fifteen years without Frank, spending her time with grandchildren and remaining active in the community. Josie passed away on March 12, 1950, at the age of 73. Frank and Josie are both buried in Sparks Cemetery in Cassville, Missouri.