In 1838, John Chandler Cox migrated to southwest Missouri. One of the area1s first settlers, Cox guided its early development. It was on Cox1s land that lead was discovered and the first mine-shaft was sunk. A respected community leader, he served as a county judge, the first postmaster, and justice of the peace. On July 28, 1871, Cox platted 142 lots in Joplin City. His Dutch Colonial home, built in 1866, is the third oldest brick home in Joplin. The Cox cemetery, which lies directly north of the home, is Joplin1s oldest (1857) burial ground.