When John William Tarrants was born on 22 July 1892, in Calwood, Callaway, Missouri, United States, his father, Henry J. Tarrants, was 26 and his mother, Susie Vinson, was 15. He married Lella Ura Griffin on 14 March 1915, in Mexico, Audrain, Missouri, United States. They were the parents of at least 3 sons and 1 daughter. He lived in Wilson Township, Audrain, Missouri, United States for about 10 years and Salt River Township, Audrain, Missouri, United States for about 10 years. He died on 31 December 1970, at the age of 78, and was buried in East Lawn Memorial Park, Mexico, Audrain, Missouri, United States.