BIO: William H. FOX, Beaver County, PA
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BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES. This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches
of Leading Citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Buffalo, N.Y.,
Chicago, Ill.: Biographical Publishing Company, 1899, pp. 303-304.
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WILLIAM H. FOX, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is the
leading blacksmith of Beaver Falls, and he is recognized as having no
superior in Beaver county, Pa., in the line of shoeing horses. He owns a
large, brick shop and gives employment to several skilful hands who are
constantly kept busy in order to meet the demands of his large patronage; he
is also a prominent and industrious citizen, commanding the respect and
good-will of a host of acquaintances. He was born in Lawrence county, Pa., in
1862, and his parents are David and Rachael (Van Horn) Fox.
His grandfather, Peter Fox, was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., where he
followed his trade as a millwright during his active life. His wife was Miss
Saddler by whom he reared five sons and three daughters: Joseph; Michael;
John; Peter; David; Mrs. Morrison; Mrs. Kennedy; and Mrs. Ryhel.
David Fox was born in Lawrence county, Pa., in 1818, and was reared to
agricultural pursuits, which occupation he successfully followed throughout
his active career. He was joined in marriage with Miss Rachael Van Horn, who
was born in Lawrence county, Pa., in 1825, and they became the parents of
seven children, as follows: William H., the subject of this narrative; Abram
V.; Rebecca J. (McCurdy); Mary M. (Dick); Katie (Golden); Emma (Williams),
and Agnes (Cameron).
William H. Fox received a common school education, in Venango county, Pa.,
and at the age of sixteen years, he began life on his own account. Leaving
his father's farm, he sought to learn the trade of a blacksmith; after
mastering the trade, in 1884 he located in Beaver Falls, where he has since
established the reputation of being the most expert and
304 BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
competent blacksmith in the county. His patronage increased to such a large
extent that it was necessary for him not only to enlarge his shop but also to
employ more hands to cope with the growing demands. Accordingly, he erected a
fine two-story shop facing Third avenue on the corner of Eighth street, and he
is now able to accommodate his patrons. Mr. Fox is well deserving of the
success that has met his efforts; he is enterprising and progressive, and
supports all measures that tend to promote the welfare of the community.
Mr. Fox was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary A. Hitchin, a
native of England. Socially, he is a member of the Order of. Maccabees,
Woodmen of the World, and Independent Order of Good Templars. In politics, he
is a Republican, while in religious views he favors the Methodist church.