Obituary: FOX, Michael P., Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Colo April 5, 1911, page 2 (Inclues photo) http://files.usgwarchives.net/co/denver/obits/f/fox_michael_1911.txt Transcribed and Contribted by: Rita Timm 2001 - 2002 ================================================= MICHAEL P. FOX, PIONEER COAL OPERATOR, DIES IN DENVER; WAS ILL FOR A MONTH. ----------- Was One of Builders of Boulder Country; Came to Colorado First in 1869; Home Was Renowned for Hospitality. Michael P. Fox, the pioneer coal operator of Boulder County, died at his resi- dence, 1807 Downing Avenue, yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Mr. Fox had been seriously ill for nearly a month, but his health was broken from previous sick spells and he sank almost from the beginning of his last illness. The unremit- ting care of a devoted wife and the best of medical skill were all powerless to arrest the march of the fell destroyer. Mr. Fox was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, sixty-seven years ago, but while yet a lad, charmed with the stories of free America that came to him from across the seas, he came to the United States to carve out his own fortune. His first employment was on the great Hooaase tunnel, where he soon earned promotion to a foremanship, and became noted for his unusual executive ability. From Massachu- setts he came to Colorado in 1869 and commenced as a coal operator in Boulder County, the first mine he worked being at Erie. Later he purchased heavily of Boulder County coal lands, and from his wise and prudent management of them became a wealthy man. He was associated with former Senator Patterson in several properties and a lasting friendship sprung up between them. Mr. Fox was also a large owner of agri- cultural lands and was connected with extensive irrigating projects. That he might the better educate his children, he gave up his charming home n Boulder County and removed to Denver three years ago. His home in Boulder was renowned for its hospitality. Mr. Fox was truly one of the builders of Boulder County. He was a man of sterling worth and upright principles. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him. In 1889 Mr. Fox married Mrs. Elizabeth Wilhelm, the widow of Harry Wilhelm of Balti- more, Md. She proved a most loving and congenial helpmate. She is plunged into the deepest grief. Four sons, who survive blessed the marriage--Guy, Michael, Charles and Dewey. He also leaves surviving him a sister, the wife of J. McTiernay, a contractor and builder of Denver. There also are two step-sons, William and Thomas. The funeral will be held at Boulder, where the remains will be interred. The arrange- ments are not completed, though it is probable that services will be held on Thursday afternoon. The evening papers will contain the fuller details. =================================================== Contributed for use by the USGenWeb Archive Project (http://www.usgenweb.org) and by the COGenWeb Archive Project USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access.