BIO: William H. FOX, Beaver County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja & Joe Patterson Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/beaver.html http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/beaver/bios/bbios.htm Index for this bio book. _________________________________________________________________ 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. _________________________________________________________________ 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.