Samuel Fox, the gentleman, whose sketch is herewith presented, hails from far away Netherlands and is one of the many sturdy yeoman whom Holland has furnished the great American republic.

Mr. Fox was born in the province of Zeeland, November 20, 1831, son of Nicholas and Anna (Schipper) Fox, both natives of the same country. He was reared in his native province and there attended in his youth the public schools. When a young man he became a carpenter and worked at the trade in Holland until 1854, when he came to the United States, landing in the city of New York May 8^th, of that year. From New York, Mr. Fox came direct to Grand Rapids, Mich., and during the four years succeeding worked at his trade in this city. He then went to St. Louis, Mo., where he was similarly employed until October, 1859, at which time he made his way further south, finally reaching New Orleans; where he followed his vocation with varied success until his return to Grand Rapids two years later. After working in this city about one year, Mr. Fox went to East Saginaw, where he followed his trade for a period of one and a half years, when he again came to Grand Rapids, which has since been his home. Until 1866 Mr. Fox worked continuously at carpentry and building, but in that year he engaged in the tanning business, following the same for three years, when he suffered a great loss by the complete destruction of his establishment by fire. For one and a half years thereafter he followed carpentry for a livelihood, and then engaged in the manufacture of croquet sets, base-ball bats, etc., to which he gave his attention about three years disposing of the business at the end of that time. In 1872, in partnership with a nephew, James Fox, he embarked in the retail grocery trade, and three years later became a wholesale dealer in the same line, continuing the latter for a period of two years, when he sold his stock and turned his attention to other pursuits. In 1885 Mr. Fox became a member of the firm of Hester & Fox, dealers in agricultural implements engines, boiler, buggies, harness, all kinds of farm machinery, bicycles, etc., and in 1892 became sole proprietor of the business, which he has since conducted on quite an extensive scale, his stock at this time representing a capital of $8,000.

As will be seen by reference to the record of  Mr. Fox, he has had varied experience since becoming a citizen of this country, but in his vocabulary there is "no such word as fail." He has met and triumphantly overcome many obstacles, bravely encountered every discouragement, and won success from what to many would have proved failure. He is now at the head of a good business, which returns him a handsome profit and assures him of competency for his remaining years.

Mr. Fox was married in Grand Rapids, June 21, 1867, to Miss Aaltje Phernanbucq, who was born in the town of Ziariczee, province of Zeeland, Holland, November 14, 1840. Her parents were Adrian and Cora N. (Newenhouse) Phernanbucq, both natives of Holland. To Mr. and Mrs. Fox have been born three children: Nicholas A., whose birth occurred April 18, 1870, is now associated with his father in business; Cora Marena, born June 14, 1877, and Anna Louisa, born June 10, 1878. The family belong to the Dutch Reformed church of Grand Rapids. In politics Mr. Fox is a democrat, and while interested in all matters of a political and public nature, he has never seen fit to aspire to official honors, preferring to give his attention to the demands of his business. He is a splendid citizen and numbers his friends by the score in business and other circles in Grand Rapids.

The eldest son, Nicholas A. Fox, is one of the city’s promising business men. He was married December 28, 1892, to Miss Etta M. Barton, and is the father of two children—Harald N. and Samuel C.   He also supports the principles of the democratic party, is a member of lodge No. 34, F. and A. M., and also belongs to the order of Maccabees.