Irwin C. Fox

Irwin C. Fox

IRWIN C. FOX, son of Frederick and Susan (Kelsey) Fox, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectively, was born in Oswego Co., N.Y., June 18, 1844. When he was about 13 years old his parents moved to Elkhart, Ind., and in 1866 came to this county, settling in Dayton Township. When Mr. Fox was 17 years old he enlisted in the 9th Ind. Vol., and served one year, when he was honorably discharged on account of sickness, which was brought on by exposure. He returned to Indiana, where he remained about one year, then went to the State of New York, and attended the Commercial College at Oswego, and in 1864 again returned to Indiana. The great rebellion had not yet been crushed, and once more his patriotic soul prompted him to again offer his services to his country. Accordingly the following July he re-enlisted, this time in the 152d Ind. Vol. Inf., at this time he served nearly eight months, and was mustered out of the service in September, 1865. He was in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, Camp Allegheny, W. Va., and several smaller engagements. In the spring of 1866, he came to Newaygo County and took up 160 acres of land on section 30, under the Homestead Act, and 120 acres on section 25, Greenwood Township, Oceana County. The following spring he went to Indiana for the purpose of bringing his father's family to Michigan, and they have since resided on this farm. He has 65 acres under cultivation, and has added 80 acres to his original farm in Dayton Township.

Mr. Fox was married in Dayton Township, May 13, 1873, to Miriam E., eldest daughter of James and Sarah Toles. Her parents were natives of the State of New York, and after marriage removed to Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Fox have had four children - Nellie S., Bertha M., Edward F. and William C.

Mr. Fox has held the office of Supervisor six years, Justice of the Peace four years, Highway Commissioner six years, Town Treasurer five years. He ws County Superintendent of the Poor six months, and resigned to accept the office of Supervisor. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and of Henry Dobson Post, at Fremont. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Fox has been on the county ticket three successive campaigns for County Treasurer, also for County Clerk, and was defeated by only a small majority.

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