James Augustus Fox

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James Augustus Fox
A History of Cambridge Massachusetts (1630–1913) (Fox portrait crop).jpg
Undated portrait of Fox, published 1913
Born(1827-08-11)August 11, 1827
Boston, MA, US
DiedSeptember 1901(1901-09-00) (aged 74)
Burial placeMount Auburn Cemetery
Middlesex County, MA, US
Alma materHarvard Law School
Occupation
Spouse(s)
Julia Elizabeth
​
​
(m. 1848; died 1872)​
Children3 daughters
Family
Military career
AllegianceUnited States
Years1861–1865
RankCaptain
UnitMassachusetts Militia
Commands heldMassachusetts Artillery
ConflictsAmerican Civil War
Signature
James Augustus Fox signature.png

James Augustus Fox (August 11, 1827 – September 1901) was an American lawyer, soldier, and statesman.

Personal life[]

Born in the Massachusetts capital city Boston on August 11, 1827, James Augustus Fox was descended from English and Scottish people. His father—George Howe Fox—came from the line of the author John Foxe, while his mother—Emily Fox (née Wyatt)—was related to the statesman John Murray Forbes. Fox attended Boston Public Schools and Harvard Law School before clerking for John C. Park.[1]

Fox and Julia Elizabeth (of Providence, Rhode Island) were married in 1848. The couple had three daughters—Henrietta, Julia, and Lillian—before Julia Elizabeth died in 1872. That same year, Fox moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts. He died in September 1901,[1] and was buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery.[2]

Career[]

As a lawyer, Fox was admitted to the Suffolk County, Massachusetts bar in 1854. Throughout the years, Fox was an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Knights of Pythias (as "Grand Chancellor of Massachusetts, Supreme Representative to the national branch, and Judge-Advocate-General of the uniform rank").[1]

Military[]

During the American Civil War, Fox was made a captain in the 13th Regiment of the Unattached Companies Massachusetts Volunteer Militia in 1861. From 1861–1862, Fox served in Virginia with good marks, and from 1864–1865 he commanded the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. As an early member of the Loyal Legion after the war, Fox occasionally made speeches on the conflict, including his "The Two Civilizations" which was later published.[1]

Civil service[]

Fox was a member of the Boston School Committee for three years. From 1867–1868, he served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and in the Senate from 1870–1871. After moving there in 1874, Fox served four terms as the mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts.[1]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e Eliot, Samuel Atkins (1913). "Biographies". A History of Cambridge Massachusetts (1630–1913). Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Cambridge Tribune. p. 200. LCCN 14000635.
  2. ^ "Mount Auburn Cemetery Map". webCemeteries.com. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
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