The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-01-13
RAILROAD
Man DIES ON
93RD BIRTHDAY

By the death OF William 3. FOX,
who passed away yesterday at his
home at $50 Broad street. Bridgeport
loses a man whose life was interviewer
with the early history Of American
railroading and steamboaing. and one
of the few remaining men in America
who actually witnessed and took part
steamboat lines from their tiny be-
ginnings in the '30's to their present
enormous size.
Had he lived until today. Mr.. Fox
would have been just 80, but the grim
reaper as usual proved to be no re-
spector Of persons or events. and re-
moved Mr.. Fox on the eve of his
birthday.
For the past dozen years Mr.. Fox
had lived In this city in retirement,
a peaceful old age GROWING an adj
venturous and successful life, brimful
of interesting happenings. Despite
his advanced age. he retained his fac
ulties to the last. Death was due to
pneumonia. which was brought on as
The result Of a fall about week ago,
in which Mr.. Fox fractured his hip.
age. AS boy he evinced decided
inclination for mechanical lines of
work. He was employed first in a
cotton mill. but it was the giant.
steam. that fascinated his mind. His
employers quickly learned that fact.
were needed in the boiler room. Mr..
Fox was always the man selected for
the Job.
The vocation of a steam engineer ap-
pealed to him and in 1889 he assumed
the engineers post on the tugboat
Morris In New York. The fascina-
ton of railroad engineering next
struck his mind and he entered the
employ of the Northern New Hamp-
shire railroad in 1s45:
He. was selected for the honor Of
running the first locomotive between
Elmira and Corning. NJ Y. on the
Erie line. Railroad work appealed to
him and he remained in it for several
years at one time being in charge Of
the railroad shops at Northampton.
business this time on Seneca Lake,
and In 1859 came to Bridgeport.
Mr.. Fox was then considered an ex-
pert on both steamboats, and steam
engines. He deserted his favorite
work at this time and engaged in a
business venture which proved un-
profitable. Following this he return
ed to the steamboat business and was
SUCCESSFULLY in charge of the steam
boats Schuyler. Stamford and Laura.
plying in the Sound traffic
His recognized ability pertaining to
ment as inspector for the Hartford
Steam Boiler Inspection Company. and
he was employed for 10 years by this
concern! He remained in this line
Of work until his retirement dozen
years ago. All told. he put about so
years in railroading and steamboating
and to the end Of his life was keenly
interested in watching the develop
ment Of railroad and steamboat lines.
During his entire career in these
pursuits he did not meet with a sin
gle accident. a tribute to his ability
as an engineer, and his prudence and
foresight.
Mr.. Fox came Of Revolutionary par
entage his grandfather having fought
throughout the War of the Revolution.
and served with honor at Bunker Hill,
among other battles. His home life
was Of the happiest. He is survived
by his wife and two children: Mrs.
Charles A. Campbell of this city. and
Mrs.TW. A. Smith of Denton, Md; also
a nephew. Walter I4aidlaw. a well
known letter carrier Of this city. and
Two nieces Mrs. II. e. Keep and Miss
Elizabeth Laidlaw.
Mr.. Fox was a commitment of
Christ Episcopal church. and the rec
tor. Rev. e. J. Craft. will officiate at
his funeral. The burial will be in
Westfeld, Mass