By Muriel Bristol | October 25, 2020
Asa Fox (1809-1887)
Asa Fox was born in Shapleigh, ME, October 23, 1809, son of Daniel Jr. and Mary (Roberts) Fox.
Daniel Fox [Jr.] headed a Shapleigh, ME, household at the time of the Third (1810) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 16-25 years [himself], one female aged 16-25 years [Mary (Roberts) Fox], and one male aged under-10 years [Asa Fox].
Asa Fox married, probably in Maine, circa 1832, Harriet Wood. She was born in Shapleigh, ME, March 8, 1807, daughter of Enoch and Dorothy (Heard) Wood.
Eldest son Charles D. Fox was born, probably in Acton, ME, circa 1833, prior to the family’s arrival in Milton Mills.
“He moved to Milton Mills, New Hampshire and opened a general store in 1834.” Middle son Elbridge W. Fox was born in Milton, December 3, 1834.
Captain Asa Fox was born in Acton, and settled at Milton Mills in 1834. He established himself in trade and carried on a thriving general business until his death, which occurred in 1887, at the age of seventy eight years. At first a Whig, he followed the majority of that party into the ranks of the Republicans. He was for many years identified with local affairs, and he served with ability as a Selectman, Town Treasurer, and legislative Representative. Prominent in military affairs, he held the commission of Captain in State militia. His wife, Harriet, who was a daughter of Enoch Wood, a well known resident of Acton in his day, became the mother of three sons. These were Charles, who died in 1852, Elbridge W., the subject of this sketch, and Asa A., who is residing in Milton Mills. Mrs. Asa Fox died in 1882 (Biographical Review, 1927).
Youngest son Asa Augustus Fox was born in Milton, February 3, 1837.
Asa Fox headed a Milton household at the time of the Sixth (1840) Federal Census. His household included one male aged 20-29 [Asa Fox], one female aged 20-29 years [Harriet W. Fox], two males aged 5-9 [Charles D. Fox and Elbridge W. Fox], and one male aged under-5 years [Asa A. Fox]. One member of the household was engaged in commerce, presumably Asa Fox himself. The Fox household appeared in the enumeration between those of Bray Simes, who was also engaged in commerce, and [Dr.] John L. Swinerton, who was engaged in a learned profession.
In the boundary descriptions of the properties devised in Fox’s 1887 will, we learn that his “homestead lot” was a half-acre lot beside or behind his store.
… my homestead lot, with the dwelling house, barn and shed standing thereon, bounded as follows, Beginning at the road leading to Fox’s store and in the center of the passway between my house and store, thence running northerly to the northerly end of the store, thence northeasterly to the southwesterly end of the store-house, thence northerly by said store-house thirty-two feet, thence northeasterly ten feet, thence northerly to the land of Henry H. Townsend, thence westerly by said Townsend’s land to land of the late Bray U. Simes, thence by said Simes’ land to the aforesaid road, thence southerly and easterly by said road to the bounds begun at, containing one half acre more or less, with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging … together with the right of passing and repassing to and from the said house, shed and back lot at all times, said passway to remain open and free for passing and repassing as now used.
It is apparent from this Milton Mills map of 1856 that both Asa Fox’s house and store (marked here in red) stood on what is now termed Main Street, across the street from what would later be Ira Miller’s store. (Note that the Milton Mills school house (“S.H”) was not then situated where it would be later in 1875).
Asa Fox was one of three Milton selectmen in 1843-46, 1851-52, and 1858 (Mitchell-Cony, 1908).
Asa Fox, a trader, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton household at the time of the Seventh (1850) Federal Census. His household included Harriet W. Fox, aged forty years (b. ME), Charles D. Fox, a carpenter, aged sixteen years (b. NH), Enoch E.W. Fox, a trader, aged fifteen years (b. NH), and Asa A. Fox, aged thirteen years (b. NH). Asa Fox had real estate valued at $2,000. His three sons had all attended school within the last year.
Eldest son Charles Daniel Fox died of typhoid fever in New York, October 4, 1852.
Asa Fox, a farmer, aged forty-five years (b. NH [SIC]), headed a Milton household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Harriet W. Fox, aged forty-six years (b. NH [SIC]). Asa Fox had real estate valued at $3,000, and personal estate valued at $2,000. His household appeared next to that of his son, A.A. Fox, a carpenter, aged twenty-three years (b. NH).
(The NH Historical Society has an ambrotype photograph “showing horse and wagon in front of the Asa Fox and Son general store in Milton Mills,” which was taken in November 1860).
Asa Fox was presumably the author of the Vulpes letter of February 1864, vulpes being Latin for fox. He paid a $10 tax on his Class B retail dealer’s license in the U.S. Excise Tax of May 1864.
The firm of Asa Fox & Son of Milton Mills paid a $10 tax on their retail dealer’s license in the US Excise Tax of 1866. Asa Fox paid personally a $1 tax on his carriage.
The Milton Mills mercantile firm of Asa Fox & Son appeared in the Milton business directories of 1867-68, 1868, and 1869-70. They sold dry goods and groceries. Son Elbridge W. Fox appeared also as a justice of the peace, as postmaster and, in 1869, as selectman.
Asa Fox, a retail grocer, aged fifty-nine years (b. ME), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills P.O.”) household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Harriet W. Fox, keeping house, aged sixty-two years (b. ME). Asa Fox had real estate valued at $5,000, and personal estate valued at $7,050. His household appeared next to that of his son, Elbridge W. Fox, a retail grocer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH).
The Milton Mills mercantile firm of Asa Fox & Son appeared in the Milton business directories of 1871, 1875, 1876, 1877, and 1880.
NEW ENGLAND BY MAIL. Milton Mills, N.H. The store of Augustus Fox at Milton Mills, was destroyed by fire Tuesday night. Loss $6000; insured in the Home, New York, for $4300. The second story was occupied by the Old Fellows, who lost everything (Boston Globe, March 9, 1876).
(Ira Miller sold his Central House hotel and opened a competing general store at Milton Mills at about this time).
Asa Fox, a farmer & trader, aged seventy years (b. ME), headed a Milton (“Village of Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Harriet W. Fox, aged seventy-two years (b. ME).
The Milton Mills mercantile firm of Asa Fox & Son appeared in the Milton business directories of 1881, 1882, 1884, and 1887.
Harriet (Wood) Fox died July 3, 1882.
Asa Fox of Milton, merchant, made out his last will, June 22, 1887. He devised his homestead to his grandson, Charles D. Fox. This bequest included also all the household goods, provisions, hay and wood on hand, as well as his money on deposit at the Strafford County Savings Bank at Dover, NH. He devised his store to his son, Elbridge W. Fox, and grandson, Everett F. Fox, as well as his 9-acre field near the Miller Brook. He devised his 12-acre “further field” to his son, Asa A. Fox, as well as half of the money deposited at the Somersworth Savings Bank. He devised all the rest and residue to his sons, Elbridge W. Fox and Asa A. Fox, in equal shares, and named them as joint executors. Abbie S. Hayes, Mary L. Hayes, and Charles Hayes signed as witnesses. (The will was proved in Rochester, NH, October 18, 1887) (Strafford County Probate, 89:141).
Asa Fox sold land in Milton to his son, Asa A. Fox, for $1,500 (Farmington News, July 1, 1887). Asa Fox sold land in Milton to his son, E.W. Fox, for $1,500 (Farmington News, July 22, 1887).
Asa Fox died in Milton, September 29, 1887, aged seventy-seven years, eleven months, and six days.
Elbridge W. Fox (1834-1912)
Elbridge Enoch Wood Fox was born in Milton, December 3, 1834, son of Asa and Harriet (Wood) Fox. Though he was a namesake for his maternal grandfather, Enoch Wood, he seems to have rarely used the “Enoch” part of his name.
Elbridge Wood Fox continued the family business of operating a general store. His father’s last will had requested that the firm name of Asa Fox & Son not be changed “for a time,” and it would seem that Elbridge W. Fox never did change it.
(His surviving brother, Asa A. Fox, and his son, Charles D. Fox [II], pursued business interests of their own).
ELBRIDGE W. FOX, a prosperous general merchant of Milton Mills, was born in this town, December 3, 1834, son of Captain Asa and Harriet (Wood) Fox. … After attending the Wakefield Academy for a time, Elbridge W. Fox completed schooling at the New Hampton Literary Institute. He began his mercantile career in father’s store. With the exception of a year spent in the grocery business in Boston, he has been connected with his present business ever since. After the death of his father he and his son, Everett F., became the proprietors of the store but the business is still carried on under the firm name of Asa Fox & Son. In the capacity of Justice of the Peace he transacts a large amount of legal business. He is widely known as a reliable and upright man. Since his first Presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont in 1856, he has been an active supporter of the Republican party. He served as a Selectman and as Town Treasurer for a number of terms and he was Postmaster from 1865 to 1885. He was elected for two years to the legislature in 1876 [1873], but his duties as Postmaster obliged him to resign. He was elected again in 1891, and afterward served for two years. He was one of the incorporators of the Rochester Savings Bank, is Vice President and Trustee of the Nute High School and Library of Milton, and he has been the statistical correspondent of the county or the United States Agricultural Department for the past quarter of a century. He was both State and United States Delegate to the World’s Sunday-school Convention held in London, England, in July, 1889, and he later made a tour of the continent of Europe, prolonging his visit in the principal centres of France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. He has been Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of the Check List since the enactment of the law creating such office in 1878, and he has held, almost without exception, all the courts in Milton for the trial of criminal action, for many years. His confidential counsel is constantly sought by those in need of advice in regard to financial and matters, and for years he has been the manager and investor of trust funds, both large and small, for neighbors, townspeople and others. Mr. Fox married Miss Sarah E. Buck, daughter of Dr. Reuben Buck, a physician of Acton. Mrs. Fox is the mother of one son, Everett F., who is now connected in business with his father as previously mentioned. Mr. Fox is a Deacon of the Congregational church, and has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for the past twenty years (Biographical Review, 1927).
Elbridge W. Fox of Milton Mills attended the New Hampton Academical and Literary Institution, at New Hampton, NH, with its Class of 1851. He was an active member of its Literary Adelphi library society in 1851.
THE LITERARY ADELPHI. The Literary Adelphi was founded A.D., 1827. Its object is to develop the mind. It has a spacious and convenient Reading-Room, containing a cabinet of minerals, and a valuable library. By the liberality of its patrons it is furnished with about twenty newspapers from various sections of the country. Besides this the society received several valuable periodicals. To those who have aided, by the contribution of books, newspapers, periodicals, & c., we tender out heartfelt thanks. Additions are made to the library, from time to time, as the state of the funds of the society will permit.
Elbridge W. Fox married in Milton, November 5, 1855, Sarah E. Buck, he of Milton and she of neighboring Acton, ME. He was twenty-one years of age and she was twenty-eight years of age Rev. James Doldt performed the ceremony. She was born in Acton, ME, in June 1825, daughter of Dr. Rueben and Alice (Jacquith) Buck.
Son Everett Fremont Fox was born in Milton, August 17, 1856. His middle name was given in honor of the Republican party’s initial (1856) presidential candidate, John C. Fremont. (The party’s second presidential candidate, Abraham Lincoln, would win his 1860 presidential race).
Elbridge W. Fox, a farmer, aged twenty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Eighth (1860) Federal Census. His household included Sarah E. Fox, aged thirty-one years (b. NH [SIC]), and Everett F. Fox, aged three years (b. NH [SIC]). His household appeared next to that of B.U. Simes, a merchant, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH).
President Andrew Johnson appointed Elbridge W. Fox as postmaster of Milton Mills, July 13, 1865. (He succeeded Henry S. Swasey, who had been appointed early in the Lincoln administration). He received $220 in salary in the year 1872. Republicans Joseph Plumer and Elbridge Fox were elected as Milton’s state representatives in the election of March 11, 1873 (Vermont Journal (St. Johnsbury, VT), March 22, 1873). (This would be the term from which he resigned). His son, Everett F. Fox, replaced him as postmaster briefly, March 28, 1873, but he was reappointed April 4, 1873, and held that position into 1885.
Elbridge W. Fox of Milton Mills paid a $10 tax on his lawyer’s license and a $4 tax on his piano in the US Excise Tax of 1866.
Elbridge W. Fox, a retail grocer, aged thirty-four years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills”) household at the time of the Ninth (1870) Federal Census. His household included Sarah E. Fox, keeping house, aged thirty-nine years (b. ME), and Everett F. Fox, at school, aged thirteen years (b. ME). His household appeared next to that of [his father,] Asa Fox, a retail grocer, aged fifty-nine years (b. NH).
ELBRIDGE W. FOX, / CONVEYANCER, CLAIM, COLLECTION, REPORTING, AND NEWS AGENT. / SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO PROBATE, PENSION, NOTARY AND JUSTICE BUSINESS, MAKING OF WILLS, LEGAL & OFFICIAL INSTRUMENTS, EXAMINATION OF RECORDS, TITLES, ACCOUNTS, &c. / TICKET AGENT CUNARD LINE MAIL STEAMERS. / BILLS OF EXCHANGE ISSUED ON LIVERPOOL, LONDON, DUBLIN & GLASGOW. / AGENCY FOR THE PRINCIPAL NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, PERIODICALS, &c. / P.O. BLOCK, CENTRAL SQ. Milton Mills, Strafford Co. N.H. (NH Historical Society, 2004).
Elbridge W. Fox, a storekeeper, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah Fox, keeping house, aged fifty-four years (b. ME). They occupied a two-family dwelling, which they shared with the household of [their son,] Everett F. Fox, a storekeeper, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and his wife, Carrie B. Fox, keeping house, aged twenty-one years (b. NH).
SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARDERS can have first-class accommodations at Tamaline Heights Cottage, Milton Mills. N.H. Pleasant situation; splendid views; fine drives; pure air; trout, bass and other fishing near; three minutes’ walk to post office, churches, stores, etc.; house newly refinished and furnished; no pains will be spared to make it comfortable and attractive; reference, Elbridge Fox, P.M., Milton Mills, N.H. Apply through box 113, Milton Mills. N.H. 5t* jy3 (Boston Globe, July 7, 1884).
THEIR ANNUAL CONVENTION. New Hampshire Young Men’s Christian Association Meet at Dover. Dover, N.H., October 1. – The annual convention of the Young Men’s Christian Association of New Hampshire commenced here last evening, 200 delegates being in attendance. Last night’s proceedings were wholly informal. A consecration meeting this morning was led by Rev. R.K. Remington of Fall River. The convention organized with Colonel Howard L. Porter of Concord as president, Elbridge Fox of Milton Mills, secretary. The president, after offering a few pertinent remarks, introduced Walter C. Douglass of New York, secretary of the international committee, who addressed the convention. After the presentation of various reports, remarks were made by Secretary Folger and R.K. Remington, and a paper was read from Secretary Symonds of the Keene association. In the afternoon Secretary Folger read the report of the State executive committee, and there were several addresses. This evening the speakers were Rev. R.K. Remington and Rev. D.C. Knowles. The session continues tomorrow (Boston Globe, October 2, 1886).
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS. Twelfth Annual Convention of the Strafford County Association. DOVER, N.H., June 2. – The twelfth annual convention of the Strafford County Sunday School Association met in this city today. President Rev. F.K. Chase presided and made an address of welcome. One hundred and twenty-five delegates, representing every Sunday school in the county were present. Revs. C.W. Bradlee, Frank Haley, T. Spooner and W. Beard discussed the relation of the Sunday school to Christian life. Revs. J.M. Dutton, C.B. Turner, C.W. Purington and G.A. Mills discussed the question, how may the influence of the Sabbath at home be made helpful in Sunday school work. Rev. H.F. Wood discussed the practical teaching of the Sunday school. Revs. A.L. Gerrish, F.A. Holden, J.E. Dame and J.B. Davis discussed teachers’ week-day influence. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: President, Rev. George E. Hall of Dover; secretary and treasurer, Elbridge W. Fox of Milton Mills (Boston Globe, June 3, 1887).
Elbridge W. Fox of Milton Milton made his last will, June 12, 1889. He devised his homestead lot and dwelling house to his wife, Sarah E. Fox. He devised to her also his savings bank accounts, railroad bonds, stocks and certificates. He suggested, “without any desire to enforce compliance,” that she pay $12 per annum to the Sunday School of which he had so long been Superintendent for the purchase of good, sizeable religious books, which were to be labeled the Elbridge W. Fox Memorial Books. He devised to his son, Everett F. Fox, all the rest and residue of the estate and the firm of Asa Fox & Son, after the payment of any debts. He advised his son, “in honor of God, who has so richly and bountifully bestowed His blessing upon us both,” to set aside from his income a reasonable annual sum for the support of God’s cause. He named his son as executor. G.S. Lovering, Edward S. Simes, and Hiram G. Burrows signed as witnesses.
Elbridge W. Fox was one of the original trustees of the Nute High School and Library in April 1889.
The local branch of the Boot & Shoe Workers’ International Union met at Fox’s Hall in Milton Mills, on the evening of Sunday, November 17, 1889. (See Milton Mills Shoe Strike of 1889).
Milton Mills mercantile firm of Asa Fox & Son appeared in the Milton business directories of 1889, 1892, 1894, and 1898.
Elbridge W. Fox represented Milton (then a part of NH Senate District 12) in the NH State Senate during the 1899-00 biennium. He received 2,305 (59.7%) votes, while his Democrat opponent, Archibald A. Noble, received 1,544 (40.0%) votes, and “scattering” received 11 votes (0.3%). He served on the Judiciary, Railroad, and Claims committees. He voted against a bill allowing owners of budding fruit trees to shoot partridges out of season (the bill failed).
Elbridge W. Fox, a storekeeper, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-five years), Sarah Fox, aged seventy-four years (b. ME), his son, Everett F. Fox, a storekeeper (and postman), aged forty-three years (b. ME), his daughter-in-law (of twenty-two years), Carrie Fox, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and his granddaughter, Helen G. Fox, at school, aged eighteen years (b. NH). Elbridge W. Fox owned their house, free-and-clear.
The Milton Mills mercantile firm of Asa Fox & Son appeared in the Milton business directories of 1901, 1904, 1905-06, and 1909.
Elbridge W. Fox, a general store proprietor, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of fifty-four years), Sarah Fox, aged eighty-four years (b. ME), his son, Everett F. Fox, a general store proprietor, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), his daughter-in-law (of thirty years), Carrie Fox, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and his granddaughter, Helen G. Fox, at school, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). Elbridge W. Fox owned their house, free-and-clear.
The Milton Mills mercantile firm of Asa Fox & Son appeared in the Milton business directory of 1912.
Elbridge W. Fox died in Milton April 6, 1912, aged seventy-seven years. Sarah E. (Buck) Fox died in Milton, May 21, 1914.
Everett F. Fox (1856-1927)
Everett Fremont Fox was born in Acton, ME, August 17, 1856, son of Elbridge W. and Sarah E. (Buck) Fox.
Everett F. Fox and his cousin, Charles D. Fox [II], both of Milton Mills, were students at the Gorham Seminary, in Gorham, ME, during the 1874-75 academic year. They were both pursuing the Normal Course of studies. (Other options included the Commercial, Classical, Collegiate, and Preparatory courses).
Everett F. Fox married in Milton, January 1, 1879, Caroline Belle “Carrie” Ricker, both of Milton. He was a clerk, aged twenty-two years (b. Milton), and she was aged twenty years. She was born in Somersworth, NH, July 2, 1858, daughter of Stephen and Sarah A. (Clements) Ricker.
Elbridge W. Fox, a storekeeper, aged forty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Tenth (1880) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Sarah Fox, keeping house, aged fifty-four years (b. ME). They occupied a two-family dwelling, which they shared with the household of [their son,] Everett F. Fox, a storekeeper, aged twenty-three years (b. NH), and his wife, Carrie B. Fox, keeping house, aged twenty-one years (b. NH).
Daughter Helen Gertrude Fox was born in Milton, September 19, 1881.
Elbridge W. Fox, a storekeeper, aged sixty-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Twelfth (1900) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of forty-five years), Sarah Fox, aged seventy-four years (b. ME), his son, Everett F. Fox, a storekeeper (and postman), aged forty-three years (b. ME), his daughter-in-law (of twenty-two years), Carrie Fox, aged forty-one years (b. NH), and his granddaughter, Helen G. Fox, at school, aged eighteen years (b. NH). Elbridge W. Fox owned their house, free-and-clear.
Daughter Helen G. Fox graduated from Wellesley College in 1904.
Elbridge W. Fox, a general store proprietor, aged seventy-five years (b. NH), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Thirteenth (1910) Federal Census. His household included his wife (of fifty-four years), Sarah Fox, aged eighty-four years (b. ME), his son, Everett F. Fox, a general store proprietor, aged fifty-three years (b. ME), his daughter-in-law (of thirty years), Carrie Fox, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and his granddaughter, Helen G. Fox, at school, aged twenty-eight years (b. NH). Elbridge W. Fox owned their house, free-and-clear.
Daughter Helen Gertrude Fox married in Milton, December 25, 1912, George Edgar Carmichael, she of Milton and he of Greenwich, CT. He was a teacher, aged thirty-seven years, and she was aged thirty-one years. Rev. Myron P. Dickey, then of Kennebunk, ME, performed the ceremony. Carmichael was born in Rockville, MA, circa 1875, son of James T. and Susan (Roberts) Carmichael.
Everett F. Fox, aged sixty-three years (b. ME), headed a Milton (“Milton Mills Village”) household at the time of the Fourteenth (1920) Federal Census. His household included his wife, Carrie B. Fox, aged fifty-one years (b. NH), and his servant, Jennie H. Poole, a private family servant, aged seventy-eight years (b. MA). Everett F. Fox owned their house on Main Street, free-and-clear.
Everett F. Fox of Milton made out his last will, December 24, 1912. He devised a life estate in all his real and personal estate to his wife, Carrie B. Fox, with the rest and residue to his daughter, Helen G. Fox, upon the condition that each would provide proper care and support for his mother, Sarah E. Fox, during her lifetime. (She died in 1914). Robert S. Pike, Eugene E. Runnels, and H. Pavers Robbins signed as witnesses. (The will was proved in Dover, NH, March 10, 1927) (Strafford County Probate, 161:302).
Everett F. Fox died in Milton, March 7, 1927. Caroline B. (Ricker) Fox died in Milton, August 2, 1941.
See also Milton Mills’ Bray U. Simes (1801-1885) and Milton Mills’ Ira Miller (1826-1902).
References:
Biographical Review. (1927). Biographical Review: Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of Strafford and Belknap Counties, New Hampshire. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=C2sjAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA366
Ebay. (2020, October 24). Archemedian Green Bone Cutter, Milford, MA, 1896, to Asa Fox, Milton Mills, NH, Cover. Retrieved from https://www.ebay.com/itm/Archemedian-Green-Bone-Cutter-Milford-MA-1896-Asa-Fox-Milton-Mills-NH-Cover-H-/311647086191
Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Asa Fox. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114673689/asa-fox
Find a Grave. (2013, July 31). Elbridge Wood Fox. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114673509/elbridge-wood-fox
Find a Grave. (2013, August 4). Everett Fremont Fox. Retrieved from www.findagrave.com/memorial/114891790/everett-fremont-fox
NH Historical Society. (2004). Box. Retrieved from www.nhhistory.org/object/226949/box
NH Historical Society. (2004). Cash Register. Retrieved from www.nhhistory.org/object/226933/register-cash
NH Historical Society. (2004). Fox Family Papers, 1834-1912. Retrieved from www.nhhistory.org/finding_aids/finding_aids/Fox_Family_Papers.pdf
NH Historical Society. (1860). General Store, Milton Mills, New Hampshire. Retrieved from www.nhhistory.org/object/260270/general-store-milton-mills-new-hampshire
NH Historical Society. (2004). Marking Stamp. Retrieved from www.nhhistory.org/object/226945/stamp-marking
NH Historical Society. (2004). Trade Sign. Retrieved from www.nhhistory.org/object/226947/sign-trade
Siegel Auctions. (2016, February 9). Cunard Stub. Retrieved from siegelauctions.com/ph/pdf/064.pdf
Robert Edmond Jones … One ought to tell something about “the man by the name of Jones.” He was born on a New Hampshire farm. He did the chores, played the violin (Hiram Kelly Moderwell, who has written an excellent biographical sketch of him, tells this) and went through the local school. And then by the usual sacrifices on the part of a none too prosperous American family, he was enabled to go to college. He did not distinguish himself especially there. He showed some taste for drawing, and when he was graduated he was given an instructorship in the art department. He was vaguely unhappy there. The academic art curriculum of the college took no grip on his imagination. Some modernistic posters stimulated him as nothing else had. A bit of rich material or a bizarre figure thrilled him. An occasional thing at the music halls released his creative faculties, and the first things he ever did were some costume designs for Valeska Suratt. All this could not help his work at college, and failure to make up his required work gave the faculty sufficient excuse to drop him. Then he went through the usual period of poverty and depression and aimlessness, somehow continually feeling the way toward his appointed goal. For a time this young Harvard ex-art teacher dressed windows at a Boston department store, and in the meantime made some bizarre costume sketches for Gertrude Hoffman’s revue. They fell into Morris Gest’s hands, who sent for Jones. The things he did at the time were wild and exotic, the untrained outpourings of his rich imagination, but Gest used a few of them with modification. Then his work came to the notice of one who saw in the revolutionary, exotic, posteresque things that Jones was doing something of the artistic fecundity that lay behind it, and he advised him to go to Europe and study with the best men there. So he went abroad, and the work he showed was an open sesame that admitted him as pupil to the Moscow Art Theatre and Reinhardt’s Theatre. At the Art Theatre in Moscow he learned the spirit of the modern theatre and with Reinhardt he learned craftsmanship. And long before the war drove him back to America we begin to hear of the quality of his work (New York Tribune, October 13, 1918).
ecretary of State, Washington, D.C. Sir: I hereby state that I obtained a passport from Washington about March 15, 1922, and used it in the countries mentioned in my application. On my return to the United States I destroyed this passport by fire, having no further use for it. Robert Edmond Jones, March 14, 1923.
MRS. W.T. CARRINGTON IS WED TO R.E. JONES. Widow of Financier and Sister of Walter Huston Is Bride of Noted State Designer. Special to the New York Times. GREENWICH, Conn., June 21 – Mrs. Margaret Huston Carrington, widow of W.T. Carrington of New York, formerly of North Greenwich, was married to Robert Edmund Jones of New York today. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dr. Oliver Huckel, pastor of the Second Congregational Church, Greenwich, at the home of the bride’s sister, Miss Ann Huston, in North Greenwich. A small reception followed the ceremony. The couple will spend the Summer in Colorado and will make their future home in New York. Mr. Jones is one of the leading theatrical designers in this country. He first gained prominence in that field with his settings for “The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife,” produced in Wallack’s Theatre in 1915 by Harvey Granville-Barker, and has since added to his reputation with productions for Arthur Hopkins and the Theatre Guild. During the past season he did the settings and costumes for Katherine Cornell’s production of “Lucrece” and also for “Nine Pine Street.” He was also engaged until January as art director for the RKO theatres in Radio City. He has been actively interested in the productions of the Dramatic Festival at Central City, Col., where he will direct this season a revival of “The Merry Widow.” He is 45 years old, and is a member of the Harvard Club and The Players. Mrs. Carrington is the widow of William Theodore Carrington, financier. She is the sister of Walter Huston, the actor. Her home is 720 Park Avenue (New York Times, June 21, 1933).
THE BOOKSHELF. THE DRAMATIC IMAGINATION. by Robert Edmond Jones (Duell, Sloan & Pearce): Robert Edmond Jones probably knows as much about the American theater as any other living man. In this present volume he discusses costume, lighting, theater history, modem drama, acting and many other essentials of the theater. He goes beyond the present and describes the theater of the future. His historical account is most informative, and his forecast is provocative. An essential volume for anyone interested in the American theater (Birmingham News, March 29, 1941).
R.E. JONES IS DEAD; STAGE DESIGNER, 67. Leader in Development of the Modern Theatre Did Sets for Many O’Neill Dramas. Robert Edmond Jones, considered one of the most influential forces in the development of the modern American theatre, died yesterday morning in Milton, N.H., at the home of his sisters, the Misses Elizabeth and Alice Varney Jones. His age was 67. He had been in failing health after undergoing an operation a year ago, but apparently had improved sufficiently to plan to return next week to New York, where, for nearly thirty years, he had been one of the theatre’s foremost stage designers. Mr. Jones was born at Milton, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Fred P. Jones, and lived in that village until 1906 when he left to attend Harvard. His artistic talent was expressed early, first in drawing, which attracted attention when he was 10 years old. His mother, a concert pianist before her marriage, taught him to play violin, and at Harvard he played in the college orchestra. After graduating from Harvard in 1910, Mr. Jones stayed on for two years as an instructor in the Fines Arts Department, and began to be interested in theatre. He worked for a time as a costume designer for Comstock and Gest in New York. Early in 1913, Mr. Jones went to Europe. He visited Italy, hoping to study theatrical art at Gordon Craig’s school in Florence, but was rebuffed. He went instead to Germany where he had the run of Max Reinhardt’s Deutsches Theatre for a year. Scored on Return. Back in New York, Mr. Jones designed the settings for Anatole France’s “The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife.” When the curtain rose on Jan. 27, 1915, at Wallack’s Theatre, audience and critics gasped with admiration. Thereafter Mr. Jones’ reputation as an artist-designer was secure and inspiring. Influenced by him, stage designing developed to the point where designers achieved equal importance with directors. Mr. Jones’ settings were designed to project more fully the playwright’s thought. Departing from the old realism epitomized by David Belasco, he drew on imagination, color and lighting to enhance the play visually, and he designed the costumes as well. Of his designs for “The Lute Song,” Lewis Nichols wrote, in The New York Times in 1946: “What has come from the easel and the soaring imagination of an artist is easily the most beautiful background given to any play in recent years.” “His colors flow across the stage in an ever-flowing pageant which seems to stretch out beyond the confines of the theatre. They swirl with the dancers and add majesty and dignity to the lives they touch.” Arthur Hopkins saw “The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife,” in 1915, and immediately engaged Mr. Jones, whose first production for him, “The Devil’s Garden,” in December of the same year, is still praised by theatrical historians. Worked for Arthur Hopkins. Successive designs for Mr. Hopkins’ productions were equally noteworthy and equally revolutionary. During the next five years, Mr. Jones designed the scenes for seventeen plays, two ballets and five masques, mostly for Mr. Hopkins. In 1921, Mr. Jones began working with Eugene O’Neill when Mr. Hopkins produced the latter’s “The Hairy Ape.” Subsequently Mr. Jones was the designer for O’Neill’s “Anna Christie,” “Desire Under the Elms,” “Morning Becomes Electra,” “Ah, Wilderness,” “The Ice Man Cometh,” and others. Mr. Jones also designed for many other plays, and for ballet and opera, including productions of the Metropolitan. His most recent production was a revival, in 1951, of Marc Connolly’s “Green Pastures,” whose original success was in part attributed to Mr. Jones’ designs. Yale University presented the Howland Memorial Prize to Mr. Jones, and in 1933 he received the Fine Arts Medal of the American Institute of Architects for conspicuous attainment as a designer for the theatre. He was a member of the National Institute of Arts. Mr. Jones’ writing included “The Dramatic Imagination,” a book published in 1941. In 1933, Mr. Jones married Margaret Huston Carrington, who dies in August, 1942. A singer, she had been the voice coach to John Barrymore and Lillian Gish. She was the sister of the late Walter Huston, the actor. Surviving, in addition to his two sisters, are two brothers, the Rev. Dr. Philip C. Jones of New York and Charles Jones of Yonkers (New York Times, November 27, 1954).
