Samuel Fox (industrialist)
Samuel Fox (7 June 1815 – 25 February 1887) was a British industrialist and businessman noted for developing the Paragon umbrella frame, and the founder of a steelworks in Stocksbridge.
Samuel Fox | |
|---|---|
 Samuel Fox on commemorative medal for the opening of 'Fox Glen' public space in Deepcar | |
| Born | 7 June 1815 |
| Died | 25 February 1887 (aged 71) |
Biography
Fox was born in Bradwell, Derbyshire, on 7 June 1815, the youngest son of William Fox, a shuttle-weaver, and Mary (née Palfreyman).[1]
In 1831, he started work as an apprentice wire drawer in the firm of Samuel Cocker in Hathersage.[2][3]
He moved to Stocksbridge in 1842 to establish his own wire-drawing business in a former cotton mill.[1] In 1842, Fox married Maria Radcliffe (born 20 January 1820) at Stannington, Sheffield.[4] They had one son, William Henry Fox (1843–1920) who never married.[5][6]
In 1851 he and his company Fox Umbrella Frames Ltd developed the "Paragon" umbrella frame, a U section of string steel that was far superior to its competitors. Development of the product continued until at least 1935. A similar product was used to make Crinoline frames from 1855. Umbrellas with 'Fox Frames' were sold worldwide.[7]
The business continued to expand and started producing different products, and by the mid-1860s the works included furnaces and rolling mills. In 1862, Samuel Fox began to produce crucible steel. The company installed two 5-ton Bessemer converters, the process being the invention of Sir Henry Bessemer. In 1863 a rail and billet mill was established, followed by a rod mill in 1864.[8]
A railway line was built to link the steel works with the wider region.[9]
Fox bought the Bradwell Grove Estate, Holwell, Oxfordshire in 1871.
He died on 25 February 1887 and was buried at St John churchyard on his estate North Cliffe, near Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire.[1][10]
Throughout his life, Fox was a frequent visitor to his home village of Bradwell, and for many years regularly sent money to benefit the poor. These charitable donations were always sent anonymously, and it was only a few years before his death that the actual donor became known to the people, when he also bequeathed a further £1000 for the poor of the parish.[11]
A magnificent church, funded by the Fox family, was built in Stocksbridge overlooking the steelworks following his death. Saint Matthias Church was so named because Samuel Fox died on St. Matthias' Day. Fox himself had planned the church, and the church was completed in his memory under the instruction of his son, William, at a cost of around £5,000. Due to dwindling congregations, the church closed in 2018 and was sold by the Diocese of Sheffield. Its last permanent vicar was Catherine Barnard.[12]
Excerpt from The Sheffield Daily Telegraph, dated 4 March 1887.
(A copy of the original document is held in a private collection. The following is directly quoted from the text though the document has sustained some damage over the years there are some sections unreadable.)
The Headlines Read:
Death of Mr. Samuel Fox of Deepcar
We announced, with much regret, the death of Mr. Samuel fox chairman and managing director of Messrs Samuel Fox and Co Limited, Stocksbridge Works, Deepcar, which took place at The Lodge, North Cliffe, near Market Weighton on Friday afternoon last. The news of Mr. Fox's to decease will come upon the general public as somewhat sudden and unexpected; but his more intimate friends will receive the information with more sorrow than surprise. For nearly two years Mr. Fox has been suffering from a complication of disorders, and had been compelled to keep within doors. Still, his attachment to business was so deep seated and so characteristic and part of his nature that he continued to personally conduct the work, and to do it almost, if not quite, as effectually as if he had been present in his office--a series of messengers being despatched with instructions at regular intervals from his residence to Stocksbridge. In this way he kept all the friends of his huge organization, very much in his hands, and had able assistance in carrying out his orders. About six months ago he left his residence, Town End House, Stocksbridge, and went to reside at North Cliffe, the latter place being better suited to his health. From that time, however you begin gradually worse, and succumbed on Friday in the ripe age of 71. He was comforted during his last hours with the presence of his wife and son. During his day at North Cliffe he had been professionally attended by Dr. Jallands, of York, and Dr. Jackson, of Market Weighton. If he leaves a widow and one son (Mr. William Henry fox, of Bradwell grove, Oxford shire, who is an ex-sheriff of that county), for whom much sympathy is held by the friends of the family, including the large army of workman, 2000 in number, who owe their means of obtaining a livelihood through the fertility of resource of the founder of the great Stocksbridge firm.
Mr. Samuel Fox, who attained far more than a local reputation, was the son of William Fox, a weavers shuttle maker, who early in the present century carried on business in Bradwell, Derbyshire. He was born in June, 1815, at that village, and was apprenticed with the predecessors of the firm of Messrs, Cocker Brothers, (Limited), of Nursery street, who at the period we mention, had an establishment at Hathersage. Part of his apprenticeship to the wire trade was served at this picturesque Derbyshire village, and the remainder at Sharrow Moor, to which place he removed with the firm. He was an exceedingly sharp lad, and allowed no opportunity for advancement to excape him. After a few years here, during which he lodged at a cottage in Sharrow Vale close to The Works, he went into partnership with Mr. Rose, a wire manufacturer, of RIVELIF; but as he wished for an enlarged sphere of activity, he was not long before the partnership was dissolved, and he commenced business on his own account at Stocksbridge, which at that time was very sparsely populated. Previous to his arrival, the site of the present works was occupied by a cotton mill, a joiner's shop, and a small blacking grinding manufactury. He at once set about rebuilding the works and converting them into a wire manufactury, the operations being conducted under his personal superintendents. Though for a few years his operations were on a limited scale, his energy and perseverance soon told, and one development succeeded another with such rapidity that his workmen were soon to be numbered by hundreds, and at the present time nearly 2000 hands are employed at the works. When he first commenced business he devoted his attention and wire drawing in the manufacture of hackle and gill pins used in wool combing operations. The well known "paragon" frames for umbrellas were next produced, and the last venture proved a tremendous success. Up to that time the umbrella frame mainly was of whale bone or solid metal. It occurred to Mr. Fox that elasticity and lightness were the two essentials of comfort and convenience in such an article of popular use, and he set himself to accomplish this by hollowing out the steel, while at the same time he improve the socket in which the rib terminals worked. Never did an invention seem more simple, and rarely has the inventor so rapidly reaped the rewards of his ingenuity. He "struck ile," as the Yankees say, but he was too prudent a man to let the world know what a good thing he had dropped upon. Indeed, it may be said that he and his wife, by their remarkable diligence and sound sense, had made a fortune out of the umbrella notion before other manufacturers had any idea of the money that was in it. Now fox's peragon frames, with a well known trademark suggested by the inventors name-a fox-are known wherever umbrellas are used. At first the business was limited to making the frames, which went to Manchester to blossom into umbrellas; but Mr. Fox was not the man to let others do his work if he could help, and by and by he undertook the covering of the frames as well, turning out the umbrella in all its multiplicity of forms and sizes complete and ready to be placed upon the market. Mr. Benjamin Nicholson, of Shoreham Steel Works (now at Bramall lane), was the first roll steel for the paragon frames, and he well remembers that Mr. Fox had it at the fine "double bullet" quality. His happy idea of making the umbrellain both light and reliable, aided by using a thoroughly good steel, made the paragon frame commanded the market, which it still holds, after the trial of years. When Mr. Fox ordered steal he did it in his own way. He would send for Mr. Nicholson to go to Deepcar, and the time fixed was 6:00 AM. By that time Mr. and Mrs. Fox were at work. They lived in the cottage near the entrance to the works, and there Mr. Nicholson, sometimes accompanied by his son, had their breakfast while the work was being arranged for. Sometime later fashion creed that ladies should wear distended skirts. Crinolines were all the rage. Mr. Fox, prompt to appreciate the opportunity, at once brought out a special steel-by this time he had begun to make his own-which had a great run. Indeed, he was one of the very few manufacturers in this country produced crinoline steels. The most important and lucrative business was done in this specialty until fashion was fickle enough to decree the collapse of the skirts. That change rule and many manufacturers, who had not received, as Mr. Fox and done, but it was folly to build homes of permanent seat on anything which depended on so arbitrary a tyrant as the fashionable world. He simply turn his attention in other directions. Another development in bright steel rolling was succeeded by the manufacturer of quarter and half inch rods for cables, telegraph wires, &c. and by the making of wire ropes for use in coalpits. The Bessemer plant was next put down, and the firm commenced to supply rails, tires, &c. During the last five are six years the manufacture of railway finished springs has also been added to the other undertakings of the firm, which previous to 1871 was a private concern. In that year it was converted into a limited liability company, with a capital of 300,000 pounds in 100 pound shares, of which 80 pounds had been called up. The shares are now quoted on 'Change at 146 pounds, the paid-up capital of 210,000 pounds now increased by premium value to 439,500 pounds. Mr. Fox continued as chairman and managing director for the formation of the company, and under his guidance the dividend has never been less than 10%, and for many years the shareholders have had a return of 15% per annum on their investment, the company being thus one of the most successful and kingdom. The great success of the company has been attained mainly by the remarkable perseverance and close attention to business of the promoter. Every improvement and new departure made at the works are directly traceable to his efforts. One of his principal inventions was the utilization of steel wire for the purpose of making cards used in wool-combing. After considerable expense in making experiments he discovered a steel wire which would supersede the iron formerly used. As the outcome of his industry steel wire is being very largely utilized in the machinery used in the manufacturer of woolen products. The company have erected more than 800 houses at Stocksbridge and the vicinity, in which their workmen reside. As the managing director of this, and associated with other companies, Mr. Fox showed remarkable business ability, and the methodical manner in which everything was ordered at the works in which he gained his reputation was the theme of admiration. He was quick to seize on every change in the tastes of his numerous customers, and most of the improvements in the design of the manufacturers produced at Stocksbridge were the result of his inventive genius. In periods and trade depression he was careful to find employment, if possible, for his workman. A benevelant fund was established at the works by Mr. Fox for the benefit of the aged and infirm on the establishment. He subscribed to most of the leading charitable institutions, but his charity was dispensed in an unostentatious manner and was rarely made public. Though a staunch conservative he never took any leading part in election contests. The Church of England, to which he was a member, was supported by him by every means in his power. He erected a church at North Cliffe, in addition to building the parsonage house at Stocksbridge, he contributed largely to the fund for the rebuilding and extension of Deepcar church, which he attended regularly while living at Stocksbridge. Towards the renovation of Bolsterstone church he also gave a large sum of money. It was his intention to erect a church in Stocksbridge during the present year for the accommodation of the large population which had sprung up in and around Stocksbridge since the establishment of the works, but unfortunately he had been prevented from putting his scheme into execution. The January number of the 'Bolsterstone Parish Magazine' contains the following: "With regard to the Stocksbridge church in which so many are invested, and about which so often inquiries are made, I might say that the preparations are now being made by Mr. Fox and we may hope to see the Jubilee year of Her Majesty's reign marked by its new appearance."
Mr. Fox was one of the principle opponents of the Wakefield Water Bill, and it was mainly owing to his endeavors that the measure was defeated in its passage through committee. When he returned from London a demonstration was made in his favor, which he tried to excape by getting out of the train at Oughtibridge instead of traveling to Deepcar, as was his usual custom. His plan was defeated, however, and the demonstration was held. Always on the alert to seize on any advantage which came in his way, he saw that once the necessity of making a small branch railway from Deepcar to the works. This was undertaken with his customary energy, and the works were connected with the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln shire main line, much to the advantage of the company, who had to conduct their traffic previously by road.
Mr. Fox was a fair trader from conviction, and he had abundant ground for dissatisfaction with the so-called free trade principle. A few years back his American trade amounted to 80,000 pounds per annum, but the present time is only 8000 pounds, a tithe of its former amount. This great falling off is solely due to the almost prohibitive duties placed on the productions exported by the firm, which principally consist of heavy goods, umbrella frames and wire. The duties all around amount to 50% of the cost. At various times the firm protested against the burden, with the effect that 5% was taken off, leaving a duty of 45%. This state of things also prevailed on the continent to a greater or lesser extent, and the result was that Mr. Fox was not slow to recognize the fallacy of free trade doctrines. His French businesses was hampered, to a most vexatious extent, by the fiscal regulations. These he successfully overcame by the bold policy of establishing works at Lille, near the Belgian frontier. To Lille he sent his own work people, who formed an English colony in the French Province, for he was determined that if the labor had to leave England it should, as much as possible, be kept in English hands. The Lille branch proved a great success and it formed the center of a large and lucrative trade done on the continent from this establishment. Up to that time he was under the necessity of importing the wire frames, and having them made into umbrellas in France. A hollow ribbed wire was subjected to a very heavy tariff; and Mr. Fox, after putting his works in shape, sent over the wire in rougher form, which brought it in at a much lower duty.
Any notice of Mr. Fox would be incomplete without reference to the kindly interest the always took in his native place. When his works were established at Stocksbridge, and made to prosper, he brought many a Bradwell man there, and found him an excellent livelihood. The Bradwell people, like most folks who have their home in the hills, dislike leaving the land where they were born-many of them preferring, so long as the lead afforded any kind of a living, to "scratch" for it on the mountainsides; but none who followed Mr. Fox's lead ever found reason to regret it. A careful, saving race, not a few of them earned sufficient wages at Stocksbridge to keep themselves comfortable, and leave a weekly "nest egg" with which they returned to Bradwell and bought their freeholds. Others, seeing the largeness of the world outside Bradwell, gave themselves to study, improved every opportunity which presented itself, and prospered in other walks of life. In later years they were not slowed to admit that what they had become in their life was largely owing to Mr. Fox's example and assistance, and a friend to had thus assisted them in their careers continued to the end to be interested in their welfare. They could not fail to be benefited by the force of his example. A more hardworking couple than Mr. and Mrs. Fox in their early life it would be impossible to find. A Sheffield gentleman who knew him in his early days says they worked early and late, never knowing what it was to be tired. It is not too much to say that several leading steel manufacturers of Sheffield owe much of their success for the judicious training they received under Mr. Fox in his early days. At Stocksbridge Mr. Fox was happily fixed, for there he had at hand that coal and gganister he needed, with abundance of labour adapted to his requirements, and more closely under his control than in a great center like Sheffield. To Bradwell he regularly sent what were known there is the annual "doles," Taking the form every winter of household requisites, which cheered many a home on the bleek hillsides during the dark November and December days. These charities were sent anonymously, and it was only of late years the actual donor, though long suspected, became known that people. He was a liberal contributor to the church there, the land on which the schools are built, and otherwise exhibited his attachment to the quiet village under the shadow of the hills where he first saw the light. At Stocksbridge his kindness was systematic and thorough. A relative in whom he had confidence was required to go off were one day a week to make a round of the poor and needy, with full authority to provide what ever was required. The full extent of his benevolence was never know. At North Cliffe, perceiving the straits to which the people were reduced, he found work for an enduring winter, and made many a hearth happy which otherwise would have been far less and desolate.
The funeral arrangements are not yet completed, but it is expected that the interment will take place at North Cliffe, close to the church which he provided by his munificence. At Bolsterstone yesterday morning, Rev. W.R. Wilson, Vicar of Bolsterstone, alluded to the great loss sustained by the neighborhood, by Mr. Fox's decease, and bore testimony for the interest he took in the spiritual and temporal welfare of his work people.
Preaching at Saint Barnabas church, Bradwell, yesterday morning, on Abels acceptable sacrifice, Rev. H. T. Dudly made allusion as follows:-"I cannot close my sermon this morning without at least a brief (unreadable) shock to our whole community yesterday by means of (unreadable) the news of the death of Bradwells great benefactor. Born, as you all well know, within a stone's throw from where we are now assembled, he went forth from this his native place to build up for himself a name, and reputation, and in earthly heritage such as it is given to comparatively few to achieve. By his genius and indomitable energy and industry, he not only benefit himself, but has created an industry which has been the means of livelihood, and the mainstay of hundreds of families. He might, had he been so minded, have followed the way of many others whose talents or energy, or both, have been similarly successful, only perhaps in a less degree- he might have selfishly retained for his sole use the whole of the wealth with which God had blessed him. But instead of this, as you well know, he has given back to God, both here and elsewhere, acceptable offerings for the promotion of His Glory, and for the welfare of his fellow men, and has thereby set a noble example for others to imitate. We may rest assured that "God has had respect on to him, and to his offerings."
The late Mr. Samuel Fox of Deepcar- funeral at North Cliffe
In a somewhat isolated though pretty neighborhood at North Cliffe the funeral of the late Mr. Samuel Fox, chairman and managing director of the Messrs. Samuel Fox and company (limited), Stocksbridge Works, Deepcar, took place yesterday. Many were the manifestations shown of the respect and esteem in which he was held, not only by his friends, but by the residents of that locality, his employees at Stocksbridge, for whom in his lifetime the decease gentleman had done so much. Without the late Mr. Samuel fox there would probably have been no North Cliffe, for he it was who made it what it is, a thriving little place in the center of a rich agricultural district. Round and about his beautiful residence, the Lodge, North Cliffe, where he died, there is to be found ample evidence of the kindly interest he took up in those who had been less fortunate in life than himself. It was not therefore, surprising to find that tradesman, artisans, and leaders from all parts of the wide district attended in large numbers to witness the interment of his remains in the, as yet, incomplete burial ground adjacent to the church at North Cliffe. This place of worship, too, affords an example of the thoughtfulness Mr. Fox always displayed in regard to the spiritual welfare of those amongst whom he lived. Intended as the chapel of ease to the enlarged ecclesiastical district of North Cliffe, the sacred edifice at North Cliffe was erected entirely at the cost of the deceased gentleman, who when resident at the Lodge regularly attended the services held there. It was expected that the graveyard would have been duly consecrated by the Archbishop of York ere this, but that ceremony has yet to be performed. Under the circumstances it was, of course, necessary to obtain a special license to allow of the interment here. Mr. Fox's is the first interment and is taken place in the new burial ground the grave in which he is buried being near by the entrance to the church. The funeral was queued to take place and two thirty, but long before that time people were to be seen making their way along the roads to North Cliffe, which is about ½ mile distance from the Lodge. Prior to the cortege leading the deceased's residence the coffin, cover with a variety of beautiful wreaths, was placed in the entrance hall preparatory to being conveyed to North Cave. Shortly before the hour fixed for the interment to take place the funeral cortege left the Lodge, the coffin being conveyed an open sided hearse drawn by four horses, the chief mourners following in coaches. -In the first coach wrote Mrs. Fox (widow of the deceased) and Mr. William Fox (son). In a second conveyence were Mr. JNO. Jeffery, Mr. J. G. Jeffery, Mr. Francis Hill (nephews), ands Mr. Amos Jeffery. The third coach contained Mr. HY. Jeffery, Mrs. JNO. Jeffery, and Mr. A. L. F. Jeffery. Mr. S. H. BYRNE, Mr. Mark T. HUBIE, Mr. JAS. Willis (Birmingham), and Mr. J. E. Halliday (representing Messrs Halliday and Pearson, accountants to the firm) occupied the fourth. In the fifth where Mr. B if. Burdekin (messrs Burdekin, PYE-SMITH, and company, Sheffield), solicitor to the decease; Mr. W. Chesterman (Sheffield), F Mr. D. L. Sohonberg (London representative of the firm), and Mr. G. H. CROWTHER (Huttersfield). Following in the next carriage if where Mrs. Hubie, Ms. Edwards, Mr. George whitehead (York), Mr. Joseph Bedford (Sheffield agent of the firm), and Mr. W. S. Cocker (Messrs Cocker Brothers, limited, Sheffield). In the next carriage rode Mr. Fletcher (Messrs. Laycock, Dyson, Laycock, solicitors Huddersfield), Dr. Jackson (Market Weighton), and Mr. Ward (surgeon to the Stocksbridge Works). Other representatives and those mention of the Stocksbridge work to follow Mr. T. Jobson, junior, F.I.O., Analyst, Mr. BYRNE (Brighthouse), and Mr. E. Wade (assistant manager). And tenantry on the estates of the deceased followed on foot, among those who attended being Mrs. Watson, and Messrs W. Appleton, G. Appleton, Henry Appleton, Stuart, Renison (2), Gospel, and Mrs. Stewart. After these walked the servants from the Lodge. Colonel Telford (York), the Rev. William Cole rector of Hotham, Mr. George Furniss (Ecclesall road, Sheffield), Mr. W. Hoyland (Pennistone), Mr. G. E. Hodgkinson (Carbrooke), Mr. Farrer (BARNSLEY), Mr. REDCLIFFE (Sheffield), and Mr. John Bramell (Stocksbridge), were also among the many friends of the decease gentleman who witnessed the interment. The Rev. cannon Jarrett, vicar of Northgate sent his carriage which, with blinds drawn, brought up the rear of the funeral cortege. Arrived at the church the coffin was met by the Rev. W. R. Wilson, vicar of Bolsterstone, and the Rev. Wilfred Robinson, curate of North Cave, the former officiating in the church and the latter at the graveside. So large was the attendance that many of the people cannot be accommodated seats in the church. ---Unreadable portion--- of the choir from the church took part in the service, Mr. Newton playing an extemporised voluntary as the coffin was borne into the church. The songs were chanted by the choir, who also sang the hymn "Rock of Ages" At the conclusion of the service in the church Mrs. S. Newton played the "Dead March" in "Saul". In the grave, which is of brickt, there were placed a large number of floral tributes, not the least appreciated by friends of the deceased being those of the schoolchildren of North Cave, who attended the funeral. Before the coffin, which was polished oak, with Brass mountings, bearing the simple inscription "Samuel Fox, born 7 June, 1815; died 25th February, 1887", was lowered into the grave many other floral wreaths were placed upon it. Among those who contributed wreaths and crosses of flowers were Mrs. Fox, Mr. W. Fox, Messrs. J. Jeffery, J. G. Jeffery, and Frances Hill, the card attached to whose wreath bore the words "After many years of close service;" Mrs. John Jeffery and family, Mr. Henry Jeffery, Mr. Innes Jeffery, the employees of Stocksbridge Works (whose wreath was the largest of all), Mr. and Mrs. C. NACRO Wilson (Bolsterstone), the Rev. W. R. and Mrs. Wilson, the teachers and Stocksbridge Sunday school, Mr. and Mrs. Ward (Stocksbridge), Mr. and Mrs. Byrne, Mr. and Mrs. James Bryant Rainey (Holwell Vicarage, Oxon). Mr. Samuel Cocker, junior, Rev. and Mrs. A. Winter (Stocksbridge), Ms. Watson (Bealsbeck), Mrs. Remington Wilson (Broomhead Hall), Annie Young, Annie Kinsey. There was also a wreath from the inhabitants of Bradwell, of which place deceased was a native. The card attached to it bore the words "With loving gratitude and deepest regreat." A wreath was also sent fron Marpool House, near Derby, but bore no name. The funeral arrangements were intrusted to Messrs. Darnley and Son, of Spring Street, Hull, who made the coffin and shells. The mourning coaches were supplied by Mr. T. D. Wing, Saint Stephen's Square, Hull, and the mourning by Mr. Henry Gates of Whitefriargate, Hull.
Funeral services at Bolsterstone.
While the procession of mourners was wending its way from the Lodge, North Cliffe, about 1500 workmen from Stocksbridge were climbing the steep hill at the summit of which the little village church of Bolsterstone is situated. Arrangements have been made for the holding of the funeral service at half past two, and the inhabitants of Deepcar, Bolsterstone, and Stocksbridge attended in large numbers. The ironworkers, who marched in procession, met at the works shortly after 1:00, all business there being a standstill for the day. They were headed by their brass band, which on the arrival of the procession at the churchyard, played Dead March" in "Saul." In order to accommodate those for whom the services was held, instructions were given to allow no one to enter the church accepting the workmen from Messrs. Samuel Fox and Companies (Limited), but notwithstanding this precautionary measure nearly 2/3 of the processionists were unable to obtain admitance, and an outdoor service was accordingly held in the new portion of the burial ground. The form of service used in both cases was that for the burial of the dead. The orderly demeanor of the men is very noticeable, and they joined in the singing and responses with great heartiness. Inside the church the Rev. C M. Potts took the opening portion of the services, and Mr. C. MACRO Wilson read a portion of scripture. The hymns used in the church with those commencing "A few more years shall roll" and "Days and moments quickly flying." After a short interval for silent prayer the venerable archdeacon BLAKENEY addressed a few words to the assembly. He said: "We are all now engaged in a very solemn service under the most impressive circumstances. At this time, in the East Riding of this great country, a similar service is being performed, when all that is moral of him who is well known and respected by everyone here is being laid in its resting place until the bright morning of the Resurrection. The honorable and respected leader who has been taken from your midst has been long amongst you. He has lived a life, I believe, of great activity, he has built a reputation and a position for himself which few men have attained. We cannot wonder that in this when we consider the kind of man he was. He was a man of indomitable energy and courage, of great brainpower, marvelous perseverance, and of the strictest integrity, and we cannot therefore wonder that he has been so successful in the business in which he has been connected now for many years. I've noticed that such men who are not often met with, but where they are we have soon discovered the secret of their success. It has been a possession of such qualities as your friend and neighbor possessed. We've had such men in Sheffield and the neighborhood, and some people at a distance have spoken with a large fortunes that they realize, end of the marvelous success that they have attained in their business. But when we consider what these men really were we cannot wonder at their success and attainments of life. He has been taken from us. He has lived the allotted time of man. He has seen little more and the 3 score years and 10, of which we have been singing this afternoon, and I trust he is now-and, indeed, I believe he is-with that God who gave him life with that God whom he serves. I believe from what I know that he was a good man. He was a man of the strictest integrity, he could always be relied on; he was a man who was always ready to help everyone in distress, and to help on the work of God in every way that he possibly could. I know for a fact that his liberality was of them most unostentatious character, and also that it was not known to the general public. There are many more people and families in Sheffield who were relieved by his hand in such a way --unreadable-- aware of. I have had applications made --unreadable-- time to time from widows and others who have said: "If you can only assure Mr. Fox that our case is a genuine and true one, I am sure he will give relief." These people have returned to me and have said: "He has been most kind; he has done for me more than ever I expected." I believe that is a custom which he has observed for a great many years-he did not let his right hand know what his left hand did in many cases. We need not go beyond this parish, I consider, to find out his liberality and his love for the work of God. He has materially assisted the work of God in this place, and not only in this place, but in other parts of the country. He is now been taken from our midst, and his works do follow him. Let us pray that those who follow him in his business may follow him also in his good example, and that they themselves will show the same liberality and the same integrity and justice in their character that he has ever evinced." The Venerable Archdeacon went on to speak of the blessed hope of the resurrection when their bodies will be raised immortal and be reunited with their ransomed spirits. In conclusion he exhorted all present to prepare the day which was inevitable, and to trust in God and serve the Saviour, for godliness is the promise of the life which now is as that which is to come.-At the conclusion of the service the organist Mr. J. Mardsen, played the "Dead March" in "Saul."
The Rev. A. M. Winter went through same service outside the church, where more than 1000 persons had assembled. Before concluding he spoke of the loss that they had sustained through the death of Mr. Fox, and made on allusion to the sympathy of Christ in all affliction, and especially in so wide an affliction as that which they had experience. As the basis for his remark he took the words of saint john, "Jesus wept", and showed that Jesus was brought then face to face with a loss of personal friend. A preacher exhorted his hearers to remember the solemn end to which they were hastening, and to give themselves to their creator in the time of health and strength.
See also
- Hoyland Fox, an umbrella frame manufacturer founded and formerly based in Sheffield, UK, founded by William Hoyland, assistant to Samuel Fox.
- Samuel Fox and Company
References
- "Samuel Fox 1815 – 1887" (PDF), travelsouthyorkshire.com, archived from the original (PDF) on 17 December 2006
- "Samuel Fox's House, Bradwell", places.wishful-thinking.org.uk
- "Samuel Fox", foxumbrellas.com, accessed 19 November 2018
- "Marriage Record - Samuel Fox", ancestry.co.uk, accessed 19 November 2018
- "Birth Record - William Henry Fox", ancestry.co.uk, accessed 19 November 2018
- "Probate Record - William Henry Fox", ancestry.co.uk, accessed 19 November 2018
- "Fox Umbrellas: Makers of the quintessentially British brolly", merchantandmakers.com, accessed 19 November 2018
- "Stocksbridge Works", stocksbridgehs.co.uk, accessed 20 November 2018
- "Fox Valley History", foxvalleysheffield.co.uk, accessed 20 November 2018
- "Memorial - Samuel Fox", findagrave.co.uk, accessed 19 November 2018
- "Samuel Fox, Bradwell's Most Famous Son", samuelfox.co.uk, accessed 19 November 2018
- "Huge church founded by Sheffield steel magnate will shut after big farewell celebration", sheffieldstar.co.uk, 10 July 2018 - accessed 19 November 2018
External links
Media related to Samuel Fox (industrialist) at Wikimedia Commons
Authority control  |
|
|---|