Born in Philadelphia. He was employed as a store clerk. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1878 at age 59. He specialized in conveyancing, that is, drafting documents for transfer of title.

He served as president of the school board and on the city council. Elected mayor in 1868 and took office January 1, 1869. During his administration the volunteer fire department was abolished and the first paid department was established. Appointed by President Grant to a commission investigating railroads.

Appointed Superintendent of the Mint by President Cleveland June 9, 1885, and served July 1, 1885, to October 1889. He died in Atlantic City.

Fox appears on a 76 mm medal (Julian MT-16) by Charles Barber. profile: Evans (1891) who copied much from the Biographical Encyclopaedia of Pennsylvania, 1874