Joseph Fox (129)

Joseph Fox (1709–10 December 1779) was a carpenter and a public officeholder, and a member of the American Philosophical Society, elected in 1768. Born in Philadelphia, he learned carpentry under a master builder. He would draw on this knowledge in his subsequent career as a carpenter and building planner, but once he was financially established, he devoted more of his energies to public office. His service began in 1745 with his appointment as a city commissioner. In 1750, he was elected to the Assembly as a representative of the city of Philadelphia, and in 1753 he was re-elected as a representative of Philadelphia County, winning re-election every year through 1771. During this time Fox took a leading role in Indian affairs with APS member Israel Pemberton and attended several treaty conferences in the 1760s. These activities made him a target when the Paxton Boys marched on Philadelphia in 1764. In 1764 Fox was elected Speaker of the House, but his measured tone eventually compelled men like APS members Benjamin Franklin and Joseph Galloway to choose another figure to lead the anti-proprietary party. Fox maintained his moderate views through the American Revolution. This stance brought trouble from both sides in the conflict: the revolutionaries considered him a potential enemy, while British forces damaged his country home. He died suddenly at the end of 1779. During his time in Philadelphia he supported a number of civic and charitable organizations, serving as a manager of the Pennsylvania Hospital and subscribing to the Silk Society and City Tavern. His son George Fox was an APS member. (PI)