FOX, SMITH, a highly respected citizen of Riverton, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and has spent most of his life in Sangamon County, being brought there by his parents when about four years old. He was born in Cape May County, N.J., June 3, 1844, a son of Aaron and Phoebe (Buck) Fox, both also natives of New Jersey. The father was a sailor in early life and later took up the occupation of farming. Coming to Illinois in 1848, he immediately located in Pleasant Plains, where he lived many years, subsequently living in Lanesville Township, buffalo and Clear Lake Township. He and his wife, together with a list of their children, are mentioned in this work in connection with the sketch of Charles W., a brother of Smith Fox, who is also a resident of Riverton.
As a boy Smith Fox attended the country schools, and helped with the work on his father's farm as soon as he was old enough to do so. He followed farming as an occupation until a few years ago, when he retired from business life and located in Riverton. He enlisted from Springfield in Company D, Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged at Mobile, Ala., New Year's Day, 1865. He had taken part in many serious engagements, among them being the battles of Bull Run and Mobile.
At the close of the hostilities, Mr. Fox returned to Sangamon County and followed farming for many years in connection with his trade of plasterer. His marriage occurred July 6, 1866, when he was untied with Louisa Flagg, a native of Sangamon County, who was born in 1847. Her father, Isaac Flagg, was a native of Delaware and an early settler of Sangamon County, where he entered land from the Government at $1.25 per acre, and there carried on farming the remainder of his life. He and his wife are both deceased and Mrs. Fox died August 27, 1907. Twelve children, six sons and six daughters, had been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fox, of whom but three now survive: Benjamin, of Wyoming; Charles E., of Riverton; May, wife of William Peters, of Michigan City, Ind. There are six grandchildren in the family. Mrs. Fox was a devoted wife and mother, and had a host of friends by whom she is most kindly remembered and deeply mourned.
Mr. Fox is a member of the Methodist church and in politics a Republican. He takes an active interest in local affairs and is identified with the best interests of his community. He owns a very comfortable home in Riverton, where he has lived since March 20, 1867. He was a member of Post 389 G.A.R., which has been disbanded. He is regarded as a man of strict integrity and honesty and is considered a representative citizen.