George R. Fox
George R. Fox | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 18, 1880 Peabody, Kansas |
| Died | June 3, 1963 (aged 83) |
George Randall Fox (May 18, 1880 - June 3, 1963) was an amateur Michigan archaeologist, historian, curator, and author. His early research focused on indigenous groups, while his later research and work primarily focused on Cass County, Michigan. He conducted additional archaeological research around Wisconsin and Michigan, including at Little Lake Butte des Morts and Isle Royale.
Life
[edit]George R. Fox was born to John W. and Viola P. Fox on May 18, 1880 in Peabody, Kansas.[1] Fox grew up in Wisconsin, where he later worked in a post office. However, his passion for archeology and writing led him to collect indigenous artifacts as he explored Wisconsin around 1900.[2] He spent his free time traveling and exploring archeological sites in the United States, Mexico, and the Galapagos Islands.[3] During this time he conducted amateur anthropological work such as a survey of Little Lake Butte des Morts in search of a Sauk and Meskwaki village site.[4] In 1917, he served as the curator for the Chamberlain Museum (which would later help form the core of the Michigan State University Museum) in Three Oaks, Michigan for several months.[5]
After leaving his position, he worked with the Nebraska Historical Museum until returning to his curatorial position with the Chamberlain Museum which he held until 1930.[6] In 1930, he left his position to run a boys camp in Ontario, Canada for three years. Afterwards, he moved to Cass County, Michigan to work for the city of Dowagiac. He also founded a local historical society and wrote for several local papers. Fox was an active member of several archeological organizations including the Michigan Archaeological Society and the Central States Branch of the American Anthropological Association. He continued to publish works in The Wisconsin Archaeologist, Michigan History Magazine, and The Totem Pole (a publication of the Aboriginal Research Club of Detroit).[7]
Personal life
[edit]George R. Fox was married to Hope Enid Fox (nee Rae Peasley), with whom he had five children. He divorced his first wife around 1930. He later married his second wife, Emily Johnson Fox, in Cass County, Michigan. He continued to live on his second wife's farm following her death until 1962. In 1963, he was moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan due to ill health until his death on June 3, 1963.[8]
Awards and honors
[edit]- Lapham Medal, Wisconsin Archaeological Society, 1926[1]
- Distinguished Service Award, Michigan Archaeological Society, 1960[1]
Works
[edit]Fox published many works including articles in newspapers (Dowagiac Daily News and The Acorn) and manuscripts in archeological journals.[9]
- The Ancient Copper Workings on Isle Royale; Wisconsin Archeological Society, 1911
- The Fangs of the Serpent; Minton, Balch & Co., 1924
- An Audit of the Scenic, Historical and Recreational Facilities of Cass County and Dowagiac, Michigan : A Factual History of the Dowagiac Region and Cass County, Michigan; Chamber of Commerce of Dowagiac, 1941
- The Magic That is Cass County, 1958
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Details - Authors". libraryofmichigan.state.mi.us. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
- ^ The George R. Fox papers 1915-1973 Finding Aid. University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library.
- ^ Ibid.
- ^ Hawley, Martin F. The Hill of the Dead on the Western Shore of Little Lake Butte des Morts: Two Early Twentieth Century Narratives. December, 2014.
- ^ The George R. Fox papers 1915-1973 Finding Aid. University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library.
- ^ Ibid.
- ^ Ibid.
- ^ "In re Fox Estate, 3 Mich. App. 501 | Casetext Search + Citator". casetext.com. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
- ^ The George R. Fox papers 1915-1973 Finding Aid. University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library.
External links
[edit]- George R. Fox papers, 1915-1973, undated. University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library.