Chauncey Fox, 1862-1902

FOX

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 8/23/2010 at 19:44:54

ENGINEER FOX DEAD.

Taken With a Paralytic Stroke On His Engine.

That well known and still better liked, Engineer Chauncey Fox, was suddenly attacked by a paralytic stroke Monday morning (Oct. 13. 1902) as he was pulling his train into Sioux Falls, and was taken off the engine in a semi-conscious condition and never regained consciousness but died at a little after five in the afternoon. Mr. Fox had not been in very good health but insisted on not giving up his work. Sunday evening he remarked to a number of his friends how well he felt and that he believed he was getting better. Monday morning he was feeling fine and not until after he had left Ellsworth did he complain of feeling bad and then it was that his head ached. As they were entering Sioux Falls his fireman, Will Post, noticed that his hand was not grasping the throttle with his customary strength and helped him pass the crossings which the train had to stop at. Passing these he managed the engine alone and stopped at the usual place at the Sioux Falls depot. But as the engine stopped he leaned to one side helpless and nearly unconscious. He tried to speak but he could not. He had finished his run and the life that had been such a blessing to his family and his many friends was taking its leave.

On the afternoon train Mrs. Fox and her father, Henry Coon, went to Sioux Falls and brought the remains home Tuesday.

The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock.

Mr. L. A, Fox, a brother of the deceased and perhaps the father will arrive tonight. Word was received yesterday that he would come. Mr. Fox was an old engineer on this road and was beloved by his fellow men as but few men are. Generous to extremes and whole-hearted his life has been a powerful factor for good.

The sympathy of the community goes out to the family in their loss. Two children and the wife mourn an unrepairable [sic] fireside.

Source: Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa; October 15, 1902.