William Maine Fox was born in 1782 in Suntown County, Westmeath, Ireland. Mr. Fox received all the education available in that community and developed into a forceful speaker. He united with the Methodist church in Ireland and became a circuit rider. In 1807 he was married to Eleanor, daughter of Adam Loftus Lynn. Mr. and Mrs. Fox had six sons and four daughters.
They came to America in 1834 and made their home in Lima, Indiana for a short time. By 1848 they had all arrived in Fitchburg and formed what was known at the Fox settlement. After locating here Mr. Fox took charge of no special church but traveled to the various congregations within riding distance. He was affectionately known for miles around as Father Fox and was instrumental in organizing nearly every Protestant church in Dane county.
