Joseph John Fox

Joseph John Fox (August 2, 1855 – March 14, 1915) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin from 1904 to 1914.

Early life, ordination and ministry

Joseph Fox was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Paul and Frances (née Bartel) Fox, who were German immigrants. He received his early education at the parochial school of the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier in his native city. He made his classical studies at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee from 1870 to 1875. He then studied philosophy and theology at the American College of Louvain in Belgium. While in Belgium, he was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1879.

Fox's first assignment, following his return to Wisconsin, was as pastor of St. Kilian Church in New Franken, where he remained for eight months. He afterwards served at St. John the Baptist Church in Green Bay for three years, in addition to serving as secretary to Bishop Francis Krautbauer. In 1883, he became pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Marinette, serving there for eleven years. He served as vicar general of the diocese from 1894 to 1904, and was named a domestic prelate by Pope Leo XIII in 1898.

Bishop of Green Bay, Wisconsin

On May 27, 1904, Fox was appointed the fifth Bishop of Green Bay by Pope Pius X. He received his episcopal consecration on the following June 25 from Archbishop Sebastian Messmer, with Bishops William Stang and Frederick Eis serving as co-consecrators. He was the first and only native son of the diocese to become its bishop. During his tenure, he built a new episcopal residence, which later became the diocesan chancery (now demolished), and displayed a strong interest in education and advancing the parochial school system.

Fox resigned as Bishop of Green Bay on November 7, 1914; he was appointed Titular Bishop of Ionopolis by Pope Benedict XV on the same date. He later died at age 59.