“Eddie Fox is known wherever minstrelsy is spoken.

Mr. Fox's career began at the tender age of five years, and continued up until about 1897, when he "laid down the fiddle and the bow"—not because "there was no more work for poor Uncle Ned"—no, indeedy—for Mr. Fox refuses to grow old, and he could have work aplenty if he so desired.

Newcomb and Arlington's Minstrels engaged him about 1867 ; subsequently he was with Newcomb's Minstrels.

When Simmons and Slocum opened their minstrel house in Philadelphia in 1870, Eddie Fox was leader, and remained there several seasons. Likewise was he identified with Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West's Minstrels at their inception in 1877, and continued with them during their existence as an organization, terminating in June, 1882.

Other promient minstrel engagements were Barlow, Wilson Company, George Wilson's, Cleveland's, and his last—Al. G. Field's.

Mr. Fox composed some of the most popular music in minstrelsy, notably the "Big Sunflower," immortalized by Billy Emerson; "Kaiser. Don't You Want to Buy a Dog?" for Gus Williams; "Noreen Moreen," "Goodbye, Liza Jane," "Carry the News to Mary" and scores of others.

As a jig and reel player he is without a peer.

Mr. Fox likewise enjoys the distinction of having been always the highest salaried "leader" in minstrelsy.

Eddie Fox was born in Glens Falls, N. Y.( October 28, 1848 ; a letter addressed care of any minstrel show playing Philadelphia will always reach
him.”

[Rice, Edard Le Roy, Monarchs of minstrelsy, from “Daddy” Rice to date (New York: Kenny, 1911, pp.174, 195, 198)]



“The comedy is in the hands of Eddie Fox and Fred Harper. Fox has cleaned up considerably since we saw him last. He has discarded the rubber tip on his nose and the dirty makeup, using but a little red on the nose and a light tramp make-up. He is wearing better clothes and has gotten away from the misfit suit.”

[New York Clipper, “Beauty Review,” Cooper Show is Fast and Clean, 14 February, 1923, p.19]

Note: Best guess, he died c.1926… and his wife's first name was Eliza.