Sixty-fourth Session of the Synod, St. Mary's (Pine) Church, Shenandoah County, Virginia, September 27, 1884.
Obituary of Rev. A. J. Fox, M. D-Died on the 10th day of June, 1884, at his home in Lincoln County, North Carolina, after an illness of one week, Rev. A. J. Fox, M. D.; aged 66 years, 9 months, and 4 days. On the day following, his remains were buried at Salem Church, Lincoln County, North Carolina, Rev. R. A. Yoder rendering the funeral services, assisted by Rev. J. M. Smith. Notwithstanding the inclement weather and in the midst of harvest, there was a very large congregation present, to pay a last tribute of respect to an aged and venerable minister of the Gospel. Rev. R. A. Yoder addressed the congregation, basing his remarks on Numbers 23, 10: "Let me die the death of the righteous!"
The Rev. Dr. A. J. Fox was married to Lydia Bost in the year 1842. He leaves a widow and 11 children, 7 sons and 4 daughters.
He entered the Lutheran ministry in 1837, and labored constantly in that work until within a few days of his death; extending over a period of 47 years. He labored during this whole period in connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod; while his work was confined within the limits of the Tennessee Synod, his influence was felt in the whole Lutheran Church of this country, as he was frequently corresponding delegate to other Lutheran bodies. He always held positions of honor and trust in his Synod, and was for many years one of her leading spirits. He gave direction and counsel in all her interests, and was an able advocate and defender of the pure doctrines of the Church of the Reformation.
He was a man of extraordinary energy and physical strength. He served as many as eight or nine congregations at the same time, in addition to his professional duties as physician, and the cares and duties of a large household.
Two of his sons are in the Lutheran ministry-one Rev. L. A. Fox, D. D., is an eminent scholar, and an able professor in Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia. The other, Rev. J. B. Fox, is laboring in connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Holston Synod, in East Tennessee. Two of his sons are following the medical profession with eminent success. One, Dr. A. C. Fox, lives in Waynesboro, Virginia; the other, Dr. Frank Fox, is at the old homestead and was practicing in connection with his father. Of his remaining sons, one is a farmer, and the other two are boys at home with their mother.
Of his four daughters, three are the wives who grace the homes of some of our best citizens, and one a widow.
An eminently successful career has closed with his life, and by his death, the State and community have lost a valuable citizen; the Church and Synod, an able, active, and energetic minister; and the family, a kind father and dear husband.
By his "works of faith and labors of love," he "being dead yet speaketh." The souls whom he has been instrumental in saving, the churches which he has helped to build, the brethren whom he has counseled, the voice of pen and pulpit, all speak:
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace."
He has been called to his reward, and is now in the fellowship of angels and saints, around the throne of God.
He " fought a good fight, " he " kept the faith, " and now he wears the victor's crown.
