Fox Machine Co.

In 1879, William R. Fox, of Middletown, CT, patented what was arguably the first workable "universal" miter trimmer (a universal trimmer is one where the miter angle is adjustable over a range of at least 45 degrees). This first design was probably never manufactured. About 1880, Fox moved to Grand Rapids, where he worked briefly for Willis J. Perkins at Perkins & Co., and then a succession of other jobs. In 1885, he developed an improved version of his trimmer, and founded the Fox Machine Co. He received a patent for the improved design in 1888. The success enabled him to develop his business, and in the same year Fox opened a new factory for woodworking items. The Fox Machine Co. was officially incorporated in 1892.

After incorporating, they took up the bicycle sideline; but after a experiencing the rapid increase in competition in that field in the 90s, they moved instead into the typewriter line, supporting Glen Barrett's design work beginning in 1896, with W.R. Fox contributing to the design too. The first Fox typewriters appeared in 1898. They were quite successful, and the Fox Typewriter Co. was organized in May of 1902. Fox Machine Co. continued to produce their heavy machinery line. In 1915, W.R. Fox sold off the typewriter business to one group of investors, and his woodworking machinery works to another group. He continued manufacturing other heavy machinery pieces, milling machines and large drill presses, in Jackson, Michigan, where he died in a fall from his factory roof in 1934.