Col. Perrin V. Fox (1821-1910) was a farmer, teacher, architect, Civil War engineer, and insurance agent of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1846, he married Louisa M. Newton, eldest daughter of Philo Newton, and settled in Medina, New York. After teaching for two years he became permanently engaged in building and mechanical operations. In January 1852, he went to California, and spent over a year digging gold, with moderate success. He put up a quartz-mill and other buildings for the Agua Fria Quartz Mining Company. He also designed a Court House for Mariposa County, and, taking a partner, contracted for and built it. Before returning home, he was one of a party of nine to spend a week in the Yosemite Valley, the second party to visit it after its discovery. In January 1856, he arrived at his home, after an absence of four years. (Source: American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-Made Men, Michigan, Volumes I-II. Western Biographical Publishing Company, 1878.)
From the description of Perrin V. Fox letters : Agua Fria, Calif., to his wife, [Medina, N.Y.?], 1852-1855. (University of California, Berkeley). WorldCat record id: 434107410
