Born in the Massachusetts capital city of Boston on August 11, 1827, James Augustus Fox was descended from English and Scottish people.

Throughout the years, Fox was an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Knights of Pythias (as "Grand Chancellor of Massachusetts, Supreme Representative to the national branch, and Judge-Advocate-General of the uniform rank").

[1] During the American Civil War, Fox was made a captain in the 13th Regiment of the Unattached Companies Massachusetts Volunteer Militia in 1861.

From 1861–1862, Fox served in Virginia with good marks, and from 1864–1865 he commanded the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.

As an early member of the Loyal Legion after the war, Fox occasionally made speeches on the conflict, including his "The Two Civilizations" which was later published.