When he was age nine, his family immigrated to the United States in the Kashubian diaspora, settling in Chicago, Illinois.

[6] Since he was the first Pole in America to be named a bishop, this occasion was celebrated with special joy by the Polish American community.

He received his episcopal consecration on July 29, 1908, from Archbishop James Edward Quigley, with Bishops Peter Muldoon and Joseph Koudelka serving as co-consecrators.

Fox, Rhode was appointed the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay by Pope Benedict XV on July 15, 1915.

[6] During his tenure, he established 10 parishes and 19 parochial schools, and organized the diocesan Catholic Charities and a department of education.