4. George Fox: The Rise of an Ambitious Merchant Tailor George Fox exemplifies the entrepreneurial ambition inherent in many Irish immigrants. Trained as a tailor, he initially earned a pittance sewing for major retailers but eventually opened his own shop on Broadway. Fox became a master of self-promotion, advertising extensively and providing free, high-quality clothing to President Millard Fillmore and prominent senators to build his reputation. This transition from journeyman to master was a primary goal for many skilled Irish artisans. Since New York was rapidly expanding, carpenters, masons, and tailors were rarely out of work, allowing them to accumulate savings and provide social mobility for their children. 4
1880 ACHILL