History In The 812: Barbara Fox of Napoleon

History In The 812's John Pratt has started a fundraiser for her

(NAPOLEON, Ind.) – John Pratt is the host of History In The 812 and he is presenting the unique story of Barbara Fox of Napoleon.

Fox arrived in Napoleon as a child in 1852 with her parents. 

She is credited with being an early inventor of the fire escape that was designed to save lives, as she received United States patents in 1892 and 1895. 

Fox even tested out her invention in Napoleon which drew large crowds. The testing was deemed a great success. 

Barbara was a charter member of St. John's Lutheran Church and passed away exactly a century ago in 1925. 

History In The 812’s John Pratt was researching Fox and discovered her grave is unmarked at the Lutheran Cemetery in Napoleon. 

Pratt believes more could be done to honor Fox so he has organized a fundraiser. 

How To Give:

Visit any Napoleon State Bank branch and ask for the ”John Pratt’s Account for a Barbara Fox gravestone.”

Any and all funds received will go toward the purchase of a gravestone for Fox. 

Pratt and The 812 will provide updates on the donation drive as well.