Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-04-29
stephen ]. Field.

the 4th of November, 1916. His
childhood was passed at Stockbridge,
Massachusetts,, but at the age Of thir-
teen he was afforded the opportunity
of going to Greece and Asia Minor,
where he travelled extensively, and
made himself familiar with the Greek
language. When he was sixteen he
returned to America, and entering
Williams college, Massachusetts, grad
uated in 1887, with the highest hon.
ors. =
He next entered upon the study Of
the law, and after admission to the
bar became the partner of his brother,
David Dudley Field. After eight
years spent at the bar of New York
city, Mr.. Field went again to Europe
in l848. He returned in the follow
ing ear to the United States, shortly
after the discovery Of gold in Ualltor-
MIA. Numbers were emigrating in that
direction, and Mr.. Field became n
of the California pioneers, arriving on
the Pacific coast in 1S49. He soon
settled at Marysyille, in the northern
part of the state. Here he was chosen
by the people alcalde or principal
Judge of the Marysyille district, and
acted in that capacity until the organ
ization Of the state judiciary in the fol-
lowing year. Shortly afterwards he was
elected to represent Yuba county in
the assembly of the state. Here he
became a very active member. He
framed the act which defined the jur-
isdiction and powers Of the different
courts and judges. He introduced
bills to regulate proceedings IN civil
and criminal cases. These bills be-
came laws, and for many years con-
trolled the practice of the courts Of
California. But Judge Fields best
movement of legislative service was
the Inauguration Of the policy, to
which the state has constantly adher-
ed, of exempting from execution and
forced sale the homestead and house.
hold furniture, the books and instru.
ments Of professional men, the tools OF
farmers, artisans and miners. He was
also the author of the provision of law
regulating mining claims as follows:
"In actions respecting mining claims
proof shall be admitted of the Gus
toms, usages, or regulations estab.
lished and in force at the bar or dig
gings embracing such claim; and such
customs, usages, or regulations, when
not in conflict with the constitution
and laws of California, shall govern
the decision Of the action"
Upon this law thus enacted rests
the settled policy Of California and o.
all other states and territories in which
the precious metal has been found.
Judge Field resumed the practice
of the law in 1851, and continued il
with success until 1857, when he was
elected by the people Of California a
Justice Of the supreme court Of the
state by a majority larger than had
ever been given to any officer in the
state. On the resignation Of Judge
Terry in 1859, he became chief justice
of California. OF his service on the
bench an opinion has been pronounced
by the Hon. Joseph G. Baldwin, well
known as the author of the Flush
Times Of Alabama" and of Party
Leaders" one who held a front rank
in the bar of California, and also one
of the most accomplished writers and
thinkers Of America. Said Nh. Bald.
win, speaking Of Judge Field:
He has more than any other mar
given tone, consistency, and system to
our Indication, and laid broad and
deep the foundation Of our civil and
criminal law. The land titles of the
state, the most important and perma.
nent of the interests OF a great com
m~onwealth, have received from hi
hand their permanent protection, ant
this alone should entitle him to thu
lasting gratitude Of the bar and thu
people,"
Any man might well feel a jus.
pride in such praise from such
source.
In 1863 Judge Field was appointed
by President Lincoln to be an associ
ate justice Of the supreme court of tn,
United States. The bar of Californi
recommended the promotion, and tn.
delegation in congress for the Pacid.
coast, including both political parties
united in urging the appointment. Il
this high position Judge Field ha
taken his full share of work and re
sponsibility. He delivered the opin
ion of the court in the famous test
oath case soon after the war, annullin
these tests as unconstitutional an
void. Side by side with Judge erie
be stood ready to perform his duty j
deciding the MacArdle case, involvin
|, the validity of the reconstruction law.
He has, in the face of a majority q
republican judges, strongly welded I
the imperial theory of government
maintained tho federal constitution i
its honest, literal purport and NEAR
ing, and has steadily upheld the grea
principles Of law and American jurii
5 prudence. In moral and persona
t courage he has been often tried an
never found wanting. His reject
. dissenting opinions in the Virgin
. cases and the election laws have bee
marked by especial ability ,intrepidit.
and reverence for the constitution
A and will long stand as a landmark
American liberty.
. In his political career and opinion
:, Judge Field is a firm and unwaverin
democrat of the Andrew Jacksc
school. During the war he was
q firm supporter Of the national govern
ment, but his earnest desire for an
nesty and reconciliation since Il
d close of hostilitios has endeared hi
Ie to all patriotic men in both section
% Of the country.
is He is now sixty-four years of az
and is full of intellectual activity AZ
energy. In manner simple, fran.
l. and unassuming, as might be expee