The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-04-10
JOHN FIELD, OF COLUMBUS. O.

COLUMBUS. o., March 30. 1897.
To the Editor of THE UNIvERsALIsT:
Many readers of The UNIvERsALIsT,
yourself numbered among them. the
pastor of this church thirty five years
ago.-will undoubtedly be interested in
hearing word about one of the oldest
and a widely known Universalist OF
this city and State.
l refer to Mr.. JOHN FIELD, the 91st
anniversary of whose birth occurred on
the 10Th of this month. Born in the
sixth year of the first decade of this GEN.
fury, he has lived to within three years
of the close of its last decade, with SEEM
ingly favorable prospect at present of
living to witness it's close. Eightsen
months ago the above prediction could
not reasonably have been made, and not
until within the last three months has
it seemed among the possibilities. One
year ago last October the thigh bone of
his left leg was broken by fall, just out
side the socket joint in the pelvis bone
The break was of such nature that
setting of it could not be effected; con.
sequently the broken paris of the bone
have not and cannot unite, and no hope
is entertained that he will ever be able
to walk. There has been gradual and
perceptible improvement in his general
health for the past three months, and his
condition now may be expressed by the
word comfortable, for he suffers but
little pain, relishes food, and sleep re-
freshes him.
He is moved from his bed to rolling
chair once day, and back again at even
ing. He still retains lively interest
in current events. especially in political
affairs. and regretted exceedingly his in
ability to vote for president once more
last fall. He wants the daily papers
read to him every day, and The UNIvER-
sALIsT every week.
Mr.. Field was born in Chenango
county. New York. from which place he
came to Ohio at the ag of q years, and
for seventy years has been a citizen of
Ohio During the construction of
Ohio's system of canals, Mr.. Field was
member of its corps OF engineers. Sub
sequently he was appointed Superinten
dent of the National Road in this State.
Later in life for many years he conduct
ed large lumber business in this city.
The last time he filed public position
was during the war, when he was ap-
pointed assessor of internal revenue for
this city and county.
Mr.. Field had the happy fortune of
having had mother who impaired to
him from her own inexhaustible store
the indestructible principles inherent in
the doctrine and faith of Universalism.
Universalism in those early days and for
many years subsequent was of the Bal
lou and DR.. Williamson type.-rugged.
direct, forcible, convincing, uncomprom-
ising.
Mr. Field intelligently, earnestly and
honestly accepted and embraced this
faith, and during his long and eventful
life thus far. both public and private.
has summoned the presence Of its pre-
cepts as his rule and guide.
He has always taken deep interest
in the progress and fortunes of the de.
nomination and the giving OF his means
has been unsparingly done. Many years
ago he was often chosen delegate to
represent his State in the General Con-
vention of Universalists. Probably the
last was the Centennial Convention at
Gloucester, Mass.
He has hosts of sympathetic friends
outside his own church fellowship, and
all wish for hi m many more years yet of
this life's blessings and enjoyment.
A FRIEND.