Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1899-04-13
JUSTICE FIELD DEAD.
The Eminent Jurist Succumbs to an
Attack Of Kidney Trouble.
A SHORT SKETCH OF his LIFE.
Chief Justice OF California and Afterwards
Associate Justice OF tho United
States supreme Court from
1863 Until 1897.


Washington, April 10, Justice Ste
phen j. Field, Of the United States
supreme court, retired, died at his
home on Capitol hill, In this city, at
$3.50 o'clock yesterday evening, of kid
ney complication. He had been UNI
conscious since Saturday morning and
death came painlessly. Ever since
Justice Fields retirement from the SUI
preme court bench, In December, 1897,
he had enjoyed comparatively good
health, and, being relieved from the
responsibilities which he had borne
for 80 many years, he became more
cheerfW than formerly and seemed to
enjoy the society of his friends and
acquaintances more than ever before.
All during the winter when the
weather was fair 1t was his custom to
take daily drives about the city or
through the grounds Of the soldiers
home and he always returned re-
freshed. About two weeks ago, how
ever, he took longer ride than usual
in an open carriage and contracted a
severe cold which rapidly developed
the kidney troubles from which he had
suffered, though but slightly, for some
time. The disease readily yielded to
treatment and on Thursday last he sat
up for time and seemed quite him
self again, but on Saturday morning q
change for the worse took place and
about noon he lost consciousness.
From that time he sank rapidly and
expired at $3.50 o'clock.
No arrangements have yet been
made for the funeral, nor is it now
known where he will be buried. 1t is
probable that his remains will be
taken to Stockbridge, Mass, where
are buried his father and mother, and
his brothers, Cyrus, Dudley and Jona-
than, two sisters and other members
of the Field family. 1t is possible,
however, that Mrs Field may decide
to take his remains to California,
where q considerable part of his ac'
tive life was passed before President
Lincoln appointed him a member of
the supreme bench. Justice and Mrs
Field never had any children and the
only surviving members of his fathers
family is the Justices youngest
brother, DIR. Henry Field, the editor
of the Evangelist
Stephen johnson Field was born at Haddam
Conn, November 4, 1915. He was the son Of
David Dudley Field, and one of the four broth
ers who became so famous, David D., Cyrus W..
and Henry NJ Field being the other members
OF the great quartet that made their names
known throughout the world. His early boy
hood was sp mt at StocSbridge, Mass. At the
age of 10 Stephen j. Field went to Smyrna,
where his sister had married n missionary,
Rev Josiah Brewer, who had undertaken an
educational mission to the Greeks and he there
ACQUIRED q knowledge of oriental languages,
Returning to this country after "a years, he
later entered Williams college, from which he
was graduated in 1887, Mt the head Of his class,
He then went to New York, where he entered
the law offce Of his brother David Dudley
Field He was admitted to the bar and became
partner In the firm, remaining as such for
seven years In 1913 he went to Europe and
spent some time there travelling In
November, 1910, he sailed for San Fran
cisco, around Cape Horn, and entered upon the
practice OF law in the occidental metropolis
After q short time he moved to Marysvllle, a
small mining camp and became one OF the
founders OF what aiterward grew to be thriv-
ing town. When the little city was organized
Justice Field was elected the alcalde Of the
OF the place. This office carried with 1t the
dignity of mayor and at the same time imposed
all the duties of the bench. Here the future
jurist dispensed justice and made his name
widely known throughout the length and
breadth Of the growing commonwealth He
was fond Of talking of his early days In Cali
fornia and Of EN- said that the happiest days Of
his life were when he dealt out justice in Marys-
vile behind u dry goods box.
Stephen j. Field was elected member Of
the first legislature Of the state and was made
member OF that body. He was influential in
securing Legislation favorable to the miners
and aided in the passage of laws regulating the
civil and criminal procedure OF the state At
the close of the session he returned to Marys-
vile and devoted six years to the practice of
his profession. He was elected judge of the
supreme court Of California In 1857 for the
term of six years. In 1853 he became chief
Justice, succeeding Chief Justice David S
Terry. In 1873 President Lincoln appointed
him associate justice of the supreme court of
the United States and he held that position
until his retirnnent m DAcpmhnr I 1897