The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-04-10

refined. died at his home on Capitol Hill.
this city at $50 O'Clock this evening, OF
kidney complications, About his bedside
were his wife and her sister, Mrs. j,
Condit Smith Mr.. Justice David j. Brewer,
his nephew; Mrs. Edgcrton OF California;;
MIR. Linton. his private secretary the Rev.
Edward NJ. Mott rector OF the Church OF
tho Advent snd the family servants. lie
had been unconscious since Saturday and
death came psinlessly. Ever since Justice
Fields retirement on December /. 1897. he
had enjoyed comparatively good health,
and being relieved OF tho responsibilities
which he had borne 80 many yeurs, he
became more cheerful than formerly, and
seemed 10 enjoy the society OF his friends
aud acuuaiptances moro than ever before.
All during the winter when the weather
vas fair. he took drives about tho city
and through the grounds OF tho Soldiers
Home and returned retreshened. About
two weeks ago. however he took longer
ride than usual in an open carriage and
contracted severe cold. which rapidly
developed the kidney troubles from which
hc has suffered, though slightly. for some
time,
The disease readily yielded to treatment
and on Thursday last he sat up for A
time and seemed himself again, but on
Saturday morning n change for the worse
seriousness From that time he sank rap
idly. and expired at Csc o'clock.
No arrangements have as yet been mado
for the funeral. II Is probable that hia
remains will be taken TO stockhridge,
Mass, where are buried his father and
mother and his brothers, Cyrus. Dudley
and Jonathan two sisters aud other mem
bcrs Of the family. 1t IL possible how
ever that Mrs. Field will take his remains
to California, where big part OF hts active
life was passed before President Lincoln
appointed him member Of the supreme
bench
Justice ara Mrs. Field never had any
children. and the only surviving members
OF his fathers family is the justice's
youngest brother, Dr.. Henry Field, the
editor OF the Evangelist,
During several years prior to his retire
ment from the bench tho Justices health
at times seemed on the point of breaking
but he usually recovered promptly. and
In few days would again resume his
more those most ultimate with him knew
that his mental powers we're becoming
somewhat impaired. Tho result Of bis long
career OF great mental activity was be-
ginning 10 show Itself in failing memory
after his retirement from the bench,
though physically he improved little.
Stephen Johnson Field was born at
Haddum Conn. November 4. 1910. iia
was the son Of David dudley Field, aud
ono OF four brothers VINO became so ia
mous--David Dudley. Cyrus w ana Henry
NJ. Field being the other meMbers OF the
quartet that made their namus known
throughout the country, His early boy
hood was spent at stocsbrldge. Mass. At
the age Of Is stephen j. Field went 10
Smyrna. where his sister had married u
missionary. the Rev. Josiah Brewer. who
had undertaken an educational mission 20
tho Greeks. and he there acquired know-
edEo OF oriental languages. On returning
to this country, after two and hall
years, he later entered Williams college,
from which he was graduated IN 1887 at
the head OF his class. lie thea went 10
New York, where he entered tho law Of
fee OF his brother, David Dudley Field. lie
was admitted 10 the bar and became
partner In the firm. remaining al such
for several years. In iS4S he went TO
Europe and spent some time there travels
ing. In November lSfo, he sailed for
San Francisco Ground Cape Horn and en-
tered upon the practice OF law IN the oc-
Il 81 . LrfWf fa.au
he moved to Marysvllle, a small mining
camp. and became one OF the founders OF
what afterward grew 10 be a thriving town.
Whom the little city WAS organized jus
iice Field was elected the alcalde Of the
place. This office carried with n the dig
nifty OF tho mayor and ~ the same time
irlposci all tho duties % the bench. Here
the future jurisi dispensed Justice and
made his name widely known through tho
length and breadth of the growing COM
monwealth He was fond Of talking Of
his early days In California. and often said
that the happiest days OF HIS life were
when nc dealt out justice in Marysville
behind q dry goods box. Justice Field In
q sketch prepared by himself for the con
gressionsl register gave this brief outline
or ibe duties OF his office as alealde
Under Mexican law the alcaide vas an
officer Of limited jurisdiction. but in the
anomalous condition Of affairs he WAS
fhfiru NpOU 10 adminlhNcT JUSTICE, puiithn
crime and 70 enforce police regulations lln-
iii relieved by officers under tho Few con-
stitution.
He was elected member of the FIRST
Legislature. He was influential in secur-
ing legislation favorable 20 the miners ana
aided IN The passage OF laws regulating
The civil aud criminal procedure OF tho
state 81 the close Of the session he re-
turned 20 NsrysviiIe and devoted six years
10 the praetiee Of bis profession He was
elected a Judge Of the supreme court Of
California N 1871 for the term Of SIX
wears IN 1859 be became chief justice, sue
ceeding Chief Justice David $. Terry, In
1864 President Lincoln sppoipied fim as
sociate justice 81 tho supreme court If
tho United sta,ct and he held that POSI-
tiou until his retirement on December /.
1897
During the later Tszrs Of hls service