Person Page - 1

Ralph Fields was born on 17 February 1904 at Pleasant Plains, Arkansas.^5,9,8,10

Ralph Fields (listed as Ralph Fields) appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Big Bottom Township, of Independence County, Arkansas in the household of his parents, George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson, at Newark Town (crossed out). The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. He was listed as age 6, born in Arkansas and single. He had attended school since 1 September 1909.¹¹

Ralph Fields was on the honor roll (4th and 5th grade -- apparently these two grades met in same room with the same teacher) in 1915 at Newark, Arkansas.³

Ralph Fields appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas, on Long Street, in the household of his father, George McClellan Fields, and stepmother, Sarah A Childress. He was listed as attending school in this census.⁷

Ralph Fields, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, spent 23 and 24 Dec 1922 in Newark, Arkansas, visiting his parents, i.e., his father and stepmother, G. M. Fields and Sarah A Childress, (Mr and Mrs G. M. Fields).¹²

Ralph Fields married Ena Alyce McNairy, daughter of William James McNairy and Mary Della Chinn, on 15 January 1925 in Independence County, Arkansas. Their ages were listed as 21 and 19, respectively. Both were said to be residents of Newark. The marriage was performed by N. D. Freeze, Justice of the Peace (JP). Bondsmen were Ralph Fields and Jim Wilborn.¹³

The "1928-29" Anderson Indiana city directory (published by Caron Directory Company) indicated Ralph Fields lived as a boarder at 218 East 14th Street. His occupation was listed as an assembler at the Groble Gas Regulator Company, which was at 233 Sycamore. The directory gives no indication that his wife was living in Anderson at the time the information for this edition of the city directory was collected.¹⁴

Ralph Fields appeared on the census of 1930 at 81 Leicester Court, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.¹⁵ He was listed as a machine operator, auto industry, in the 1930 census.¹⁵

Ena Alyce McNairy filed for divorce from Ralph Fields on 25 October 1934 at Independence County, Arkansas. The divorce decree was issued on 17 Nov 1934 (Certificate 1624).¹⁶

Ralph Fields (apparently) lived in 1937 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.⁴

George McClellan Fields died intestate (without a will). The administrator of his estate was his son, Ralph Fields. The papers for the final settlement of the estate were submitted to the Independence County probate court on between 1937 and 1938. The value of the personal property of the estate was listed as $13,379.02. The value of his land holdings was listed as $7,040.00.¹⁷ He was listed during this year as having good alfalfa hay for sale in the Newark newspaper. He seems to have been living in Arkansas after his father's death to try to manage the farmland his father had owned (land which remained undivided in his father's estate for many years). He had been the executor of G. M. Fields's estate.⁴

Ralph Fields appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas in the household of his stepmother, Sarah A Childress. The official date of that census was 01 April 1940. He was listed as: age 36, widowed, did not attend school during March 1940, had completed 8 years of schooling, born in Arkansas, and lived in same house on 1 Apr 1935. He was listed as working 25 hours the week of March 24-30 1940 and not seeking work. His occupation was listed as a farmer in the farm industry, working for his own account. In 1939 he possibly worked 52 weeks (the entry is unclear), had no income from wages, but did have income in excess of $50 from sources other than wages or salary (probably from farming). The listing for marital status indicating he was widowed seems to be an error. He had been divorced in 1934. No information has been located that indicated he was married between 1934 and 1940.¹⁸

Ralph Fields married Jeannette Golosoff, daughter of Nathan Golosoff and Anna Segal, on 5 November 1943 at Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey.¹⁹

Ralph Fields and Jeannette Golosoff lived in late 1944 at 71 Garfield, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan,²⁰. Ralph was employed by the ExCello Corporation.²⁰

Ralph Fields was employed by Chevrolet Gear and Axle between 1945 and 1949 in Detroit, Michigan.²

Ralph Fields was owner/operator of a business cleaning air conditioning and ventilation systems (initially named Ventilation Cleaning Service and later named AAA Ventilation Cleaning Service), which he operated out of his residence between 1948 and 1973. During the early years, he sometimes worked in the business part time, during nights and weekends, while holding other jobs.²¹

Ralph Fields was a machine operator at Detroit Transmission in 1950. He worked at a facility located at the intersection of Riopell and Farnsworth Streets, Detroit, Michigan.² He lived on 18 July 1950 at 8648 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.²

Ralph Fields lived between c1951 and 1954 at 71 Garfield, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.²¹

Ralph Fields sold undeveloped building lots on 19 October 1951 located at Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, as administrator of estate of Jeannette Golosoff.¹⁹

Ralph Fields sold the residence at 272 Market Street, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, as administrator of the estate of Jeannette Golosoff on 4 December 1951. He was the guardian of his two minor children, who were, in effect, co-owners of this property with him, as heirs to Jeannette Golosoff along with him. Apparently New Jersey laws made it difficult to sell what was, in effect, minors' property. A key argument that enabled him to obtain court approval for these sales was that he was, at that time, not a resident of New Jersey and unable to effectively maintain and manage the property (thus he might have been unable to effectively preserve the value of the property for the younger heirs). The share of the sales proceeds belonging to the minors was, of course, placed into trust until they came of age. Edward J Patten, who lived next door to the Market Street residence, was an advisor to Ralph in the legal issues involved in selling this minor-owned property (and may have represented him). Patten had previously been the mayor of Perth Amboy, and later served in the US Congress for 18 years (1963-1981).²²

Ralph Fields married Edith Mae Cantrell, daughter of Leonard Charles Cantrell and Mary Frances Greenfield, in May 1953 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^23,21

Ralph Fields and Edith Mae Cantrell lived between 1954 and 1956 at 469 West Willis Ave, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. Initially, immediately after their marriage, they had lived for several months in the basement apartment at 71 Garfield in Detroit, where Ralph had lived prior to ther marriage. However, after a few months, the ownership of the apartment changed. The new owner was apparently African-American and changed the building from being segregated "all-white" to segregated "all-black". Ralph and Edith lived in the building for several weeks during the transition period, when families of both races were living in the building. Edith became friends with a few of the women from the incoming black families.²¹ Ralph Fields and Edith Mae Cantrell lived between 1956 and 1980 at 500 West Willis Ave, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.²¹

Ralph Fields flew to Phoenix Arizona from Detroit Michigan to attend the funeral of William Orville Fields, his brother in October 1968. This was one of several trips he made to Arizona in the 1960s and 1970s (many of them by car with Edith -- they would often swing by Kansas, Arkansas, or Tennessee visiting family on the way out or the way back).²¹

Ralph Fields retired circa 1973.²¹

Ralph Fields died on 18 July 1980 at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, at age 76. He died from pneumonia, which was a complication of small cell carcinoma of the lung (per death certificate). His death certificate lists his usual occupation as air conditioner repair (self-employed -- this occupation description is only approximately correct; air conditioner maintenance would be more accurate).^9,8,10,24 He was buried on 20 July 1980 at Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.¹⁰

His Social Security Number was 385-12-0394, issued in Michigan before 1951.⁸

Personal recollections (and other information) about Ralph Fields are described in an end note.²⁵

Information about her appears in various documents under the given names: Janet, Jeanette, Jeannie, Jennette, Jennie, Gina, and Sina, and under the surname Golossoff. Jeannette Golosoff was probably born on 8 August 1905, possibly at Berdyansk, Russia. However, documents exist indicating alternative birth dates of 19 August 1905, December 1905, and 10 January 1906.

She may have been born in Alexandrowsk, which seems to have been her parents' residence shortly after her birth (and possibly the time of her birth), based in information provided on the ship manifest when the family immigrated to the US. In the early 1900s, there are several places in what is now Ukraine named Alexandrowsk or Alexandrovsk (or with similar names). One of them, perhaps 100 miles from Berdyansk, is now named Zaporizhia, and (as this is written in June 2016) is one of the 6 or 8 largest cities in Ukraine. It has also been speculated that the city/town name provided on the ship's manifest might refer to the villages of Andirvka (a few miles roughtly northwest of Berdyansk) or Andriivka (some miles farther north of Andirvka). All of the names of these now-Ukranian cities and towns are spelled several different ways in English translation (or transliteration.)^5,6

Jeannette Golosoff lived circa 1905 at Alexandrowsk, Russia (now in Ukraine).⁷

Jeannette Golosoff entered the United States at New York, New York, on 3 March 1906 as part of an extended family consisting of Moses Segal, Reisel Golosoff, Harry Segal, Hannah Yowell, Constant Segal, Nathan Golosoff, Anna Segal and Jeannette Golosoff. They traveled on board the SS Chemintz, which was operated by the North German (Nord Deutsch) Lloyd line. They had sailed from Bremen, Germany on 17 February 1906. The Chemnitz passenger list indicates: (1) the group traveled as second class passengers; (2) they entered the US with $713 among them; (3) their final destination in the US was Perth Amboy, New Jersey; and (4) they intended to join a relative, Joseph Slobodien, a brother-in-law of Moses Segal, who lived in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.⁷

Jeannette Golosoff appeared on the census of 1910 at 180? Main Street, Tottenville, Richmond, New York.⁸

Jeannette Golosoff appeared on the New Jersey census of 1915 at 174 Broad Street (Ward 3), Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey.⁹ She was listed as a student, School #2, in this census.⁹

Nathan Golosoff and Anna Segal and their daughters Jennette Golosoff, Rose Golosoff, Sadie Golosoff and Freda Golosoff were apparently not recorded in the 1920 US census. They probably lived at either 112 Madison Avenue or 148 Madison Avenue, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, at the time of the 1920 census. The above two candidate addresses are based on addresses listed for Nathan Golosoff in the 1920 and 1921 Perth Amboy city directories (the addresses of the entire family can probably be inferred from Nathan's address listed in city directories published between 1905 and the mid-1930s).¹⁰

Jeannette Golosoff graduated from the New Jersey College of Pharmacy in 1925 at Newark, Essex County, New Jersey. This school later merged with Rutgers University (in 1927). The current-day (2013) successor school is called the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy of Rutgers University.^11,12

Jeannette Golosoff lived on 12 March 1926 at 202 Market Street, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey.⁵ She listed her occupation as a pharmacist at Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, in citizenship papers filed 12 March 1926.⁵ She was listed in city directories as a clerk from 1927 to 1930 employed at City Pharmacy, Inc., 285 Smith Street, Perth Amboy, New Jersey. (She was listed as a clerk in the 1929 directory, with no employer listed. Saul S. Katz was listed as the president of City Pharmacy, Inc.)¹³

Jeannette Golosoff lived in 1927 at 182 Market Street, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey.¹⁴

Jeannette Golosoff lived in 1929 at 384 Washington Street, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey.¹⁵

Jeannette Golosoff became a registered pharmacist in the state of New Jersey, License Number 7052, dated October 9, 1929. She later became a licensed pharmacist in the state of Michigan, License Number 15306, dated June 26, 1944.^16,17

Jeannette Golosoff appeared on the census of 1930 at 287 Smith Street, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey.¹⁸ She was listed as a drug clerk, pharmacy, in the 1930 census.¹⁸

On 9 May 1930 the "Pi Chapter" of the Lambda Kappa Sigma professional sorority was "installed" at Rutgers University. Jeannette Golosoff was listed among the charter members as the chapter vice president. Lambda Kappa Sigma is a sorority for women in the profession of pharmacy.¹⁹

Jeannette Golosoff became a naturalized United States citizen on 11 December 1930 at Common Pleas Court, New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Her Certificate of Citizenship was numbered 3404716.⁵ Her residence was listed as 287 Smith Street, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, in her 11 December 1930 naturalization papers.⁵

Jeannette Golosoff lived in 1931 at 287 Smith Street, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey.²⁰ Jeannette Golosoff's occupation was listed as pharmacist in the 1931 city directory.²⁰

Jeannette Golosoff lived in 1935 at 111 Brighton Avenue, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey.¹ She was listed as a pharmacist and as the operator of a millinery shop at 197 Smith Street, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in the 1935 Perth Amboy city directory.¹

Jeannette Golosoff lived In 1940 and 1942 at 272 Market Street, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey.²¹ She was listed as a clerk in the 1940 Perth Amboy city directory and as a pharmacist in the 1942 Perth Amboy city directory.²¹

Jeannette Golosoff appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey in the household of her parents, Nathan Golosoff and Anna Segal, at 272 Market Street. The official date of that census was 01 April 1940. She was listed as: age 34, single, attended school during March 1940, had completed two years of college, born in Russia, was a naturalized citizen, lived in same house on 1 Apr 1935, was employed, worked 54 hours the week of March 24-30 1940, zero weeks of unemployment immediately prior to 1 Apr 1940; occupation was listed as pharmacist working in a pharmacy as a private (industry) worker. In 1939 she worked 50 weeks, earned $1300, and did not have income in excess of $50 from sources other than wages or salary.²²

Jeannette Golosoff purchased three vacant building lots in Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey, from her sister Sadie Golosoff and her sister's husband Joseph George Gumenik on 19 February 1942.²³

Jeannette Golosoff married Ralph Fields, son of George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson, on 5 November 1943 at Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey.²³

Jeannette Golosoff and Ralph Fields lived in late 1944 at 71 Garfield, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.²⁴ Anna Segal probably visited her daughter, Jeannette Golosoff, and her daughter's family, who lived at 71 Garfield Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, circa late 1944/early 1945 and also circa April 1947.²⁵

Jeannette Golosoff died on 13 January 1949 at Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, at age 43. She died five days after the birth of her daughter.^26,2,23,27 She was buried on 14 January 1949 at United Hebrew Cemetery, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The obituary indicates burial was in the Hebrew Progressive Cemetery (these are probably alternative names for the same cemetery).^2,27 Her residence was listed as 272 Market Street, Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey, on her death certificate (which her obituary indicated was her permanent residence at the time of her death -- suggesting the family may have planned to remain in New Jersey for some time following the birth of her daughter.)^2,27 Jeannette Golosoff's occupation was listed as a housewife on her death certificate.²

Ralph Fields sold undeveloped building lots on 19 October 1951 located at Woodbridge Township, New Jersey, as administrator of estate of Jeannette Golosoff.²³

Ralph Fields sold the residence at 272 Market Street, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, as administrator of the estate of Jeannette Golosoff on 4 December 1951. He was the guardian of his two minor children, who were, in effect, co-owners of this property with him, as heirs to Jeannette Golosoff along with him. Apparently New Jersey laws made it difficult to sell what was, in effect, minors' property. A key argument that enabled him to obtain court approval for these sales was that he was, at that time, not a resident of New Jersey and unable to effectively maintain and manage the property (thus he might have been unable to effectively preserve the value of the property for the younger heirs). The share of the sales proceeds belonging to the minors was, of course, placed into trust until they came of age. Edward J Patten, who lived next door to the Market Street residence, was an advisor to Ralph in the legal issues involved in selling this minor-owned property (and may have represented him). Patten had previously been the mayor of Perth Amboy, and later served in the US Congress for 18 years (1963-1981).²⁸

Notes and Observations (from the Segal Family Tree Book): Oldest child of Nuna [[or Anna]] and Nissim [[or Nathan]] Golosoff. Jennie was born in Russia around 1904 [[best information is August 1905]] and came to the United States in 1905 [[actually March 1906]] at the age of six months with her parents Nuna and Nissim. She was one of the first ((female)) pharmacists in Perth Amboy, NJ. She was the mother of two children. She died five days after her daughter was born in 1949. Her husband [[Ralph Fields]] permitted his sister-in-law Frieda Golosoff Goff and Freda's husband to adopt and raise Jeanette's daughter.²⁶

Personal recollections about Jeannette Golosoff are described in an end note.²⁹

Edith Mae Cantrell was born on 4 August 1910 in Arkansas.³

Edith Mae Cantrell married Charlie Prince, son of James R Prince and Ollie Vickers, on 17 July 1927 in Independence County, Arkansas, Their ages were listed as 21 and 18, respectively. Both were said to be residents of Newark. Marriage was performed by M. E. Burt, JP. Bondsmen were Edith Mae Cantrell and Chas, V, Southard.⁴

Edith Mae Cantrell and Charlie Prince appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Big Bottom Township, Independence County, Arkansas, enumerated 26 April 1940. The home was listed as rented for $1 per month and located on a farm. The official date of that census was 01 April 1940. Their children Maxie Gearldene Prince, Wanda Charlene Prince and Jimmy Modene Prince were listed as living with them. Both adult household members were listed as having lived in the same house on 1 Apr 1935. Charlie Prince and Edith Mae Cantrell were listed as ages 33 and 29, respectively, both married, born in Arkansas, and not attending school in March 1940. Charlie was listed as having completed 6 years of schooling and Edith was listed as having completed 8 years of schooling. Charlie was listed as not having worked the week of 24-30 March, but as having a job and not seeking work for wages. His occupation was listed as a farmer in the farm industry as an employee. Charlie was listed as having worked 24 weeks in 1939, with no wage income, but with other (non-wage) income in excess of $50. Edith was listed as doing housework, not employed for wages, and not seeking such employment. No 1939 wage income was reported for Edith and she did not have other (non-wage) income in excess of $50 in 1939.

Edith's name appeared on a line of the main 1940 census form that triggered a random selection for additional information being recorded for her. This additional information indicated that both her parents were born in Arkansas, her first language was English, she had been married only once, she was married at age 16, and had given birth to three children, all then living. The population schedule indicates that a farm schedule was filed for this household.⁵

Edith Mae Cantrell married Ralph Fields, son of George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson, in May 1953 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^6,2

Edith Mae Cantrell and Ralph Fields lived between 1954 and 1956 at 469 West Willis Ave, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. Initially, immediately after their marriage, they had lived for several months in the basement apartment at 71 Garfield in Detroit, where Ralph had lived prior to ther marriage. However, after a few months, the ownership of the apartment changed. The new owner was apparently African-American and changed the building from being segregated "all-white" to segregated "all-black". Ralph and Edith lived in the building for several weeks during the transition period, when families of both races were living in the building. Edith became friends with a few of the women from the incoming black families.² Edith Mae Cantrell and Ralph Fields lived between 1956 and 1980 at 500 West Willis Ave, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.²

Edith Mae Cantrell died on 8 December 1993 in Kansas at age 83.^3,7 She was buried at Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^7,3

Personal recollections about Edith Mae Cantrell are described in an end note.⁸

George McClellan Fields was perhaps better known as G. M. Fields.⁸ He was born on 8 July 1862 in Osage County, Missouri. One source document, created in 1942, lists his birthplace as West Plains, Missouri.^{9,10,11,12,8,13}

George McClellan Fields appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Wood Richland Township, Texas County, Missouri in the household of his parents, William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman, at Houston (Post Office).³

George McClellan Fields appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Clinton Township, at Douglas County, Missouri in the household of his father, William Charles Fields, and stepmother, Eva Amanda Elliott.²

George McClellan Fields was accused of involvement in vigilante action following an incident where William Charles Fields was robbed circa August 1885 in Douglas County, Missouri.^14,15

George McClellan Fields, recorded as G. M. Fields, was listed as owning taxable personal property in McKinley Township of Douglas County Missouri in 1885. The taxable property consisted of: Livestock: 1 horse valued at $50, no asses and jennies, no mules, no neat cattle, no sheep, and no hogs; Money, notes, bonds, and other credits: $300; and no other personal property; giving a total value of $350 for all taxable personal property. The taxes were for property held on 1 June 1885, but the assessments were apparently made in 1886 (and taxes were apparently due in 1886). The county courthouse burned on 26 April 1886. Since these records survive, they were apparently compiled (or completed) after that date. The term “neat cattle” seems to refer to what nowadays (as this is written in 2015) are just called “cattle”. However, Carl Fields saw a few references on the internet which suggest the term might have sometimes (or in some portions of the US) referred more specifically either to oxen (cattle used as draft animals) or to dairy cattle.¹⁶

George McClellan Fields married Sarah Clementine Johnson, daughter of Aaron Francis Johnson and Alabeth Wood, on 7 November 1888 at Douglas County, Missouri, iin the home of the bride's father. Marriage performed by James L Haws, Justice of the Peace.^17,18,19

In 1890 George McClellan Fields was a road overseer at District 2, Douglas County, Missouri.²⁰

In 1896 (or possibly as early as 1895) George McClellan Fields, Henry Wood Johnson, and their families lived in Cleburne County, Arkansas, and were in the sawmilling business together. They continued to be business associates in various projects until George's death in 1937 (although they each also had business interests in which the other was not involved). George's first wife was Henry's sister. This move to Arkansas, a former Confederate state, may have been when George McClellan Fields began primarily using his initials, G. M., instead of his name.^21,22

George McClellan Fields and Henry Wood Johnson purchased property in Independence County, Arkansas, on 11 October 1897 from J. H. and M. F. Willis for $100. The property that was purchased was the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 10, Twp 11, Range 6 west and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 10, Twp 11, Range 6 West – about 80 acres total in the two parcels. This purchase was entered into court records immediately prior to the sale in September 1898. Presumably, George McClellan Fields and Henry Wood Johnson had cleared the timber off the land (and converted it into lumber) during the time they owned the land (they were in the sawmill business). The appearance of this transaction inthis paricular book of deed records (Volume V-3) seems odd, since most entries covered in book V-3 are for transactions that took place around 1911. It appears that this particular transaction – along with the subsequent sale – was entered with the county clerk several years after it took place.

One of their initial lumber projects in Independence County (which may have been the property involved in the transaction described in the previous paragraph) was said to be on Sugar Branch in Fairview Township. The difficulties in getting logs out of this location -- and also out of the "brakes" (thickets) near Salado -- and hauling logs and lumber to markets convinced Henry Wood Johnson of the necessity for good roads, and he later acted to promote good roads in Independence County.^23,22

During most of the time period between c1898 and c1905 George McClellan Fields lived in Pleasant Plains, Arkansas.^24,1

George McClellan Fields, Sarah Clementine Johnson, George McClellan Fields, and Henry Wood Johnson and Ella Rankin sold property in Independence County, Arkansas, to John Prater on 19 September 1898 for $40. The property that was sold was the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 10, Twp 11, Range 6 west and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 10, Twp 11, Range 6 West –- about 80 acres total in the two parcels. As noted above, in conjunction with the purchase of at least some of this property, it appears this particular transaction was entered with the county clerk several years after it took place. Note that when this property was purchased, only G. M. Fields and H. W. Johnson were listed as grantees. However, when the property was sold, their spouses (the women they were married to at the time of the sale) were listed as grantor. This was apparently to ensure the grantee's title to the land was not affected (possibly complicated) by dower rights (although both of these spouses -- Sarah Clementine Johnson Fields and Ella Rankin Johnson -- were probably deceased at the time the transaction was entered into the deed book at the county clerk's office -- probably after autumn of 1911).²⁵

George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Fairview Township, Independence County, Arkansas, enumerated 25 June 1900. The residence was listed as a home (not a farm). The official date of that census was 01 June 1900. This census is unique in that month and year of birth were requested for each individual, in addition to each individual's age on the official census date. Their children Clarence Fields, Dilla Fields and William Orville Fields were listed as living with them, as well as Jovres Beck, a lodger. Everyone in the household age 10 and over was listed as being able to read, write, and speak English. Clarence was the only member of the household who attended school (for 4 months). Sarah Clementine Johnson was listed as the mother of four children, with three of them living as of the date of the census. Although not listed on the census form, the town of Pleasant Plains is the principal community in Fairview Township, and this non-farm residence was likely in that town. Sarah Clementine Johnson's brother, Henry W. Johnson, is the head of the household listed on the census form immediately prior to this one. They were likely next-door neighbors.⁵ George McClellan Fields's occupation was listed as sawmilling in the 1900 census.⁵

George McClellan Fields purchased property in Independence County, Arkansas, on 20 May 1902 from the State of Arkansas (Ruben G Dye, Commissioner of Lands) for $50. The property that was purchased was the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 32, Twp 12, Range 6 west – 40 acres total. The land had been forfeited to the State of Arkansas for nonpayment of taxes by the previous owner. The book entry cited for this transaction (Volume V-3, page 288) is for a duplicate deed for this property, which was obtained on 23 December 1911. It is likely that Ruben G. Dye was the Commissioner of Lands at the time the duplicate deed was issued. He may not have held this office at the time of the actual purchase in 1902.²⁶

George McClellan Fields and Henry Wood Johnson purchased real estate in Independence County, Arkansas, on 19 August 1903 from W J Cooper and Della Cooper for $250. The property was an undivided ½ interest in Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Block ??? in the south addition to the incorporated town of Newark.²⁷

George McClellan Fields and Henry Wood Johnson purchased real estate in Independence County, Arkansas, on 5 December 1903 at auction from the estate of Andy Allen (Ernest Neill, administrator) for $2200. The property was:


This is 100% interest in 80 acres and 75% interest in another 40 acres. This property was purchased at auction.²⁸

George McClellan Fields was a lumber dealer in 1904 at Pleasant Plains, Arkansas.¹

George McClellan Fields purchased property on 27 June 1904 in Independence County, Arkansas, consisting of 80 acres in Section 36, Township 11-N, Range 6-W. This property is on the southern edge of Independence County, about 2.5 miles southeast of the community of Pleasant Plains.²⁹

George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson purchased real estate in Independence County, Arkansas, on 29 July 1905 from George F Murff for $800. The property was in the North West fractional quarter of Section 5, Twp 12 North, Range 4 West. The specific description is: beginning at the Northwest corner of the east half of Lot 3, east 20 rods, then south forty rods, then west 20 rods, then north forty rods, to place of beginning. This gives approximately 5 acres.³⁰

George McClellan Fields emigrated in November 1905 to Newark, Arkansas (from Pleasant Plains, Arkansas).²⁴

George McClellan Fields was a director (one of seven) of The Bank of Newark. on 6 March 1908 at Newark, Arkansas. It's interesting that, although he was associated with this bank, he apparently continued to personally loan money to others for real estate purchases, backed by deeds of trust (described below).³¹

George McClellan Fields was a principal actor in an effort to organize a Horticultural Society to encourage fruit and berry growing on 15 May 1908 at Newark, Arkansas.³²

George McClellan Fields traveled in June 1908 to Mountain Grove, Wright County, Missouri, for his father's funeral.³³

George McClellan Fields was involved in an Independence County, Arkansas, real estate transaction on 24 November 1908, where he provided funds to another party (or other parties) who actually purchased the property (the grantee in the transaction). He received a promissory note from the purchaser, and had the right to have the property sold at auction if the note was not satisfied in full. The purchaser in this transaction (the grantee – the person whose note George held) was R R Ratton and the note was for $400. The note was satisfied on 23 March 1910. Deeds of trust that were “satisfied” are of particular interest because George McClellan Fields appears to have signed the file copy held by the County Clerk in person testifying the note had been paid in full (that is, the deed of trust on file in the court house contains an original signature).³⁴

George McClellan Fields purchased real estate in Independence County, Arkansas, on 24 February 1909 from F C Hoyt and Pearl Hoyt for $1300. The property was in the North West fractional quarter of Section 5, Twp 12 North, Range 4 West. The specific description is:

an undivided ½ interest in the following:




All of the above-described property was apparently conveyed only for the duration of the natural lifetime of J. S. Brooks, who had life estate curtesy rights. As indicated above, the purchase was for only an undivided ½ interest of these properties during the lifetime of J. R. Brooks.³⁵

George McClellan Fields purchased real estate in Independence County, Arkansas, on 24 February 1909 from F C Hoyt and Pearl Hoyt for $900. The property was in the North West fractional quarter of Section 5, Twp 12 North, Range 4 West. The specific description (which appears to be the same land as in the previous transaction, with one exception, noted below) is:

In this case, the transfer of ownership is permanent. There is no dependence on life-estate curtsey rights.³⁶

George McClellan Fields was a member of coroner's jury in the shooting death of George Crosser, Jr on 5 March 1909 in Independence County, Arkansas.³⁷

George McClellan Fields was involved in an Independence County, Arkansas, real estate transaction on 15 January 1910, where he provided funds to another party (or other parties) who actually purchased the property (the grantee in the transaction). He received a promissory note from the purchaser, and had the right to have the property sold at auction if the note was not satisfied in full. The purchaser in this transaction (the grantee – the person whose note George held) was R R Ratton and the note was for $1400. The note was satisfied on 2 April 1912. Deeds of trust that were “satisfied” are of particular interest because George McClellan Fields appears to have signed the file copy held by the County Clerk in person testifying the note had been paid in full (that is, the deed of trust on file in the court house contains an original signature).³⁸

George McClellan Fields was involved in an Independence County, Arkansas, real estate transaction on 10 March 1910, where he provided funds to another party (or other parties) who actually purchased the property (the grantee in the transaction). He received a promissory note from the purchaser, and had the right to have the property sold at auction if the note was not satisfied in full. The purchaser in this transaction (the grantee – the person whose note George held) was H. E Hawthorne and the note was for $350. In this case, it appears that George and F. C. Hoyt had jointly loaned the money. There is no indication in the Deed of Trust book in the court house that this deed of trust was ever satisfied. However, this note may have later been replaced by other notes from the same individual (H. E. Hawthorne), which are described below.³⁹

George McClellan Fields (listed as George “W” Fields – the correct middle initial is “M”) and Sarah Clementine Johnson (listed as Sarah C Fields) appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Big Bottom Township, at Independence County, Arkansas at Newark Town (crossed out), enumerated 2 May 1910. The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. The home was listed as owned, not mortgaged, and (apparently) on a farm. Based on CCF’s childhood memories, from when this house was still in existence (although not in good condition) and owned by George McClellan Fields’s not-yet-divided estate, the house had only a small “barnyard” and perhaps an outbuilding once used as a stable associated with it. The household’s farmland (some owned and possibly some rented) was not contiguous to the home, but was a few miles away. The census schedule originally has “Newark Town” listed at the top of the page, but later crossed out. The home was outside the city limits, on the Magness Road, west of Newark, and perhaps 1/3 of the way between Newark and Magness.

George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson were listed as ages 51 and 49, both born in Missouri, both married for 28 years, both in first marriage, and both spoke English as their native language. Both were listed as able to read and write. George’s occupation was listed as a Dealer in Lumber (on his own account, self-employed) – and, as noted above, he also had farming interests (and, not mentioned here, he was also – for many years – the vice president of the board of directors of a bank, although that bank may not yet have been established at time of the 1910 census). No occupation was listed for Sarah. Sarah was reported to have given birth to eight children, of whom six were still living as of the official date of this census (one the deceased children, a son, had died in May 1909; if a mortality census was conducted in 1910, he should be recorded in it). Their children Clarence Fields, Dilla Fields, William Orville Fields, Virgil Aaron Fields, Ralph Fields and Robert Lacy Fields was listed as living with them. The children in the household were listed as ages 20, 15, 12, 8, 6, and 4. All could read and write and the two younger ones had attended school after 1 September 1909. No one in the household was listed as a veteran of the Union or Confederate Army or Navy. No severe vision, hearing, or speaking disabilities were listed.⁴⁰

George McClellan Fields was named to the temporary executive committee of the Independence County (Arkansas) Land Congress (an auxilliary to the Arkansas Land Congress) in June 1910.⁴¹ He was named president of the Newark Improvement Company (set up to build a new commercial building in Newark) circa August 1910. He was also mentioned as spending a day in Batesville on business in a brief newspaper article that month.⁴²

George McClellan Fields and Henry Wood Johnson were involved in an Independence County, Arkansas, real estate transaction on 8 August 1910, where they provided funds to another party (or other parties), who actually purchased the property (the grantee in the transaction). They received a promissory note from the purchaser, and had the right to have the property sold at auction if the note was not satisfied in full. The purchaser in this transaction (the grantee – the person whose note they held) was H. E. Hawthorne and the note was for $2000. In this case, it appears that George, Henry Wood Johnson, O. F. Craig, and F. C. Hoyt had jointly loaned the money. The note was satisfied on 15 Dec 1915. Deeds of trust that were “satisfied” are of particular interest because George McClellan Fields appears to have signed the file copy held by the Couuty Clerk in person testifying the note had been paid in full (that is, the deed of trust on file in the court house contains an original signature). It appears that George signed for himself and Henry Wood Johnson. It is unclear why he did not also sign for the two others.⁴³

George McClellan Fields was involved in an Independence County, Arkansas, real estate transaction on 14 November 1910, where he provided funds to another party (or other parties) who actually purchased the property (the grantee in the transaction). He received a promissory note from the purchaser, and had the right to have the property sold at auction if the note was not satisfied in full. The purchaser in this transaction (the grantee – the person whose note George held) was H. E. Hawthorne and the note was for $2323 In this case, it appears that George, George McClellan Fields, O. F. Craig, and F. C. Hoyt had jointly loaned the money.The note was satisfied on 15 Dec 1915. Deeds of trust that were “satisfied” are of particular interest because George McClellan Fields appears to have signed the file copy held by the Couuty Clerk in person testifying the note had been paid in full (that is, the deed of trust on file in the court house contains an original signature). It appears that George signed for himself and H. W. Johnson. It is unclear why he did not also sign for the two others.⁴⁴

His wife and daughter died the same week in February 1911. They both died of measles. He was left with four young sons (between ages of approximately 4 and 13) and one adult son (about age 20).⁴⁵

George McClellan Fields married Sarah A Childress, daughter of Richard B Childress and Nancy Walker, on 20 September 1911 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas. Their ages were listed as 49 and 41, respectively. Marriage was performed by H. M. McDoniel, Minister of the Gospel. Bondsmen were George McClellan Fields and B L Brown. "Family folklore" stories concerning this marriage, which Carl Fields heard at least third-hand as a boy, included that (1) Sarah A Childress had initially come into the household as a housekeeper (probably to help care for the younger sons after the death of George's first wife and teenage daughter) and (2) Sarah "negotiated" marriage terms by, for example, stating that she would not be able to marry unless she had a sewing machine (there were other conditions, which Carl could not remember). The sewing machine was in the posession of her daughter, Ruby Alice Fields, when Carl was growing up in the 1950s. It was originally a human-powered machine (via a foot treadke), but had (at some point) been converted to be powered by a small electric motor. The treadle was still attached ot the machine.^24,46,4

George McClellan Fields and F. C. Hoyt purchased property in Independence County, Arkansas, on 23 October 1911 from N. S. and Myrtle Spade for $650. The property that was purchased was lots 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Block 24 in the Western Division of the Town of Newark Arkansas.⁴⁷

George McClellan Fields was a member of Newark School Board circa 1912 at Newark, Arkansas.⁴⁸ He was a director of First National Bank (of Newark) in 1912 at Newark, Arkansas.⁴⁹

George McClellan Fields purchased property in Independence County, Arkansas, on 28 November 1913 from R. K. and Alice McHenry for $400. The property that was purchased was the East ½ of Lot 4 in an area of Newark that is within the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 5, Twp 12, Range 5 West. A description is given indicating the land is in the shape of a square with each side being 707 links long – 5 acres total. This is probably the land that Carl remembers some of George’s sons (such as Carl's fahter and uncles) refering to as “The Old Home Place” (on the east side of Long Street in Newark).⁵⁰

George McClellan Fields was an owner (one of four) of Newark Improvement Company (which, in turn, was the owner of one of four buildings in Newark destroyed by fire) in 1914.⁵¹ He was the owner of a newly opened "poultry house" in 1914.⁵²

George McClellan Fields purchased property in Independence County, Arkansas, on 24 March 1915 from E. M. and Lulu Pridmore for $1400. The property that was purchased was lots 7 and 8 of Block 29 in the Western Division of the Town of Newark Arkansas.⁵³

George McClellan Fields was a member of a relief committee for White River flooding that affected Newark, Arkansas, circa August 1915.⁵⁴

George McClellan Fields purchased property in Independence County, Arkansas, on 22 February 1916 from F. C. and Pearl Hoyt for $350. The property that was purchased was and undivided ½ interest in lots 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Block 24 in the Western Division of the Town of Newark Arkansas. George and F. C Hoyt had previously purchased this land together (in October 1911). Now George was buying out Hoyt’s interest. Hoyt’s share of the initial purchase price back in 1911 had been $325.⁵⁵

George McClellan Fields purchased a $1000 war bond (Liberty Loan) in 1918.⁵⁶

George McClellan Fields was a commissioner of the Newark-Cord Road District in 1920 in Independence County, Arkansas.⁵⁷

George McClellan Fields and Sarah A Childress appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas on Long Street, enumerated 14 January 1920. The home was listed as being owned with no mortgage. The official date of that census was 01 January 1920. Their daughter Ruby Alice Fields was listed as living with them. His children Virgil Aaron Fields, Ralph Fields and Robert Lacy Fields were also listed as living with them, along with Sarah's niece, Alma Childress (who is listed in the census as a servant). All of the members of the household age 12 and over were listed as being able to read and write, and all of the children (including Alma Childress) were listed as attending school.⁴ George McClellan Fields was listed as a retail (hardware) merchant (on his own account) in the 1920 census.⁴

George McClellan Fields was involved in a slander suit (as a defendant, apparently) in connection with his service on a local school board in 1920 at Newark, Arkansas.⁵⁷

George McClellan Fields was a member of Independence County (Arkansas) Farm Bureau in March 1921.⁵⁸

The Newark Lumber Company, in Newark, Arkansas, owned by George McClellan Fields (who may have still been in partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Wood Johnson at this time) advertised "Tennessee wagons" for sale on 20 July 1922. The store referred to itself as "The Old Reliable" in its advertising.⁵⁹

George McClellan Fields went to Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas, on Saturday, 26 August 1922, to attend a meeting of the County Farm Bureau.⁶⁰

George McClellan Fields listed a used tractor for sale in the 7 September 1922 issue of the Newark, Arkansas, local newspaper. The tractor was described as an "Avery 12-25 h.p. tractor in running condition". The listing suggested he could be contacted in person (as G. M. Fields) or by mail at P. O. Box 21.⁶¹

The Newark Lumber Company ("The Old Reliable") owned by George McClellan Fields (who may have still been in partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Wood Johnson, at this time) advertised a furniture "closing out" sale in the Newark, Arkansas, local newspaper on 21 September 1922. The newspaper carried both a "local news item" and a display ad about this sale. The items on sale included Simmons Steel Beds ($6.25 and $7.50), steel army cots ($2.50 each), "kitchen safes" ($10 with wire front, $12 with glass front), wood rockers ($2.50 to $5.00), and cane seat chairs (95 cents). The advertisement also mentioned Tennessee Wagons ($100 and $110). It also included the slogan "When You Buy From Us you Get What you buy" (capitalization as in original).⁶²

The Newark Lumber Company owned by George McClellan Fields (who may have still been in partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Wood Johnson, at this time) advertised a "Holiday Sale" in the Newark, Arkansas, local newspaper on 14 December 1922. The newspaper carried both a "local news item" and a display ad about this sale. Items on sale included beds, springs, rockers, mattresses, and stoves. The ad included the slogans "If You're Ever Going Need these things Right Now is the Time -- and PRICES ARE REDUCED to the Very Lowest" (sic) and "You're in Luck if You Buy Now".⁶³

Ralph Fields, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, spent 23 and 24 Dec 1922 in Newark, Arkansas, visiting his parents, i.e., his father and stepmother, G. M. Fields and Sarah A Childress, (Mr and Mrs G. M. Fields).⁶⁴

The 4 January 1923 issue of the local Newark, Arkansas, newspaper carried a story about George McClellan Fields, of Newark, who a few days previously had sold a thoroughbred Dutch Belt (bull) calf to a Missouri farmer. The buyer paid $100 for the young bull, which he planned to use for breeding purposes. Dutch Belted is a breed of dairy cattle. They were popular in the United States from around the 1880s until around 1940, but are now quite rare (as this is written in August 2015) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Belted).⁶⁵

George McClellan Fields placed a "local items" notice in the 18 January 1923 issue of the local Newark, Arkansas, newspaper requesting whoever had "borrowed" his "wire stretchers" to return them "at once."⁶⁶

George McClellan Fields was in Little Rock, Arkansas, on business for a few days in March 1923.^67,68

The Newark, Arkansas, local newspaper noted on 19 April 1923 that George McClellan Fields was one of several Newark residents who had attended the funeral of William Ramsey in Batesville, Arkansas the previous Sunday. Others from Newark who had attended were J. H. Holderby, C. F. Vaughn, Charlie Magness, Hugh Moore, and Mr and Mrs J. P. Rowland.⁶⁹

The Newark Lumber Company owned by George McClellan Fields (who may have still been in partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Wood Johnson, at this time) had "notice items" in the "Items of Local Interest" section in the Newark, Arkansas, local newspaper on 19 April 1923. The items mentioned sheet iron for sale. A separate item mentioned the store had just received a car of galvanized roofing and a car of shingles (probably railcar "loads" of these items). Still another notice mentioned that cane bottom chairs were available at 95 cents each, with a limit of no more than six such chairs sold to any single customer.⁶⁹

The Newark Lumber Company owned by George McClellan Fields (who may have still been in partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Wood Johnson, at this time) had "notice items" in the "Items of Local Interest" section in the Newark, Arkansas, local newspaper on 26 April 1923. One item mentioned that a new stock of oil stoves had just been received. Other items mentioned sheet iron (roofing) and cane bottom chairs.⁷⁰

George McClellan Fields (listed as George Fields) and Sarah A Childress (listed as Sallie Fields) appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Newark Town, Big Bottom Township, Independence County, Arkansas, enumerated 9 April 1930. The official date of that census was 02 April 1930. Their ages were listed as 67 and 60, respectively, both listed as born in Arkansas (almost certainly incorrect for George, who is almost always listed as born in Missouri; his parent’s birth states are also almost certainly incorrect), ages at marriage (actually, the ages listed for them are the ages at the time of this second marriage for each of them) were listed as 49 and 42, respectively, both did not attend school the previous year, and both could read and write. The home was listed as owned and on a farm (although, except for small pasture, most land that the family farmed was not contiguous with the residence, and was some miles distant). No indication was listed as to whether or not a radio was present in the home (this line was blank for everyone on this page of the census schedule). George’s occupation was listed as Manager of a farm and he was listed as employed. No occupation was listed for Sarah. No military veterans were listed as living in the household. George’s adult son, William Orville Fields, and his family was listed as the next household on the same page of the census schedule.⁷¹

George McClellan Fields died on 7 April 1937 at Newport, Arkansas, at age 74 (death location is based on newspaper article; some sources -- including his death certificate -- list the place of his death as Newark, Arkansas, which was the location of his residence at the time of his death.)^72,8,73 He was buried at Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas. Death certificate lists his occupation as a farmer.^48,8,74

George McClellan Fields died intestate (without a will). The administrator of his estate was his son, Ralph Fields. The papers for the final settlement of the estate were submitted to the Independence County probate court on between 1937 and 1938. The value of the personal property of the estate was listed as $13,379.02. The value of his land holdings was listed as $7,040.00.

The list of personal property includes: a 1936 Plymouth automobile, a Farmall tractor, a list of about 15 farm implements (such as plows, disks, planters, and harrows), a jersey milk cow, a red horse (male) mule, a brown mare mule, a blue horse mule, and a black horse mule. It is interesting how the values of the mules are different: the blue mule was appraised at $125, the red mule at $40, and the other two at $60.

The serial number of the 1936 Plymouth is listed as 9 032 278 with (presumably 1937) Arkansas license tag 5-698.

The tractor and several of the farm implements were noted as being 4 years old, while most of the other implements (appraised at relatively low values) were noted as being “old”.

The descriptions of at least two of these “old” implements indicate they were designed to be horse-drawn or mule-drawn. This suggests he had purchased the tractor (and associated equipment) four years prior to his death, i.e., in 1933. Prior to that time, he may have largely farmed with the mules, using the older implements (although, as indicated above, there is a newspaper item indicating he (or possibly the Newark Lumber Company) had owned a tractor – and offered it for sale – in the early 1920s). It is possible that earlier tractor might have been taken in trade in some way, rather than having been used in his farming operations.

The personal property included shares of stock in the Farmers Gin Company and in the First National Bank of Newark. It also included several notes and other debts and accounts where funds were owed to him. Several of the notes were for amounts loaned to (or otherwise owed by) family members (including Ruby Magness, his married daughter) and Mamie Fields, the widow of his deceased son, Clarence Fields. The largest notes (other than those from family members) were from John Webb ($522.23) and H. H. and Pearl Hoyt ($4614.50).He had apparently invested $1000 in the Farmers Gin Company in 1923, but the appraised value of that investment was only $400 at the time of his death (or perhaps $500 – there seem to be two different estimates of the value of this investment among the administrator’s papers).

The land holdings were divided into two groups: “Ruthereford Land” (which is listed last) and the holding that are listed first (the initial grouping of properites does not have a title).The descriptions of the initial group of properties are as follows:


The abbreviation “frl” above apparently means “fractional”. For the land in Section 19, the “fractional” apparently comes about because the land is bounded by a river and/or slough. In all of the descriptions above, the Township (Twp) designation number should be followed by the word “North” and the Range designation number should be followed by the word “West”.

His widow seems to have had 1/3 life estate dower rights on income-producing real property, which would prevent the sale of the land during her lifetime (or, at least, make the sale of the land somewhat complicated and difficult). Some additional observations with respect to this estate are noted in the long form (full format) source citation for the Independence County estate file.⁷⁵

A man named George M. Fields purchased property on 26 January 1911 in Greene County, Arkansas. The property consisted of 136.31 acres (in Section 2, Township 17-N, Range 4-E). It is not clear if this is the George M Fields of interest here or someone else with a similar name. Greene County is quite some distance from Independence County and the G. M. Fields in this family is not known to have had any land holdings or business interests there. This is a topic for future (low-priority) research.⁷⁶

"Personal" recollections about George McClellan Fields are (most of them hearsay) are described in an end note.⁷⁷

Sarah Clementine Johnson was born on 1 February 1871 in Douglas County, Missouri.^5,6

Sarah Clementine Johnson married George McClellan Fields, son of William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman, on 7 November 1888 at Douglas County, Missouri, iin the home of the bride's father. Marriage performed by James L Haws, Justice of the Peace.^7,8,9

Sarah Clementine Johnson lived in 1896 at Cleburne County, Arkansas.¹⁰

George McClellan Fields, Sarah Clementine Johnson, Sarah Clementine Johnson, and Henry Wood Johnson and Ella Rankin sold property in Independence County, Arkansas, to John Prater on 19 September 1898 for $40. The property that was sold was the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 10, Twp 11, Range 6 west and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 10, Twp 11, Range 6 West –- about 80 acres total in the two parcels. As noted above, in conjunction with the purchase of at least some of this property, it appears this particular transaction was entered with the county clerk several years after it took place. Note that when this property was purchased, only G. M. Fields and H. W. Johnson were listed as grantees. However, when the property was sold, their spouses (the women they were married to at the time of the sale) were listed as grantor. This was apparently to ensure the grantee's title to the land was not affected (possibly complicated) by dower rights (although both of these spouses -- Sarah Clementine Johnson Fields and Ella Rankin Johnson -- were probably deceased at the time the transaction was entered into the deed book at the county clerk's office -- probably after autumn of 1911).¹¹

George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Fairview Township, Independence County, Arkansas, enumerated 25 June 1900. The residence was listed as a home (not a farm). The official date of that census was 01 June 1900. This census is unique in that month and year of birth were requested for each individual, in addition to each individual's age on the official census date. Their children Clarence Fields, Dilla Fields and William Orville Fields were listed as living with them, as well as Jovres Beck, a lodger. Everyone in the household age 10 and over was listed as being able to read, write, and speak English. Clarence was the only member of the household who attended school (for 4 months). Sarah Clementine Johnson was listed as the mother of four children, with three of them living as of the date of the census. Although not listed on the census form, the town of Pleasant Plains is the principal community in Fairview Township, and this non-farm residence was likely in that town. Sarah Clementine Johnson's brother, Henry W. Johnson, is the head of the household listed on the census form immediately prior to this one. They were likely next-door neighbors.²

Sarah Clementine Johnson appeared before the Dawes Commission on 4 February 1903, in Muskogee, Indian Territory. She was appearing in behalf of her application to become a member of the Choctaw tribe in order to receive land allotments when tribal lands were divided among individual members of the tribe. Her application was made under a special procedure for certain members of the tribe who had not received land allotments in Mississippi. These allotments had been promised under Article 14 of the 1830 Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek (in most cases, the people applying in 1903 were descendants -- or claimed to be descendants -- of those still owed land; almost all of the members of the tribe who were living in the 1830s would have been deceased by 1903). Additional (but smaller allotments) were claimed for her minor children (under age 18 and unmarried): Clarence Fields, Dilla Fields, William O. Fields and Virgil Aaron Fields. The ages of the minor children, as of 4 February 1903, were 12, 8, 5, and 1.5 years, respectively. Her daughter, whose name is somewhat uncertain, is listed as "Dillie".

Her application for tribal membership (and for land allotments) was not approved. Certain records relating to the application process are still in existence. These records include transcripts of her answers to questions asked by representatives of the commission during her testimony before the commission - along with remarks by the commission representatives. These transcripts provide an opportunity to read actual words spoken by this family member (about her understanding of certain aspects of family history and her personal history), but, frankly, the amount of personal information in most of these transcripts is quite limited. She did indicate that her mailing address was Hutchinson Post Office, Independence County, Arkansas, she had lived there since the previous October, and prior to that she had lived in Pleasant Plains, Independence County, Arkansas, for about 7 years.¹²

Sarah Clementine Johnson lived in 1904 at Pleasant Plains, Independence County, Arkansas.¹³ She was listed as a housewife in 1904.¹³

George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson purchased real estate in Independence County, Arkansas, on 29 July 1905 from George F Murff for $800. The property was in the North West fractional quarter of Section 5, Twp 12 North, Range 4 West. The specific description is: beginning at the Northwest corner of the east half of Lot 3, east 20 rods, then south forty rods, then west 20 rods, then north forty rods, to place of beginning. This gives approximately 5 acres.¹⁴

George McClellan Fields (listed as George “W” Fields – the correct middle initial is “M”) and Sarah Clementine Johnson (listed as Sarah C Fields) appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Big Bottom Township, at Independence County, Arkansas at Newark Town (crossed out), enumerated 2 May 1910. The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. The home was listed as owned, not mortgaged, and (apparently) on a farm. Based on CCF’s childhood memories, from when this house was still in existence (although not in good condition) and owned by George McClellan Fields’s not-yet-divided estate, the house had only a small “barnyard” and perhaps an outbuilding once used as a stable associated with it. The household’s farmland (some owned and possibly some rented) was not contiguous to the home, but was a few miles away. The census schedule originally has “Newark Town” listed at the top of the page, but later crossed out. The home was outside the city limits, on the Magness Road, west of Newark, and perhaps 1/3 of the way between Newark and Magness.

George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson were listed as ages 51 and 49, both born in Missouri, both married for 28 years, both in first marriage, and both spoke English as their native language. Both were listed as able to read and write. George’s occupation was listed as a Dealer in Lumber (on his own account, self-employed) – and, as noted above, he also had farming interests (and, not mentioned here, he was also – for many years – the vice president of the board of directors of a bank, although that bank may not yet have been established at time of the 1910 census). No occupation was listed for Sarah. Sarah was reported to have given birth to eight children, of whom six were still living as of the official date of this census (one the deceased children, a son, had died in May 1909; if a mortality census was conducted in 1910, he should be recorded in it). Their children Clarence Fields, Dilla Fields, William Orville Fields, Virgil Aaron Fields, Ralph Fields and Robert Lacy Fields was listed as living with them. The children in the household were listed as ages 20, 15, 12, 8, 6, and 4. All could read and write and the two younger ones had attended school after 1 September 1909. No one in the household was listed as a veteran of the Union or Confederate Army or Navy. No severe vision, hearing, or speaking disabilities were listed.¹⁵

Sarah Clementine Johnson died on 19 February 1911 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas, at age 40. She and her daughter died the same week, both of complications of measles.^5,16,6,17 She was buried at Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^18,6

There is one known hint (as of June 2016) that he might have had a middle name: in 1922, his wife registered to vote using the name "(Mrs.) C. F. Fields". The middle initial "F" is the only known indication of a possible middle name (presumably beginning with the letter "F", which leads to the speculation that it could have been "Francis", after his maternal grandfather, Aaron Francis Johnson).⁸ Clarence Fields was born on 4 April 1890 at Ava, Missouri.^9,10

Clarence Fields appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Fairview Township, Independence County, Arkansas in the household of his parents, George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson.⁷

Clarence Fields's parent, Sarah Clementine Johnson, included him in an application for membership in the Choctaw Indian tribe on 4 February 1903. Members of the tribe were to receive land allotments when tribal lands in Indian Territory were divided among individual members of the tribe (Indian Territory was included in Oklahoma when Oklahoma became a state in 1907). The application was made under a special procedure for certain members of the tribe (and their descendants) who had not received land allotments in Mississippi that were promised under Article 14 of the 1830 Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. Minor children were eligible for land allotments (although the children's allotments were much smaller than those for adults). The application for tribal membership was not approved.¹¹

Clarence Fields appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Big Bottom Township, of Independence County, Arkansas in the household of his parents, George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson, at Newark Town (crossed out). The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. He was listed as age 20, born in Missouri and single. No occupation was listed for him. He had attended school since 1 September 1909. He was listed as able to read and write and speak English.¹²

Clarence Fields (under the name C. Fields) and N. R. Sisk purchased rights on 23 July 1910 to an invention from Robert T Simmons for $100. The property that was purchased appears to be the exclusive rights to use and to sell a patented improved cotton chopper in the territory of Independence County, Arkansas.¹³

Clarence Fields married Mamie Howard Chamberlain, daughter of Frank Chamberlain and Georgie Ada Conn, on 2 July 1911 in Independence County, Arkansas.¹⁴

Clarence Fields was self-employed as a farmer as of 5 June 1917 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.⁹ In 1918 Clarence Fields purchased a $100 war bond (Liberty Loan.)¹⁵

Clarence Fields and Mamie Howard Chamberlain appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas on College Street, enumerated 9 January 1920. The home was listed as being owned with no mortgage. The official date of that census was 01 January 1920. Their children R. G. Fields, Virgil Lindsey Fields, Jeannette Rankin Fields and Elouise Katherine Fields were listed as living with them. Clarence and Mamie were listed as being able to read and write, and the two oldest children were listed as attending school.⁶ Clarence Fields was listed as a farmer in the 1920 census.⁶

Clarence Fields and Mamie Howard Chamberlain emigrated circa December 1920 to Arizona (from Newark Arkansas). The family moved for the sake of health of Clarence Fields, who had tuberculosis.¹⁶

Clarence Fields registered to vote in Maricopa County, Arizona, on 2 May 1922. He was registrant number 24715 and registration file page number 1246. He provided the following information: party affiliation: Dem, occupation: farmer, native of: Missouri, address: 1350 Grand Avenue, height: 5 ft 7 1/2 in, weight: 143 lbs.¹⁷

The 1923 Phoenix Arizona city directory (published by Arizona Directory Company) indicated Clarence Fields and Mamie Howard Chamberlain lived at 1418 E Adams. No occupations were listed.¹⁸

Clarence Fields registered to vote in Maricopa County, Arizona, on 8 May 1924. He was registrant number 2176 and registration file page number 14751. He provided the following information: party affiliation: Rep, occupation: merchant, native of: Arkansas, address: 6 Points, height: 5 ft 7 1/2 in, weight: 122 lbs. Note the loss of weight relative to the voter registration information two years earlier. He suffered from tuberculosis and the family had moved to Arizona for his health.¹⁹

The 1925 Phoenix Arizona city directory (published by Arizona Directory Company) indicated Clarence Fields and Mamie Howard Chamberlain lived at 2229 West Madison. No occupation was listed for either of them in the man residential directory listing.²⁰

Clarence Fields died on 7 May 1925 (at 5:15 AM) at Phoenix, Maracopa County, Arizona, at age 35 of pulmonary tuberculosis. His death certificate listed his address at the time of his death as 2229 W Madison, Phoenix Arizona. He apparently died at home, since no hospital is listed on the death certificate. His usual occupation was listed as farmer.²¹ He was buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. His grave marker has a Woodsmen of the World insignia engraved on it.^21,10,22

Virgil Aaron Fields was born on 16 July 1901 in Arkansas (probably in Pleasant Plains, Fairview Township, Independence County).^3,2,4,5

Virgil Aaron Fields's parent, Sarah Clementine Johnson, included him in an application for membership in the Choctaw Indian tribe on 4 February 1903. Members of the tribe were to receive land allotments when tribal lands in Indian Territory were divided among individual members of the tribe (Indian Territory was included in Oklahoma when Oklahoma became a state in 1907). The application was made under a special procedure for certain members of the tribe (and their descendants) who had not received land allotments in Mississippi that were promised under Article 14 of the 1830 Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. Minor children were eligible for land allotments (although the children's allotments were much smaller than those for adults). The application for tribal membership was not approved.⁶

Virgil Aaron Fields (listed as Virgil A Fields) appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Big Bottom Township, of Independence County, Arkansas in the household of his parents, George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson, at Newark Town (crossed out). The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. He was listed as age 8, born Missouri and single. No occupation was listed for him. He had attended school since 1 September 1909.⁷

Virgil Aaron Fields was on the 6th grade honor roll in 1915.⁸

Virgil Aaron Fields appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas, on Long Street, in the household of his father, George McClellan Fields, and stepmother, Sarah A Childress. He was listed as attending school in this census.¹

Virgil Aaron Fields married Della Sarah Moore, daughter of George Moore, on 2 June 1920 in Jackson County, Arkansas, (the license was issued in Jackson County).⁹

Virgil Aaron Fields registered to vote in Maricopa County, Arizona, on 4 May 1924. He was registrant number 16620 and registration file page number 17535. He provided the following information: party affiliation: Dem, occupation: grocer, native of: Arkansas, address: 1901 E. Van Buren, height: 5 ft 10 in, weight: 150 lbs.¹⁰

Virgil Aaron Fields registered to vote in Maricopa County, Arizona, on 8 May 1926 (as V. A. Fields). He was registrant number 13852 and registration file page number 21292. He provided the following information: party affiliation: Rep, occupation: grocery, native of: Arkansas, address: 1901 E. Van Buren, height: 5 ft 9 1/2 in, weight: 152 lbs.¹¹ He was listed as a merchant, general store, in the 1930 census.¹²

Virgil Aaron Fields appeared on the census of 1930 at Pleasant Plains, Independence County, Arkansas.¹²

Virgil Aaron Fields appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of at Hot Springs Township, at Garland County, Arkansas at U. S. Public Health Services Medical Center (Camp Garraday), enumerated 10 May 1940, listed as a patient. The official date of that census was 01 April 1940. He was listed as having lived in rural Independence County, Arkansas on 1 Apr 1935. Virgil Aaron Fields was listed as age 38, divorced, not attending school in March 1940, having completed 1 year of high school, and having been born in Arkansas. Virgil was listed as not working or seeking work the week of 24-30 March. He had been unemployed for 17 weeks on the 1 April 1940 census date. His occupation was listed as farm laborer on a farm, working in private industry. He is listed as having worked 52 weeks in 1939, and reported income of $500, He did not have other income (other than wages or salary) in excess of $50.

His name appeared on Line 29 of the 1940 Federal Census schedule that caused several supplemental questions to be asked. His answers to these questions indicated both his parents were born in Missouri, his first language was English, he was not a military veteran, he had a social security card, and money had been withheld from his 1939 wage income for social security. The supplemental form indicated his "usual occupation" was truck driver for a transfer company as a private industry worker. This listed occupation (which differs from the one appearing elsewhere on the form for him) might be a clerical/typographical error on the part of the census enumerator; the wording of the occupation corresponds exactly to that for the individual on Line 28 (the line immediately above V. A. Fields on the main part of the census form). The social security information in the supplemental form may also actually belong to that Line 28 individual. The medical facility where he was a patient at the time of the 1940 census is described in two cited journal articles.^13,14,15

Between (approximately) 1946 and the end of his life, Virgil Aaron Fields is believed to have lived (principally) at Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. However, family folklore (and discussions with him -- and voter registration information, listed above, located after this paragraph was initially composed) suggest he also lived in Arizona for some periods of time during the 1920s and 1930s.¹⁶

Virgil Aaron Fields helped build a home for Lois Fields Horton and her family in Sanger CA (during a visit there) circa 1947.¹⁶ He is believed to have been a construction worker, at Hungry Horse Dam in Montana circa 1952.¹⁶

Virgil Aaron Fields operated a service station (and convenience store) on the southwest corner of Wood and 16th Streets between c1958 and c1975 in Phoenix, Arizona.^16,5 Between c1958 and 1988 Virgil Aaron Fields lived at 1512 Wood Street, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona.^16,17

Virgil Aaron Fields died on 17 December 1988 at St Joseph's Care Center, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, at age 87. He died from colon cancer (metastatic).^5,2 He was buried on 21 December 1988 at East Resthaven Park Cemetery, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona.⁵

His Social Security Number was 527-05-0188 (card issued in Arizona).²

Notes and Observations: The page containing the 1920 Newark Arkansas census information for the G. M. Fields family (when V. A. Fields was 18) lists a Della Moore (age 18) as a servant in the household of Daniel D. Moore, two households before the G. M. Fields household listing (but on Vine Street, the Fields home at that time was on Long Street). It is likely this was the Della who later became V.A's wife.¹

Personal recollections about Virgil Aaron Fields are described in an end note.¹⁸

Robert Lacy Fields was primarily known as Lacy Fields during his lifetime.^2,3,4,1 He was born on 8 March 1907 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^5,6

Robert Lacy Fields (listed as Lacy Fields) appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Big Bottom Township, of Independence County, Arkansas in the household of his parents, George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson, at Newark Town (crossed out). The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. He was listed as age 4, born in Arkansas and single.⁷

Robert Lacy Fields was on his first grade honor roll in 1915 at Newark School, Newark, Arkansas.⁴

Robert Lacy Fields appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas, on Long Street, in the household of his father, George McClellan Fields, and stepmother, Sarah A Childress. He was listed as attending school in this census.¹

Robert Lacy Fields appeared on the census of 1930 at Big Bottom Township, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.²

Robert Lacy Fields appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas in the household of his stepmother, Sarah A Childress. The official date of that census was 01 April 1940. He was listed as: age 33, single, did not attend school during March 1940, had completed eight years of schooling, born in Arkansas, and lived in same house on 1 Apr 1935. He was listed as working 30 hours the week of March 24-30 1940, and not seeking work. His occupation was listed as a farmer in the farm industry. In 1939 he worked 40 weeks, had no income from wages, but did have income in excess of $50 from sources other than wages or salary.⁸

Marjorie J. McClure and Robert Lacy Fields lived as a married couple for at least 30 years, perhaps longer, prior to his death in 1975, although no record of their marriage has yet been located (as of August 2013).

Marjorie J. McClure and Robert Lacy Fields operated a small liquor store on Front Street (what was called the "lower end" of Front Street) in Newport, Jackson County, Arkansas, probably from around the time Independence County "voted dry" (probably mid- or late-1940s) until they purchased a farm in Hulsey Bend around 1960. After that time, they were farmers until near the end of Lacy's life.⁹

Robert Lacy Fields died on 6 June 1976 at Newport, Jackson County, Arkansas, at age 69.^10,6 He was buried at Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.¹⁰

His Social Security Number was 432-82-2396, issued in Arkansas in 1961.⁶

Personal recollections about Robert Lacy Fields are described in an end note.¹¹

Dilla Fields was also known as Della and Dillie (Dillie may be a nickname used by some or all of her younger brothers). She was born on 11 August 1894 at Oklahoma.^1,5

Dilla Fields appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Fairview Township, Independence County, Arkansas in the household of her parents, George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson.⁴

Dilla Fields's parent, Sarah Clementine Johnson, included her in an application for membership in the Choctaw Indian tribe. Members of the tribe were to receive land allotments when tribal lands were divided amoung individual members of the tribe. The application was made under a special procedure for certain members of the tribe (and their descendants) who had not received land allotments in Mississippi that were promised under Article 14 of the 1830 Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. Minor children were eligible for land allotments (although the children's allotments were much smaller than those for adults). The application for tribal membership was not approved. Her mother referred to her as "Dillie" in this application.⁶

Dilla Fields participated in commencement exercises (at church), performing in a duet, and at a Literary Society meeting (at school), giving a recitation circa June 1909.⁷

Dilla Fields (listed as Dilla Fields) appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Big Bottom Township, of Independence County, Arkansas in the household of her parents, George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson, at Newark Town (crossed out). The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. She was listed as age 15, born in Oklahoma and single. No occupation was listed for her. She had attended school since 1 September 1909. She was listed as able to read and write and speak English.⁸

Dilla Fields died on 22 February 1911 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas, at age 16. She and her mother died the same week, both of complications of measles.^5,9 She was buried at Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.⁵

One source lists his name as Alvin B. Fields.² Alvin Fields was born on 18 April 1909 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^1,3

Alvin Fields died on 10 May 1909 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^4,3 He was buried at Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^4,3

His surname might have been (--?--) Bowen Bowman, Bowring.²

Robert Boring married Eva Amanda Elliott, daughter of Thomas Friederich Elliott and Jane E. Perry, on 25 April 1858 at Monroe County, Tennessee.³

Robert Boring (initially transcribed by Ancestry as Robert Bowering) and Eva Amanda Elliott (whose first name was transcribed as Mauda) appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of 18th Civil District, Monroe County, Tennessee at Sweetwater, enumerated July 1860. The official date of that census was 01 June 1860. Robert’s age was listed as 18. Eva’s age was listed as 20. They were both listed as having been born in Tennessee. His occupation wa listed as Farmer. No occupation was listed for her. The household was not listed as owing any real estate but owned personal property worth $100. One son, William Bowring, was listed as living with them. No one was listed as having been married within a year of having attended school prior to the official census date (the only child in the household was only one year old). Both adults in the household were listed as being able to read and write. No disabilities or other special situations were listed for anyone in the family. Several other families with surnames of "Bowering" (Boring) and Stillwell appear on this census schedule sheet. They are probably extended family members of individuals in this household.⁴

Robert Boring died before August 1871 (based on the date of his widow's remarriage.)

Notes and Observations (Burials in Fairview Cemetery):

The Douglas County cemetery book contains some interesting material about Fairview Cemetery in Clinton Township in Dpuglas County Missouri. It apparently once served the town of Ann, Missouri, which no longer seems to exist. Interestingly, the cemetery has perhaps 4 or 5 burials as recently as 1995 and later, including one (a Fleetwood) as recently at 2019.
Several Johnsons, Elliott’s, and Stillwell’s are buried there.
William Fields’s second wife (Eva Amanda Elliott Fields) is buried in Row 7. Her grave marker mentions that she was the wife of W. C. Fields (she was his wife #2). In addition, the cemetery book suggests a marker (with no information other than a name) might exist for him adjacent to Eva Amanda (and probably a space exists there too). The location of Eva Amanda’s first husband, Robert Boring, is unknown.

W C (William Charles) is buried at Mount Ararat, adjacent to Keziah Jarman Fields -- his wife # 1.

His wife #4 was Cynthia Elliott Stillwell (Fields). She is also buried in Row *7 (apparently some distance from Eva Amanda). She is buried adjacent to her first husband. In the transcription, or “reading,” in the book her first name is spelled starting with an “S” (Synthia). However, the photo on Find-a-Grave seems to show it is spelled with a “C” (Cynthia) on her grave marker. Amanda and Cynthia were sisters.
CCF does not know where WC’s wife #3 (Mary Williams) was buried. It is not known if Williams was her maiden surname or if it is a previous husband’s surname.

In addition, several Johnsons are buried in this cemetery, including three infant children: one of Henry Wood and Ruth Ellen Rankin Johnson (listed in the cemetery book as “H. W. & E. R.”), one of (probably) Aaron Francis and Alabeth Wood Johnson (listed as “A. F. & E.” – there is some indirect evidence that Alabeth was her middle name and her first name was “Elnora”), and one of “M. F. & L.” (these parents are uncertain, but this might be evidence of an as-yet-undiscovered first marriage of Moses Francis Johnson, born in 1859, but whose only, thus far, known marriage was in 1893, when he was about 34 – the Douglas County courthouse burned in 1886 destroying all (or almost all) earlier marriage records).

Two Johnson family members are buried in Row 12, Louisa Loveth (Lovie) Johnson, wife of John Johnson, and Cordelia Nelson, “Lovie’s” granddaughter, the daughter of “James Sylvester and Martha Jane” (Johnson) (Nelson). There are apparently three graves (or grave sites?) near (or perhaps immediately adjacent to) the one for Cordelia, two of which are marked by rocks and one of which is unmarked. It is possible that one or more of these three are burial locations of others related to the Johnson family.⁵

Her first names have been encountered in several different forms including Kesiah, Kizzie, and K. L. The name Keziah is likely derived from the book of Job in the Bible. Keziah was the second daughter born after God had restored Job's fortunes (Chapter 42, Verse 14). A note in an annotated edition of the Bible indicates the name Keziah may be derived from the word for cinnamon, probably from the Hebrew language.⁵ Eira Keziah Jarman was born on 21 July 1819 in North Carolina (probably in Tyrrell County).^1,6,7

Eira Keziah Jarman married William Charles Fields, son of (--?--) Fields, on 20 August 1840 in Livingston County, Kentucky.⁸

Surviving tax records for Livingston County, Kentucky, for the years 1841 through 1845, inclusive, indicate William Charles Fields was taxed for one poll (he was a free white male over age 21). He was also taxed for property (a horse) during some of those years (but he apparently did not own real estate during those years). Eira Keziah Jarman was his wife during those years. She almost certainly also resided in Livingston County, Kentucky, during those years.⁹

Eira Keziah Jarman and William Charles Fields appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee, enumerated 21 October 1850. No entry was present in the column for the value of real estate owned by the household (suggesting no land was owned). The official date of that census was 01 June 1850. Their children Arah Ann Davidella Fields, John Hartwell Fields and Mary Elizabeth Fields were listed as living with them, as well as Jesse Weaver, who may have been a boarder and/or farm hand.³

Eira Keziah Jarman and William Charles Fields immigrated in 1854 to Osage County, Missouri.¹⁰ Eira Keziah Jarman lived between 1854 and 1865 in Osage County, Missouri.¹⁰

Eira Keziah Jarman's brother, Robert Jarman, was granted land 2 May 1859 in Osage County, Missouri. This land was probably within 3 or four miles of where Keziah and her family lived.¹¹

Eira Keziah Jarman and William Charles Fields appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Crawford Township, Osage County, Missouri at Linn (Post Office), enumerated 14 July 1860. The official date of that census was 01 June 1860. Their children Arah Ann Davidella Fields, John Hartwell Fields, Emily Jane Fields and Lindsey Waters Fields were listed as living with them. The household was listed as having real estate worth $200 and personal property worth $300. Davidella and John were listed as attending school within the last year. The census information indicates both adult members of the household could read and write. Their daughter, Mary Elizabeth Fields, also appeared on this page of the census, under her married surname of Stephens, along with the daughter's husband.⁴

Eira Keziah Jarman and William Charles Fields appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Wood Richland Township, in Texas County, Missouri at Houston (Post Office), enumerated July 1870. The real estate associated with the household was listed as having a value of $2500 and personal effects were listed as having a value of $450. The official date of that census was 01 June 1870. Their children Lindsey Waters Fields, George McClellan Fields and John Hartwell Fields were listed as living with them, as were Eira Keziah's niece, Martha Jarman (listed as Martha Garman), and Martha's grandmother, Sarah (--?--) (listed under her married name of Sarah Lyle). William's and Eira's daughter, Emily Jane Fields, is listed on the same page of the 1879 census (under her married surname, Smith) along with her family. Between circa 1870 and circa 1872 (including the time the 1870 census was taken), the six easternmost townships of what is now (2012) Douglas County (which includes the Wood Richland Township area) seem to have been assigned to Texas County (these townships were in Douglas County before and after this approximately-2-year reassignment).² Eira Keziah Jarman was listed as a housekeeper in the 1870 census.²

Eira Keziah Jarman died on 3 June 1871 at Texas County, Missouri, at age 51. She seems to have died during the few-year period when the six easternmost townships that previously (and afterward) belonged to Douglas County had been transferred to Texas County.^1,6,7 She was buried at Mt Ararat Cemetery, (currently -- March 2012 -- within) Douglas County, Missouri.⁷

Notes and Observations: Her most commonly-used name is spelled several different ways on various documents, including Kessiah, Kezia, Kizor, Kisiah, Kizziah, Kesiah, and "K. L.". The version used here, Keziah, is based on the spelling in the New English Bible (where the name appears near the end of the book of Job; the biblical Keziah was a daughter of Job, born after he was reconciled with God).

The "Eira" is believed to have initially appeared in writing in only one location, a "marriage memory book" prepared for the wedding of George Ann Magness (a great-granddaughter Keziah's) in 1953. All the other instances in writing seem to have been derived from this 1953 appearance. This name was supplied to George Ann by her mother, Ruby Alice Fields Magness, who was born in 1912, over 40 years after Keziah's death. Alinda Miller has pointed out that "Eira" is possibly a phonetic spelling of Arah, a name that is associated in various documents with two of Keziah's daughters: "Arah Jane" (really "Emily Jane") and "Davidella". "Davidella" appears to have been known as something like "Arah Ann" at various times (a granddaughter of Keziah's, born in the 1860s, also seems to have been named Arah). It is quite possible that Ruby Magness may have heard the name "Arah", but had never seen the name written out. When she was called upon to write the name (in the "marriage memory book"), she may have come up with her own spelling of "Eria". "Eira" now (2014) appears in several places (such as in family trees posted on the internet). These appearances can probably be traced to e-mails from Carl Fields giving "Eira" as part of her name around 1999-2001. These e-mails were sent before it was pointed out to him that Arah was actually a more likely spelling of this name.

The location of her birth within North Carolina is presumed to be Tyrrell County, since there are records indicating Josiah Jarman (Sr.), who is believed to be her father, was living in Tyrrell County in 1819.

Family trees posted at several web sites -- such as Rootsweb -- list a marriage for William C Fields and Kissiah Jarman on July 31, 1839 in Montgomery County, Tennessee. However, the "Jarman" marriage that took place on that date and at that location was actually Josiah Jarman, Jr (also known as Josiah W Jarman) and Nancy E. Rogers.

Notes and Observations (Burials in Fairview Cemetery):

The Douglas County cemetery book contains some interesting material about Fairview Cemetery in Clinton Township in Dpuglas County Missouri. It apparently once served the town of Ann, Missouri, which no longer seems to exist. Interestingly, the cemetery has perhaps 4 or 5 burials as recently as 1995 and later, including one (a Fleetwood) as recently at 2019.
Several Johnsons, Elliott’s, and Stillwell’s are buried there.
William Fields’s second wife (Eva Amanda Elliott Fields) is buried in Row 7. Her grave marker mentions that she was the wife of W. C. Fields (she was his wife #2). In addition, the cemetery book suggests a marker (with no information other than a name) might exist for him adjacent to Eva Amanda (and probably a space exists there too). The location of Eva Amanda’s first husband, Robert Boring, is unknown.

W C (William Charles) is buried at Mount Ararat, adjacent to Keziah Jarman Fields -- his wife # 1.

His wife #4 was Cynthia Elliott Stillwell (Fields). She is also buried in Row *7 (apparently some distance from Eva Amanda). She is buried adjacent to her first husband. In the transcription, or “reading,” in the book her first name is spelled starting with an “S” (Synthia). However, the photo on Find-a-Grave seems to show it is spelled with a “C” (Cynthia) on her grave marker. Amanda and Cynthia were sisters.
CCF does not know where WC’s wife #3 (Mary Williams) was buried. It is not known if Williams was her maiden surname or if it is a previous husband’s surname.

In addition, several Johnsons are buried in this cemetery, including three infant children: one of Henry Wood and Ruth Ellen Rankin Johnson (listed in the cemetery book as “H. W. & E. R.”), one of (probably) Aaron Francis and Alabeth Wood Johnson (listed as “A. F. & E.” – there is some indirect evidence that Alabeth was her middle name and her first name was “Elnora”), and one of “M. F. & L.” (these parents are uncertain, but this might be evidence of an as-yet-undiscovered first marriage of Moses Francis Johnson, born in 1859, but whose only, thus far, known marriage was in 1893, when he was about 34 – the Douglas County courthouse burned in 1886 destroying all (or almost all) earlier marriage records).

Two Johnson family members are buried in Row 12, Louisa Loveth (Lovie) Johnson, wife of John Johnson, and Cordelia Nelson, “Lovie’s” granddaughter, the daughter of “James Sylvester and Martha Jane” (Johnson) (Nelson). There are apparently three graves (or grave sites?) near (or perhaps immediately adjacent to) the one for Cordelia, two of which are marked by rocks and one of which is unmarked. It is possible that one or more of these three are burial locations of others related to the Johnson family.¹²

John Hartwell Fields was born on 4 January 1850 at Montgomery County, Tennessee.^9,1,6,10

John Hartwell Fields appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of his parents, William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman.³

John Hartwell Fields appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Crawford Township, Osage County, Missouri in the household of his parents, William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman, at Linn (Post Office).⁵

John Hartwell Fields appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Wood Richland Township, Texas County, Missouri in the household of his parents, William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman, at Houston (Post Office).²

John Hartwell Fields married Mary Elizabeth Johnson, daughter of Thomas Marion Johnson and Virginia Caroline Craddock, on 20 March 1873 in Douglas County, Missouri.^9,1,6,10

John Hartwell Fields and Mary Elizabeth Johnson appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Middleton, in Lafayette County, Missouri, enumerated circa 12 June 1880. The official date of that census was 01 June 1880. Their children William Thomas Fields, Clementine Beatrice Fields and John Ambrose Fields were listed as living with them, as was John's brother, Lindsey Waters Fields. No one in the household was listed as attending school. All adults in the household were listed as able to read and write.¹¹ John Hartwell Fields was listed as a farmer in the 1880 census.¹¹

John Hartwell Fields (listed as J H Fields) and Mary Elizabeth Johnson (listed as Mary E Fields) appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Cedar Township, Cedar County, Missouri, enumerated 8 June 1900. The official date of that census was 01 June 1900. John’s age was listed as 50 (born Jan 1850). Mary’s age was listed as 45 (born Jan 1855). This census is unique (up to that time) in that month and year of birth were requested for each individual, in addition to age at the official census date. They were listed as born in Tennessee and Missouri, respectively. His parents were both listed as born in Tennessee (which is incorrect); her parents were both listed as born in Alabama and Unknown, respectively. They were both listed as married for 27 years. His occupation was listed as Farmer, on his own account (self-employed), who was unemployed for 4 months during the previous year. No occupation was listed for her. Their children William Thomas Fields, Clementine Beatrice Fields, John Ambrose Fields, Theodore Fields, Byron Fields, C. V. Fields, Roxana Waters Fields, Ora Fields and Ted Roosevelt Fields were listed as living with them (the ages of the children were listed as: 25, 23, 21, 19, 16, 12, 10, 6, and 6/12). Clementine (listed as Clemmie in this census, was incorrectly listed as a male)

All members of the household age 10 and over were listed as able to read, write, and speak English. Theodore, Byron, C. V., and Roxanna were listed as attending school for four months during the previous 12. Mary Elizabeth Johnson was listed as the mother of nine children, with all of them living as of the date of the census. The residence was listed as owned with a mortgage and on a farm.¹²

John Hartwell Fields (listed as John H Fields) and Mary Elizabeth Johnson (listed as Mary E Fields) appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of North Cedar Township, at Cedar County, Missouri, enumerated 22 April 1910. The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. The home was listed as owned, mortgaged, and on a farm. John Hartwell Fields and Mary Elizabeth Johnson were listed as ages 60 and 55, born in Tennessee and Missouri, respectively, both married for 37 years, both in first marriage, and both spoke English as their native language. Both were listed as able to read and write. John’s occupation was listed as a Farmer on a general farm (on his own account, self-employed). No occupation was listed for Mary. Mary was reported to have given birth to nine children, all of whom were still living as of the official date of this census. Their children Columbus B Fields, Ora Fields and Roosevelt Fields were listed as living with them. The children in the household were listed as ages 22, 16, and 10. All could read and write and the two younger ones had attended school after 1 September 1909. No one in the household was listed as a veteran of the Union or Confederate Army or Navy. No severe vision, hearing, or speaking disabilities were listed.¹³

John Hartwell Fields lived in 1918 at El Dorado Spring, Missouri.¹⁴

John Hartwell Fields and Mary Elizabeth Johnson appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Cedar Township, Cedar County, Missouri, enumerated 17 January 1920. The residence (on a farm) was listed as owned with no mortgage. The official date of that census was 01 January 1920. Their children Roosevelt Fields and Ora Fields were listed as living with them, as well as Ora's wife Pearl Mae Green and the children of Ora and Pearl, Eunice Fields, Doris Fields and Dot Fields. All adults in the household were listed as able to read and write. No one in the household was listed as attending school.⁴ John Hartwell Fields was listed as a farmer, general farm, in the 1920 census.⁴

John Hartwell Fields died on 22 September 1925 at Cedar Springs, Cedar County, Missouri, at age 75.^10,9,1,15,6 He was buried at Love Cemetery (or possibly Mound Cemetery), El Dorado, Cedar County, Missouri.^15,6 John Hartwell Fields's occupation was listed as a farmer on his death certificate.¹⁵

Notes and Observations: John Hartwell Fields and Mary Elizabeth Johnson seem to have had two sons with very similar names who both lived to adulthood, Theodore Fields and Ted Roosevelt Fields.

Ted Roosevelt Fields seems to have been named after Theodore Roosevelt, who in late 1899, when T. R. Fields was born, was governor of New York state (he was not yet president -- in fact he had not yet been ominated for vice president; he became president because he was serving as vice president when President McKinley was murdered in September 1901). Theodore Roosevelt was, however, apparently well known throughout the US in 1899 due to service in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He was nominated for a Congressional Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of San Juan Hill in July 1898 (but the medal was not awarded until many decades later -- long after his death).

One might suppose that a person apparently named after Theodore Roosevelt would carry the name Theodore Roosevelt Fields. That does not seem to be the case. All information that Carl Fields has been able to find indicates his first name was "Ted" (and, in some instances, he seems to have been known as Roosevelt Fields,that is by his middle and surnames only).

His forename is given as Joseph in one document and his surname also appears as Jerman, German, and something like Jarmaney in various documents. Josiah Jarman was born circa 1780 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina. This estimated approximate date is consistent with information inferred from age ranges in pre-1850 censuses, which indicate he was probably born between 1775 and 1780.^6,10

Josiah Jarman was married in the early 1800s, when he lived in in Tyrrell County, North Carolina, but his first wife's name is not known for certain. Various theories about her identity are discussed in the linked endnote.¹⁸

Josiah Jarman was a shoemaker (or cordwinder) circa 1806 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina. This is based on his father's apprenticeship and on William Jarman being apprenticed to him to learn the trade of "cordwinder". Since this apprentice situation took place at about the same time Josiah's father, John Jarman, died, it is possible William was a younger brother of Josiah. It is likely that "cordwinder" was one only one of several skills Josiah possessed.¹⁹

Josiah Jarman was recorded as the administrator handling the sale of personal property belonging to the estate of John Jarman in 1806 in Tyrrell County, North Carolina. He also purchased items at the sale including: a hand mill, a yearling heifer, (possibly) one lot of pewter, a stone jug, an iron plane, and 5 books (sadly, the titles of the books were not recorded).²⁰

Josiah Jarman was recorded as purchasing one or more items at the sale of personal property belonging to the estate of Henry Cullipher in December 1806 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina. Items that he purchased included: a hand gun (apparently), an earthenware plate, and 2 "stocks" of bees (a "stock" of bees is apparently something like a "colony"). Henry Cullipher was probably an uncle of Josiah Jarman.²¹

Circa 1807 Josiah Jarman was summoned to serve on a probate jury at Tyrrell County, North Carolina.²²

Josiah Jarman was recorded as purchasing one or more items at the sale of personal property belonging to the estate of David Cooper on 17 February 1808 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina. Items that he purchased included: bee hives, scales, and (apparently) an iron wedge. Bees were also mentioned in another of his estate sale purchases. It is possible that honey (from bee hives) was the only sweetener that could be produced by subsistence farming in that era.²³

Josiah Jarman served as a bondsman for the marriage bond for Henry Jarman and Ruth Sawyer on 7 July 1808 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina.²⁴

On 19 August 1809, Josiah Jarman, Henry Jarman, Abel Sawyer, Samuel Sexton, and Joseph Sawyer were recipients of a land grant of 65 acres on the east side of the Great Alligator River, opposite the north end of Wipping Creek Lake, in Tyrrell County, North Carolina. The tract was in the shape of a seven-sided polygon. The description in the survey report seems to imply that at least part of the westernmost boundary of the tract was adjacent to land owned by John Simmons (or perhaps it was adjacent to land surveyed by John Simmons). The sketch in the survey report is drawn in a conventional manner with north at the top of the sheet. This was Grant No. 829, Warrant No. 74. The grant was originally entered 4 September 1808. The land on the east side of the Great Alligator River is now (as this is written in 2016) within Dare County. Dare County was formed in the second half of the 1800s. Certain land east of the Great Alligator River was transferred from Tyrrell County to Dare County at that time.^16,25

Josiah Jarman was involved in a dispute wth neighbor (adjacent landowner) John Simmons (Jr?) about a property line circa 1810 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina.¹⁵

Josiah Jarman was bondsman for Henry Jarman's service as adminsitrator of estate of Isaac Sawyer. This is one of several indications of close relationships between the Jarman and Sawyer families circa 1810 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina.²⁶

Josiah Jarman was recorded as a head of household in the 1810 census for Tyrrell County, North Carolina. The official date of that census was 6 August 1810. The census information indicated the household consisted of the following (free white) individuals: 2 males age 0-9 (born between c1801 and c1810), 1 male age 10-16 (born between c1794 and c1800), 1 male age 26-45 (born between c1765 and c1784), 2 females age 0-9 (born between c1801 and 1810), and 1 female age 26-45 (born between c1765 and c1784). Abel Sawyer is the head of the next listed household following Josiah in the written census schedule. Jacob Sawyer and Samuel Sexton are the heads of the 5th and 7th listed households following Josiah in the written census schedule.³

Josiah Jarman was a bondsman for the marriage of Stephen Sawyer and Peggay Jarman some time around 1810 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina. The exact date of this bond was not recorded, but the marriage certainly took place before 1820, and likely circa 1810.⁹

Josiah Jarman may have served in (and/or been mobilized for) the North Carolina milita during the War of 1812 between 1812 and 1814 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina.²⁷

Based on a tax list, Josiah Jarman owned 77 2/3 acres in 1815 in Tyrrell County, North Carolina.²⁸

Josiah Jarman witnessed a chattel deed transferring property (primarily livestock: cattle, hogs, and bees) from Rachael (--?--) to Mary Cullipher (who was referred to as Mary Jarman in the deed) on 29 July 1815 in Tyrrell County, North Carolina. Rachael (--?--) is referred to as Rachel Cullipher in this deed. Mary and Rachel are probably Josiah's mother and grandmother, respectively. Myles Sawyer, another witness, was probably his brother-in-law (married to Josiah's sister Polly Jarman).¹²

Between 1816 and 1818, Josiah Jarman apparently served as a constable at Tyrrell County, North Carolina. He is listed as having posted bonds associated with serving in that position on 10 October 1816, 14 October 1817, and 13 April 1818.²⁹
:CR: on 12 June 1819 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina, on 12 June 1819 sold 50 acres on the west side of the Great Alligator River (near the Frying Pan) to Joseph Godfrey for $187.50. If this was cleared and cultivated land, the sale date was probably after crops were planted, but before they were harvested.. No records have yet been located concerning the saleof the remainder of his land (either the holdings of The Great River or those to the west of it).^30,31,32

A "family folklore" item (documented in a WorldConnect database) concerning Josiah W Jarman indicates that "Josiah" traveled to Palmyra, Montgomery County, Tennessee, (where they eventually settled) by crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains, traveling (by road?) to the headwaters of the Cumberland River, buiding rafts, and then floating down that river. The Worldconnect item also indicates that "Josiah" was a blacksmith (and apparently also a gunsmith), and he could also make shoes, wagons, and "most of the (other) necessities of life". The family grew cotten, flax, and wool, and wove their own cloth for making garmets. Based on the time when the family seems to have left Tyrrell County, North Carolina (based on an 1819 land sale, and an apparent listing in Tennessee in the 1820 census), it is likely that the "folklore item" primarily relates to the father, Josiah Jarman, not the son, Josiah W Jarman, who would have been less than 10 years old at the time of this apparent migraton around 1819. However, at least portions of the description likely also later related to the son, the younger Josiah (born c1812).³³

A head of household named Josiah Jarman was recorded in the 1820 census for White County, Tennessee. <1820> 4,>

Josiah Jarman is believed to have married Nancy Ann (--?--) circa 1827 in White County, Tennessee.⁶

Josiah Jarman was recorded as a head of household in the in 1830 census for Montgomery County, Tennessee. The official date of that census was 1 June 1830. The census information indicated the household consisted of the following (free white) individuals: 1 male age 5-10 (born between c1820 and c1825), 1 male age 10-15 (born between c1815 and c1820), 2 males age 15-20 (born between c1810 and c1815), 1 male age 50-60 (born between c1770 and c1780), 1 female age 0-5 (born between c1825 and c1830), 1 female age 10-15 (born between c1815 and c1820), 1 female age 30-40, (born between c1790 and c1800.)⁵

Josiah Jarman was listed as owing taxes for the year 1836 in District 15 of Montgomery County, Tennessee, for 118 acres of land, valued at $100 for tax assessment purposes. In addition, he was assessed as one "white poll" (one white male over age 21). The tax rate in the county that year was $1.00 per $1000 of valuation, plus 25 cents per white poll. Thus, Josiah's taxes for that year were 35 cents.

The only other person with surname Jarman whose name appeared on the tax rolls that year was Robert S Jarman, who was listed as one white poll (no land ownership). This suggests his other sons were either under age 21, or else were not living in Montgomery County that year (on the date when poll tax assessments were made).

Types of taxable property in the county that year included "lots" (presumably building lots in towns), slaves, and carriages. There was also a listing for "school land" (whose meaning is unknown, but it might have been that some amount of taxes were forgiven if a landowner allowed a school to be located on his property). Josiah and Robert did not have any property of these types listed on the tax rolls (i.e., no town "lots", no slaves, and no carriages).³⁴

Josiah Jarman was recorded as a head of household in the 1840 census for Montgomery County, Tennessee. The official date of that census was 1 June 1840. The census information indicated the household consisted of the following (free white) individuals: 1 male age 60-70 (born between c1770 and c1780), 3 females age 0-5 (born between c1835 and c1840), 1 female age 5-10 (born between c1830 and c1835), 1 female age 30-40, (born between c1800 and c1810). Of these, one person was engaged in agriculture, and one white person over age 20 could not read or write. This family structure is consistent with the elderJosiah Jarman having been widowed and then married a younger woman around the year 1830 (perhaps a few years prior to 1830). The youngest of his older group of known children (who would have been by his first wife) was born around 1820. There are some complications, however, which are not totally consistent with this hypothesis. These are discussed a cited end note.^2,18

Josiah Jarman (Sr) is believed to have been involved in a property transfer on 24 February 1849. The property was in District 15, Montgomery County, Tennessee. The transfer involved 50 acres sold for $100. The documentation of the transfer suggests Josiah W Jarman (1) may not have appeared in person at the county courthouse during this transfer and (2) did sign any of the documents related to the transfer. This could mean he was ill or deceased at the time the transfer papers were filed. A property transfer involving Robert S Jarman suggests that what was District 15 in the late 1840s was later renumbered to be District 19. This transfer is presumed to have involved Josiah Jarman (the elder Josiah Jarman, born c1780), not his son, Josiah W Jarman (born 1812). However, it could have been the son who was transferring property.¹⁷

Josiah Jarman is believed to have died between 1847 and 1849, possibly at Benton County, Tennessee.⁶ He is believed to be buried in the Josiah Jarman Cemetery, south of Palmyra, Montogmery County, Tennessee.³⁵

Additional infomation about Josiah Jarman and others in the Jarman family is described in an end note.¹⁸

Additional Information and Observations: Certain information about the life of Josiah Jarman (and other Jarman family members) in Tyrrell County NC in the early 1800s involves a man named John Clayton. For example, Eliza Jarman purchased several items at the estate sale for John Clayton in 1814. Also, two of Clayton's daughters born out of wedlock (whose surname was Jarman) were later legitimized by an act of the state legislature.

The April 1998 issue of the journal Tyrrell Branches (Volume 3, No. 1) contains in interesting article by Virginia Clough Haire titled "Murder in Tyrrell County: Barney Jones and John Clayton". This article is largely a collection of court documents dealing with a legal case. It seems that John Clayton was killed by gun shot on the night of 23 August 1814. An individual named Barney Jones was convicted of this crime an executed by hanging (apparently in early 1815). Several others were indicted either for murder or as accessories (and/or, after trials associated with this case, for perjury). However, it is not clear if there were other convictions.

The legal items transcribed in the article by Haire actually begin in late 1812. She used this approach because Clayton's death appears to have been the last of several incidents in a dispute between Jones and Clayton that extended over many months. For completeness, the author of the article included all legal actions in this era involving either Barney Jones or John Clayton (although some of the legal actions may not have been associated with the particular dispute that culminated in the killing).

In one of these court actions (in March 1814), a woman named Elizabeth Jarman was one of several witnesses called in a court action where John Clayton sued Benjamin S. Clayton. The particulars of this legal case are unclear (it is referred to as "a certain matter of controversy"). Others called as witnesses for the March 1814 hearing were: John A. Patrick, Tait White, George McDonald, Joseph White, and Jesse Alexander. The nature of any testimory given at civil the trial by Elizabeth Jarman, or by any of the others, was not stated.³⁶

His middle initial was listed as "L" on at least one source document. His surname was listed at Garman in at least one document and possibly also as Jarmain and Jourman in other documents.⁴ Robert Jarman may have also been known as Robert S Jarman. He had a son named Robert Jarman (who may have also been known as Robert S Jarman). It is possible that some bits of information for the two individuals may have been intermingled between them. Areas of potential confusion are mentioned at several points in the paragraphs that follow. As of July 2017, this is an area of planned future research.^5,6,3,7,4

Robert Jarman was born circa 1810 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina.⁸

Robert S Jarman was listed for the year 1836 on the tax rolls of District 15 of Montgomery County, Tennessee. He was assessed as one "white poll" (one white male over age 21), but apparently did not own any land or other taxable property. The tax rate in the county that year was $1.00 per $1000 of valuation, plus 25 cents per white poll. Thus, his taxes for that year were 25 cents. He and his father were the only Jarmans on the tax rolls that year. Types of taxable property in the county that year (in addition to farm and forest land (acreage) included "lots" (presumably building lots in towns), slaves, and carriages. There was also a listing for "school land" (whose meaning is unknown, but it might have been that some amount of taxes were forgiven if a landowner allowed a school to be located on his property). Josiah and Robert did not have any property of these types listed on the tax rolls (i.e., no town "lots", no slaves, and no carriages).⁹

Robert Jarman married Margarette Delana Lyle, daughter of (--?--) Lyles and Sarah (--?--), on 10 September 1838 in Montogmery County, Tennessee, (the family's surname seems to sometimes be recorded as Lyle and sometimes as Lyles).^8,4

Robert Jarman was recorded as a head of household in the 1840 census for Montgomery County, Tennessee. The official date of that census was 1 June 1840. The census information indicated the household consisted of the following (free white) individuals: 1 male age 0-5 (born between c1835 and c1840), 1 male age 30-40, (born between c1800 and c1810), and 1 female age 15-20 (born between c1820 and c1825). The census does not identify anyone in this household involved in agriculture or who is a white adult over 20 and cannot read and write (Robert Jarman would seem to be the only adult male in the household over age 20, so he could probably read and write).²

Robert Jarman and Margarette Delana Lyle appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee, enumerated 19 October 1850. The real estate associated with the household was listed as having a value of $100. Their children Robert S Jarman, James Jarman and Sally Jarman, ages 9, 7, and 5, resepectively, were listed as living with them, as well as Margarette Delana's mother, Sarah (--?--), age 55, who is listed in the census as Sarah Lyle, her married name.³ Robert Jarman was listed as a farmer in the 1850 census.³

Robert Jarman was granted 40 acres of land (in Section 33, Township 43-N, Range 7-W) 2 May 1859. This land was probably within 4 or 5 miles of land owned by his sister, Eira Keziah Jarman, and her husband, William Charles Fields, who lived in Section 8 of this same township.¹⁰

Robert S Jarman and Margarette Delana Lyle appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Jefferson Township, Osage County, Missouri at Cooper Hill (Post Office)., enumerated 10 July 1860. The official date of that census was 01 June 1860. Their children Robert Jarman, William Jarman, Martha Jarman, J Jarman, Margareth Jarman, Sarah Jarman and Jefferson Jarman were listed as living with them, along with Sarah (--?--) (listed as Sarah Lyles), Margarette Delana Lyle's mother, whose occupation is listed as a domestic. The household appears to have been listed as owning personal property worth $164 (the handwritten value is slightly uncertain). No value is listed for real estate (which seems odd given a 1859 land grant to Robert S Jarman). All of the children in the household except the two youngest (Sarah, age 5, and Jefferson, age 3 months) were listed as attending school within the last year. The census information indicated Robert S Jarman and Sarah (--?--) could read and write, but Margarette Delana Lyle could not.⁷ Robert Jarman was listed as a farmer in the 1860 census.⁷

Robert Jarman (or possibly his son, also Robert Jarman) began military service in 1861 at Missouri, Dallmeyer's Battalion, Missouri Six Month's Militia, Company I (and/or Company E). This is an area where the father and son (with similar or identical names) could have been confused with one another.¹¹

Robert Jarman is believed to have died in August 1863 at Missouri. He might be buried in the Fields-Stephens Cemetery This is a family cemetery on what was formerly the Fields Family property in Osage County (and on a portion of that land later sold to Mary Elizabeth Fields and her husband Thomas Allen Stephens). This cemetery is now overgrown with trees. The name of the cemetery was "assigned" by members of the Osage County Historical Society based on the names on the one marker in the cemetery with legible words engraved on it.^8,12,13

Notes and Observations: The names and ages (from which years of birth are inferred) of the children in the Josiah W Jarman and Robert S Jarman households appear to be quite different between the 1850 and 1860 censuses. The primary names and years of birth used here for these individuals follow information received from Dianna German Anderson via e-mail. Inconsistences in these censuses include (but are by no means limited to): (1) Robert Jarman's children William, Martha, and J Jarman (Garman), all apparently born in the 1840s, are not listed in the 1850 census; (2) many names are different between the two censuses for what would seem to be the same individual (for example, Josiah W. Jarman's son Wheeless in 1850 seems to be Carrol -- or Carrott -- in 1860); and (3) there seems to be one son named William James, who was listed as William in the 1850 census and as James in the 1860 census (he is listed as two different people in family trees that appear in various places). Several possible explantions for these inconsistencies could, of course, be hypothosized, including drastic errors in at least one of the censuses (possibly if the census taker transcribed rough field notes onto a "clean" final report) or some combination of deaths of children in conjunction with adoptions between 1850 and 1860.

In the 1850 census for Montgomery County, Tennessee, the column dealing with persons attending school within the most recent year and the column to identify persons who cannot read or write is totally blank for all households of interest in this document. Also, the column for color (i.e., race) is generally blank for the households of interest, except for occasional (stray?) check marks, whose meaning is unclear.

It is unclear if the two appearances of the name Robert Jarman (or Jarmain) in Civil War records represent the father, the son, or both of them. See the entry for the "son" of this Robert Johnson for additional information.

Josiah W Jarman may have also been known as Joe.⁶ He was born on 12 June 1812 at Tyrrell County, North Carolina.^7,8

A "family folklore" item (documented in a WorldConnect database) concerning Josiah W Jarman indicates that "Josiah" traveled to Palmyra, Montgomery County, Tennessee, (where they eventually settled) by crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains, traveling (by road?) to the headwaters of the Cumberland River, buiding rafts, and then floating down that river. The Worldconnect item also indicates that "Josiah" was a blacksmith (and apparently also a gunsmith), and he could also make shoes, wagons, and "most of the (other) necessities of life". The family grew cotten, flax, and wool, and wove their own cloth for making garmets. Based on the time when the family seems to have left Tyrrell County, North Carolina (based on an 1819 land sale, and an apparent listing in Tennessee in the 1820 census), it is likely that the "folklore item" primarily relates to the father, Josiah Jarman, not the son, Josiah W Jarman, who would have been less than 10 years old at the time of this apparent migraton around 1819. However, at least portions of the description likely also later related to the son, the younger Josiah (born c1812).⁹

Josiah W Jarman married Nancy Evaline Rogers on 31 July 1839 in Montgomery County, Tennessee.^1,5

Josiah W Jarman was recorded as a head of household in the 1840 census for Montgomery County, Tennessee. The official date of that census was 1 June 1840. The census information indicated the household consisted of the following (free white) individuals: 1 male age 20-30 (born between c1820 and c1820), 2 females age 20-30 (born between c1810 and c1820), 1 female age 60-70 (born between c1770 and c1780), and one person employed in agriculture. The census schedule has no indication that any member of the family over age 20 was unable to read and write -- but the column for white- persons-over-age-20-unable-to-read-and-write is totally blank for the entire page, so it is possible the census taker was not recording that information.¹⁰

Josiah W Jarman was granted 150 acres of land at District 15, Montgomery County, Tennessee, on 9 January 1846. The land was south of the Cumberland River, on the waters of the East Fork of Yellow Creek. At some time after this grant was made, boundaries of districts within Montgomery County were revised. As of 2009, this area is in District 19 (the area is also shown as within District 19 on an 1877 map). The land grant is unclear as to which Josiah Jarman (father or son) received the property. The younger one, Josiah W Jarman, is presumed to be the ower, based on a "Mrs Jarman" (apparently his widow) living in the general area of Yellow Creek, as indicated by the 1877 map (an ownership map, apparently).^11,12

Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee, enumerated 19 October 1850. the real estate associated with the household was listed as having a value of $300. The official date of that census was 01 June 1850. Their children Lurana B. Jarman, Carroll Wheelis Jarman, Lucretia Tennessee Jarman and Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman were listed as living with them. The names of the various children listed in this narrative are "best estimate" names, based on several sources. The names for some children that were actually listed on some individual census schedules are ... interesting, making it difficult to puzzle out the members of this family. Some family members with different names on the two sentences seem to actually be the same person.² Josiah W Jarman was listed as a farmer in the 1850 census.¹³

Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers appeared on the 1860 Federal Census in a district identified as the region south and west of the Cumberland River, Montgomery County, Tennessee at Palmyra (Post Office), enumerated 27 June 1860. The official date of that census was 01 June 1860. Their children Carroll Wheelis Jarman, Lucretia Tennessee Jarman, Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman, Euphratus Scott Jarman, James Edward Jarman, Keziah Thomas Jarman and William Robert Jarman were listed as living with them. The household was listed as having real estate worth $1700 and personal property worth $400. All children at home except the youngest, William Robert (listed as Tony in this census), were listed as having attended school within the last year. The census information indicates Joisah could read and write, but Nancy, the other adult member of the household, could not.³ Josiah W Jarman was listed as a farmer in the 1860 census.³

Notes and Observations: The names and ages (from which years of birth are inferred) of the children in the Josiah W Jarman and Robert S Jarman households appear to be quite different between the 1850 and 1860 censuses. The primary names and years of birth used here for these individuals follow information received from Dianna German Anderson via e-mail. Inconsistences in these censuses include (but are by no means limited to): (1) Robert Jarman's children William, Martha, and J Jarman (Garman), all apparently born in the 1840s, are not listed in the 1850 census; (2) many names are different between the two censuses for what would seem to be the same individual (for example, Josiah W. Jarman's son Wheeless in 1850 seems to be Carrol -- or Carrott -- in 1860); and (3) there seems to be one son named William James, who was listed as William in the 1850 census and as James in the 1860 census (he is listed as two different people in family trees that appear in various places). Several possible explantions for these inconsistencies could, of course, be hypothosized, including drastic errors in at least one of the censuses (possibly if the census taker transcribed rough field notes onto a "clean" final report) or some combination of deaths of children in conjunction with adoptions between 1850 and 1860.

In the 1850 census for Montgomery County, Tennessee, the column dealing with persons attending school within the most recent year and the column to identify persons who cannot read or write is totally blank for all households of interest in this document. Also, the column for color (i.e., race) is generally blank for the households of interest, except for occasional (stray?) check marks, whose meaning is unclear.

It is unclear if the two appearances of the name Robert Jarman (or Jarmain) in Civil War records represent the father, the son, or both of them. See the entry for the "son" of this Robert Johnson for additional information.

Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of the 19th Civil District, Montgomery County, Tennessee at Carbondale (Post Office)., enumerated 6 June 1870. the real estate associated with the household was listed as having a value of $300 and personal effects were listed as having a value of $580 (the reduction in real estate value, relative to the previous census, suggests that some land holdings may have been sold or transferred to family members). The official date of that census was 01 June 1870. Their children Carroll Wheelis Jarman, Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman, Keziah Thomas Jarman, James Edward Jarman and William Robert Jarman were listed as living with them, as were Joan C Breeden and Nathan Breeden, and Thomas B Powers. The two members of the household surnamed Breeden are children of Lurana B. Jarman Breeden, a daughter of Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers. Lurana B. Jarman Breeden had died in 1869.^1,8 Josiah W Jarman was listed as a farmer in the 1870 census.¹

Josiah W Jarman is believed to have died in 1873 at Montgomery County, Tennessee.^7,8 He was buried at Jarman Cemetery, (near, south of) Palmyra, Montgomery County, Tennessee. This cemetery is also known as the Josiah Jarman Cemetery (distinct from the Rives-Jarman Cemetery). His burial in this cemetery is probably primarily "known" from family folklore, not from any records or a grave marker still existing as this is written in 2014.⁶

His estate was probated on 24 April 1849 at District 15, Montgomery County, Tennessee. (This may be an error. It seems more like it should be the estate of the elder Josiah Jarman). Resolution of this is an area of current research.¹⁴

Ruby Alice Fields was born on 26 November 1912 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^6,3

Ruby Alice Fields appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas, on Long Street, in the household of her parents, George McClellan Fields. She was listed as attending school in this census.⁵

Sarah A Childress, referred to as Mrs G. M. Fields, and her "little daughter," Ruby Alice Fields returned to their home in Newark, Arkansas, on 14 August 1922, after "a pleasant visit with relatives in Oklahoma." They had left in late July.⁷

Ruby Alice Fields married Hanford Magness, son of Benjamin Alford Magness and Pauline Kinman, on 16 August 1929 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas. Their ages were listed as 21 and 18, respectively. Both were said to be residents of Newark. Marriage was performed by T. H. Deering, JP. Bondsmen were Ruby Alice Fields and E. C. Miller. Apparently both of them gave incorrect ages. This marriage license is on page 368 of the Indenepence County record book on file in the county courthouse for that time period. The same page of the same book of marriage licenses contains an entry for Oscar Craig Jr and Miss Jewell Schultz, who were married the same day by the same Justice of the Peace (JP). Ruby told younger family members that she and Hanford and Oscar and Jewell had a double marrage ceremony (with both couples having eloped) in the middle of a road (R C Chamberlain was bondsman for the Craig/Schultz marriage license). Carl Fields has a vague memory they used to celebrate their anniversery on November 27, the day between their two birthdays.^3,8,9 She lived in 1929 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.⁸

Ruby Alice Fields and Hanford Magness appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas, enumerated 5 April 1940. The home was listed as owned and valued at $2500 and not on a farm. The official date of that census was 01 April 1940. Their children George Ann Magness and Bennie Pauline Magness were listed as living with them. All household members were listed having lived in the same house on 1 Apr 1935 (which was stated to not be on a farm). Hanford Magness and Ruby Alice Fields were listed as ages 29 and 26, respectively, both not attending school in March 1940, Hanford having completed 2 years of high school and Ruby having completed 3 years of high school, and both having been born in Arkansas. Hanford was listed as unemployed and seeking work the week of 24-30 March, and had been unemployed for 72 weeks. His occupation was listed as a bookkeeper in the lumber industry (his previous occupation before being put out of work, apparently -- he may have lost his job when the family-owned lumber yard closed or was sold). Ruby is listed as not employed for wages, not seeking such employment, and doing housework. No 1939 wage income was reported for either Hanford or Ruby, but both of them had non-wage income in excess of $50 in 1939. Ruby's non-wage income is probably related to rental income from property owned by the estate of her father, G. M. Fields. who had died in 1937. Hanford's non-wage income may be from his father's estate. The population schedule indicates that a farm schedule was filed for this household (which might also be related to Hanford's non-wage income).¹⁰

She completed a course in cosmotology at in Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas, circa 1958 (the school might have been called something like the North Arkansas School of Beauty).²

Ruby Alice Fields died on 26 November 1993 at Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas, at age 81.^2,6 She was buried at Blue Springs Cemetery, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^2,11

Ruby Alice Fields's Social Security Number was was 429-70-7085, issued in Arkansas in 1955 (last benefit was received in Newark, Independence County, Arkansas, 72562).⁶

Personal recollections about Ruby Alice Fields are described in an end note.¹²

Mary Elizabeth Fields was born circa 1842 in Kentucky (probably in Livingston County, Kentucky, but Tennessee is also a possibility for the location of her birth).^2,3,6

Mary Elizabeth Fields appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of her parents, William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman.²

Mary Elizabeth Fields married Thomas Allen Stephens, son of John Hubbard Stephens and Mary (--?--), on 5 September 1857 at Osage County, Missouri.^7,1,8,3

Mary Elizabeth Fields and Thomas Allen Stephens appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Crawford Township, Osage County, Missouri at Linn (Post Office), enumerated 14 July 1860. The official date of that census was 01 June 1860. The household was listed as having real estate worth $450 and personal property worth $200. The census information suggests both members of the household could read and write.

A households headed by Mary Elizabeth Fields's parents, R:Other] is listed on the same page of the handwritten census schedule.⁹

Mary Elizabeth Fields died on 9 July 1866 at or near Linn, Osage County, Missouri, (Linn may be the nearest post office, not really the location where she died). Family folklore is that she died in childbirth.^7,10,1,8,3 She was buried at the Stephens-Fields Cemetery, Osage County, Missouri. This is a family cemetery on what was formerly the Fields Family property in Osage County (and on a portion of that land owned by Mary Elizabeth Fields and her husband Thomas Allen Stephens at the time of her death). This cemetery is now overgrown with trees. The name of the cemetery was "assigned" by members of the Osage County Historical Society based on the names on the one marker in the cemetery with legible words engraved on it.^11,12

Arah Ann Davidella Fields was also known as Davie Fields (and by several other names; this is discussed below, under Notes and Observations).⁷ She was born on 7 September 1846 in Montgomery County, Tennessee.^8,9

Arah Ann Davidella Fields (listed as "David D Fields") appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of her parents, William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman.³

Arah Ann Davidella Fields immigrated circa 1854 to Osage County, Missouri.¹⁰ She lived between 1854 and 1865 at Osage County, Missouri.¹⁰

Arah Ann Davidella Fields appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Crawford Township, Osage County, Missouri in the household of her parents, William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman, at Linn (Post Office).⁴

Arah Ann Davidella Fields married Thomas Dodson, son of Stanford Dodson and Matilda Shockley, on 14 June 1865 in Osage County, Missouri. (The date of this marriage is listed as 22 Jan 1865 on one document in a Civil War pension file).^11,12,13,14

Arah Ann Davidella Fields and Thomas Dodson appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Wood Richland Township, Texas County, Missouri at Houston (Post Office), enumerated July 1870. The real estate associated with the household was listed as having a value of $175 and personal effects were listed as having a value of $250. The official date of that census was 01 June 1870. Their son William Stanford Dodson were listed as living with them.² Arah Ann Davidella Fields was listed as a housekeeper in the 1870 census.²

Arah Ann Davidella Fields lived in 1892 at Greene County, Missouri.¹⁵

Thomas Dodson and Arah Ann Davidella Fields appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of East Center Township, Greene County, Missouri, enumerated 8 June 1900. The residence was listed as on a farm and an agricultural census schedule was submitted for this household. The home was owned with no mortgage. The official date of that census was 01 June 1900. This census is unique in that month and year of birth were requested for each individual, in addiiton to age at the official census date. Their children John R. Dodson, Meda Alice Dodson, Jeff Dodson, Tilie Dodson and Bertha Emma Jane Dodson were listed as living with them. Thomas and Arah were listed as being ages 63 and 53, respectively, born May 1837 and September 1847, respectively, both born in Tennessee, and both married for 31 years. Thomas was listed as a farmer on his own account (self-employed). Thomas was listed as being unable to read and write, but everyone else in the household in the household was listed as being able to read and write. Everyone could speak English. Arah Ann Davidella Fields was listed as the mother of seven children, with all them living as of the date of the census.¹⁶

Thomas Dodson and Arah Ann Davidella Fields appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Center Township, at Greene County, Missouri, enumerated 28 April 1910. The home was listed as owned, not mortgaged, and not on a farm. The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. Their daughter Bertha Emma Jane Dodson was listed as living with them, Thomas Dodson and Arah Ann Davidella Fields were listed as ages 74 and 61, both born in Tennessee, both married for 45 years, both in first marriage, and both able to speak English. He was listed as being unable to read and write, while she was listed as able to read and write. Thomas’s occupation was listed as a retired farmer on a home farm (on his own account, self-employed). No occupation was listed for Arah. Arah Ann Davidella Fields, listed as Errie in this census, was reported to have given birth to seven children, all of whom were still living. The immediately preceding household listed on the census schedule was that of one of their adult daughters, Mary A Dodson Williams and her husband at that time, Calvin Williams, who was listed as a farmer (and living on a farm).¹⁴

Between c 1913 and 1920 Arah Ann Davidella Fields lived near Springfield, Greene County, Missouri. Civil War pension file documents give an address for her in 1913 (two pension file documents), 1916, 1917 (two pension file documents), and 1920. One 1913 document lists her residence as a town or community of Clear Creek. The other documents list her address as Rural Route (RR) #4 or Rural Free Delivery (RFD) 4, Springfield, Missouri. Three of these RR or RFD addresses list box numbers: Box 67 in one 1913 address and one 1917 address, and Box 63 in the 1920 address. It is quite likely that she began living in this area several years before the beginning (in 1913) of this particular trail of documents in the Civil War pension file.⁸

Arah Ann Davidella Fields (listed as Davie Dodson) appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of North Campbell Township, Greene County, Missouri in the household of her daughter and son-in-law, Bertha Emma Jane Dodson and Clyde Hannawalt, at 1913 Rosefelt Avenue. She was listed as age 74, born in Missouri, a widow, and with no occupation. She was listed as able to read and write, and to speak English. She did not attend school after September 1, 1919. The street name is likely to have really been spelled Roosevelt.¹⁷

Arah Ann Davidella Fields died on 7 August 1920 at age 73. A Missouri death certificate has not yet been located for her (as of August 2013).¹⁸

Notes and Observations: She has been referred to by several different names in various documents. Forenames include Ary Ann, Aryann, Davidella, Arah D D, David D, and A David. Surnames include Dotson and Fielder, in addition to Fields and her surname after marriage, Dodson. Her nephew Ralph Fields referred to her as "Aunt Davie" in an interview in the 1970s. She was listed under the name David in the the 1850 and 1860 censuses. This has been quite confusing to family history reseachers, who spent time and effort searching records for a male family member (indeed, the 1850 census referred to her as a male, which added to the confusion.)

Emily Jane Fields was listed as A. Jane Fields in the 1860 census, which caused confusion to several researchers in this family for several years (the "A" was presumed to stand for Arah; Arah Jane Fields probably appears in several online compilations as this is written in July 2014).³ She was born on 17 March 1853 in Tennessee, probably in Montgomery County.^1,3,4

Emily Jane Fields appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Crawford Township, Osage County, Missouri in the household of her parents, William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman, at Linn (Post Office).³

Emily Jane Fields married Drewey William Smith, son of James Smith and Margaret (--?--), on 11 October 1868 in Douglas County, Missouri. The marriage was performed by J. H. Pierce, Justice of the Peace.^2,1,5

Emily Jane Fields appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Wood Richland Township, at Texas County, Missouri in the household of William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman, at Houston (Post Office).⁶

Emily Jane Fields and Drewey William Smith appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Wood and Richland Townships, Texas County, Missouri at Houston (Post Office), enumerated July 1870, The household was listed as having real estate valued at $200 and personal property valued at $100. The official date of that census was 01 June 1870. Their son James W Smith was listed as living with them. Drewey William Smith and Emily Jane Fields were listed as ages 23 and 17, respectively, born in Missouri and Tennessee, respectively, both married, both could read and write and neither attended school. Drewey's occupation was listed as farmer. Emily's occupation was listed as housekeeper. Emily's parents were apparently listed as the immediately preceding household on this census. Drewey's parents were apparently listed as the immediately following household.²

Emily Jane Fields and Drewey William Smith appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Jackson Township, Greene County, Missouri, enumerated 21 June 1900. The home was owned with a mortgage and was on a farm. An agricultural census schedule was filed for this household. The official date of that census was 01 June 1900. This census is unique in that month and year of birth were requested for each individual, in addition to age at the official census date. Their children Margaret Smith, Jessie Columbus Smith, Ellen J Smith and Florence Millie Smith were listed as living with them, Drewey William Smith was listed as age 55 born in Missouri, married 31 years, and employed as a farmer (both his parents were listed as born in Tennessee). Emily Jane Fields was listed as age 47, born in Tennessee, and married 31 years (both her parents were listed as born in Tennessee, which is probably incorrect -- both are believed to have been born in North Carolina). She reported giving birth to 10 children, 7 of whom were still living. All members of the household age 10 and over could read, write, and speak English. No members of the household attended school within the past year. Millie I Smith is listed in the census as a daughter. In this compilation "Millie" is assumed to be an alternative name for Florence. However, it is possible "Millie" is actually a granddaughter approximately the same age as Florence. A son, Adam Smith, lived with his wife on the next household listed in this census schedule page. A note on the census schedule page appears to indicate these households were in the southern portion of Jackson Township.⁴

Emily Jane Fields and Drewey William Smith appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Springfield, North Campbell Township, Greene County, Missouri at Grant Street, enumerated 20 April 1910. The home was listed as owned, mortgaged, and was not on a farm. The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. Their children Jessie Columbus Smith and Florence Millie Smith were listed as living with them. Drewey William Smith (listed in this census as William Smith) and Emily Jane Fields (listed in this census as Emley Smith) were listed as ages 64 and 57, respectively, born in Missouri and Tennessee, respectively, both married for 42 years, both in first marriage, and both able to read, write, and speak English. Drewey was listed as being retired. No occupation was listed for Emily. Emily Jane Fields was reported to have given birth to 10 children, 7 of whom were still living.⁷

Emily Jane Fields and Drewey William Smith appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of North Campbell Township, Greene County, Missouri at Springfield, enumerated 8 January 1920. The home was listed as owned and mortgaged, and not on a farm. The official date of that census was 01 January 1920. A roomer, Henry C Wood, was also listed as living in the household. Drewey William Smith (listed as "Drury") and Emily Jane Fields (listed as "Emily J") were listed as ages 74 and 67, respectively, born in Missouri, and Tennessee, respectively, both married, and both able to read and write and to speak English. Occupation was listed as "None" for each of them.⁸

On 20 May 1921 and again on 7 Oct 1922, Emily Jane Fields submitted affidavits providing information about her husband's declining health in support of his efforts to obtain an increased pension. In the first of these, she lists her address as RR1, Box 609, Springfield, Missouri.⁹

At some point, possibly as early as 1922, Drewey William Smith moved to Cherryvale, Kansas. His wife, Emily Jane Fields died on 19 Jan 1924, and is buried there. It is likely that they moved to Cherryvale, Kansas, together, ending their residence in Springfield. However, this is speculation. As this is written (July 2016), little is known about their place of abode during that time period. Cherryvale, Kansas, was apparently the residence of their daughter Martha at this time.¹⁰

Emily Jane Fields died on 19 January 1924 at Cherryvale, Montgomery County, Kansas, at age 70.¹ She was buried at Fairview Cemetery, Cherryvale, Montgomery County, Kansas. The headstone for his grave was furnished by the US War Department for his military service during the US Civil War (union side) as a corporal in the 13th Missouri Cavalry. The headstone was shipped on 19 Mar 1931.

At the time of his death, he was receiving his pension checks at 217 S 1^st St, Iola, Kansas. It is not known when his address changed from Cherryvale, Kansas to Iola, Kansas. The two towns are about 50 miles apart. Cherryvale is approximately 140 miles northwest of Springfield, Missouri. The obituary indicates his funeral was held on 12 Oct 1928, with Rev. J. F. Wilson, pastor of the First Baptist Church, in charge. Funeral was at the home of Mr and Mrs Elmer Fields, his grandchildren, 800 West Main Street, Cherryvale. Pallbearers were Paul Carl, Ralph Blades, Jack Rogers, Walter Heins, James Tolan, and W. H. Hite. Music was sung by "Mrs. J. F. Wilson, Mrs J. P. Clemens, and Miss Mildred Clemens, as accompanist" (the group is referred to as a quartet, but only three names are listed). In charge of flowers were Mrs High Hill, Mrs Frank Plunkett, Mrs F J Straub, and Mrs Grant Helm.

At the time of his death, he was a member of the Hackleman Post of the Grand Army of the Republic (G. A. R.), No. 142. Members of that post and the Daughters of Union Veterans conducted graveside ceremonies (members of both organizations also attended the funeral -- the G. A. R. members would have been fellow veterans of the Union Army).

He was survived by three living children: Mrs. Herbert Miller, Coyville, Kansas; A. C. Smith, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and J.C. Smith, St. Louis, Missouri.^1,11,12

Until late 2013 or early 2014, researchers in several branches of the family knew her only from the 1860 federal census. In that 1860 census, she appears under the name of A Jane, while her sister (whose "real" name seems to have been something like Arah Ann Davidella) is listed as David (and is listed as a male instead of a female). It seems possible the census taker confused the two sisters, incorrectly attaching the name Arah to Jane instead of to David(della). There was also a concern that, once researchers start hypothesizing census taker errors, they must also include the possibility the entire entry was in error and that "Jane" never existed. Fortunately, this turned out not to be the case.

Lindsey Waters Fields was born on 12 May 1858 in Missouri.^9,2,10,11,7

Lindsey Waters Fields appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Crawford Township, Osage County, Missouri in the household of his parents, William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman, at Linn (Post Office).⁶

Lindsey Waters Fields appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Wood Richland Township, Texas County, Missouri in the household of his parents, William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman, at Houston (Post Office).¹²

Lindsey Waters Fields appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Middleton, Lafayette County, Missouri in the household of his brother and sister-in-law, John Hartwell Fields and Mary Elizabeth Johnson.¹³ Lindsey Waters Fields was listed as a farmer in the 1880 census.¹³

Lindsey Waters Fields married Martha Ann Tayloe, daughter of George Tayloe and Martha Hinckle, in November 1883 in Wright County, Missouri.¹⁴

Lindsey Waters Fields was granted land on 15 May 1884 in Douglas County, Missouri. The land grant was 120 acres. The specific location was in Section 36 of Township 26-N, Range 12-W.¹⁵

Lindsay W. Fields was accused of involvement in vigilante action following an incident where William Charles Fields was robbed circa August 1885 in Douglas County, Missouri.^16,17

Lindsey Waters Fields, recorded as L. W. Fields, was listed as owning taxable personal property in McKinley Township of Douglas County Missouri in 1885. The taxable property consisted of: Livestock: 2 horses valued at $100, no asses and jennies, no mules, 2 neat cattle valued at $16, no sheep, and 17 hogs valued at $15; Money, notes, bonds, and other credits: none; and all other personal property $40; giving a total value of $173 for all taxable personal property. The taxes were for property held on 1 June 1885, but the assessments were apparently made in 1886 (and taxes were apparently due in 1886). The county courthouse burned on 26 April 1886. Since these records survive, they were apparently compiled (or completed) after that date. The term “neat cattle” seems to refer to what nowadays (as this is written in 2015) are just called “cattle”. However, Carl Fields saw a few references on the internet which suggest the term might have sometimes (or in some portions of the US) referred more specifically either to oxen (cattle used as draft animals) or (perhaps in other portions of the US) to dairy cattle.¹⁸

Lindsey Waters Fields and Martha Ann Tayloe appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Clinton Township, Douglas County, Missouri, enumerated 20 June 1900. The residence was listed as on a farm. The home was owned with no mortgage. The official date of that census was 01 June 1900. This census is unique in that month and year of birth were requested for each individual, in addition to age at the official census date. Their children, Anson Fields, Ida May Fields, George Ammie Fields, Henry Clarence Fields, Mary Jane Fields and Grace W. Fields, were listed as living with them. Everyone in the household age 11 or over was listed as being able to read, write, and speak English. George (age 9) was listed as able to read and speak English, but unable to write. Ida, Anson, and George were listed as attending school for 4 months the previous year. Martha Ann Tayloe was listed as the mother of eight children, with six of them living as of the date of the census.⁴ Lindsey Waters Fields was listed as a farmer in the 1900 census.⁴

Lindsey Waters Fields (listed as Lindsey Fields) and Martha Ann Tayloe (listed as Martha Fields) appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of McKinley Township, at Douglas County, Missouri, enumerated 4 May 1910. The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. The home was listed as owned, mortgaged, and (apparently) not on a farm (that portion of the handwritten filled-out census schedule is difficult to read; there is something written in the block reserved for the “farm question,” but it appears to be some kind of notation made while processing and/or tabulating the census data). Lindsey Waters Fields and Martha Ann Tayloe were listed as ages 51 and 49, both born in Missouri, both married for 28 years, both in first marriage, and both spoke English as their native language. Both were listed as able to read and write. Lindsey’s occupation was listed as a Sawmill Operator (on his own account, self-employed). No occupation was listed for Martha. Martha was reported to have given birth to eleven children, of whom nine were still living as of the official date of this census.

Their children Charles Anson Fields, George Ammie Fields, Clarence Fields, Mary Jane Fields, Grace W. Fields, Lindsey Fields, Cecil Ambrose Fields and Virgil Eugene Fields was listed as living with them (ages 21, 19, 15,13, 11, 9, 4, and 1 9/12 or 1.75). In addition, a boarder, Bert Burton (age 35), employed as a saw mill worker, lived in the household. Everyone in the household over age 10 could read and write. All of the children between ages 9 and 17 attended school after 1 September 1909. No one in the household was listed as a veteran of the Union or Confederate Army or Navy. No severe vision, hearing, or speaking disabilities were listed.¹⁹

Lindsey Waters Fields lived in 1918 at Harriett, Searcy County, Arkansas. (Harriett might have been his business location or the name of the nearest post office).²⁰

Lindsey Waters Fields and Martha Ann Tayloe appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Rock Creek Township, Searcy County, Arkansas, enumerated 9 June 1920. The home was listed as a farm and as owned with no mortgage indicated (that column on the census form was blank). The official date of that census was 01 January 1920. Their unmarried children John Lindsey Fields, Grace W. Fields, Virgil Eugene Fields and Cecil Ambrose Fields were listed as living with them, along with George Ammie Fields, an older son, listed as a widower, and Noland Eli Fields, a grandson (George Ammie Fields's son). All of the members of the household age 10 and over were listed as being able to read and write. All of the children 18 and younger were listed as attending school after September 1, 1919.³ Lindsey Waters Fields was listed as a foreman (and an employer) in a sawmill in the 1920 census.³

Lindsey Waters Fields appeared on the census of 1930 at Okemah, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma.²¹ He was listed as a farmer, general farm, in the 1930 census.²¹

L. W. Fields appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Econtuchka Township, Seminole County, Oklahoma in the household of his son-in-law and daughter, Linus Henry Baldwin and Ida May Fields. The official date of that census was 01 April 1940. He was listed as: age 81, widowed, did not attend school during March 1940, had completed eight years of schooling, born in Missouri, and lived in the same house on 1 Apr 1935. He was listed as unable to work and was not employed or seeking work the week of March 24-30 1940. His occupation was listed as "old age pension". No weeks of employment were listed for 1939, but he did list "wage income" of $168 (probably -- the number is difficult to read) and stated he did not have 1939 income in excess of $50 from sources other than wages or salary. The $168 might represent pension income.²²

Lindsey Waters Fields died on 12 July 1947 at Sanger, Fresno County, California, at age 89.^2,11 He was buried at Okemah Highland Cemetery, Okemah, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma. His death certificate indicates his usual address at the time of his death was 726 J Street, Sanger, Fresno County, California, that he died at this residence, and he had lived in California for 4 years at the time of his death. He and his daughter Bertha may have moved to California to be near other family members after her husband died in 1942. He died from myocardia and senility. His occupation at the time of his death was listed as retired lumberman.¹⁰

Thomas Allen Stephens was born on 16 March 1835 in Bedford County, Tennessee.^5,6

Thomas Allen Stephens appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Benton Township, of Osage County, Missouri in the household of his parents, John Hubbard Stephens and Mary (--?--).⁷

Thomas Allen Stephens married Mary Elizabeth Fields, daughter of William Charles Fields and Eira Keziah Jarman, on 5 September 1857 at Osage County, Missouri.^8,9,5,10

Thomas Allen Stephens and Mary Elizabeth Fields appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Crawford Township, Osage County, Missouri at Linn (Post Office), enumerated 14 July 1860. The official date of that census was 01 June 1860. The household was listed as having real estate worth $450 and personal property worth $200. The census information suggests both members of the household could read and write.

A households headed by Mary Elizabeth Fields's parents, R:Other] is listed on the same page of the handwritten census schedule.³ Thomas Allen Stephens was listed as a farmer in the 1860 census.¹¹

Thomas Allen Stephens began military service circa 1861 in the Osage County Missouri Home Guard (Company A).^12,13 He was listed as a farmer prior to entering military service in 1861.¹⁴

Between 12 August 1861 and 5 November 1862, Thomas Allen Stephens served in the 28th Regiment, Enrolled Missouri Militia, Company B.¹⁵ Between 23 February 1865 and 12 July 1865, Thomas Allen Stephens served in Dennis' Osage and Maries Counties "V. M. M" (probably Volunteer Missouri Militia.)^16,15

Thomas Allen Stephens lived in 1869 in Douglas County, Missouri.¹⁷

Thomas Allen Stephens married Mary Smith, daughter of Margarett (--?--), on 14 March 1869 in Douglas County, Missouri.^17,2

Thomas Allen Stephens and Mary Smith appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Wood Richland Township, Texas County, Missouri at Houston (Post Office), enumerated July 1870. The real estate associated with the household was listed as having a value of $250 and personal effects were listed as having a value of $335. The official date of that census was 01 June 1870. Their children James Thomas Stephens and John William Stephens were listed as living with them, as were Mary's daughter, Mary Margarett William Reid, and Thomas Allen's daughter, Arah Stephens.² Thomas Allen Stephens was listed as a farmer in the 1870 census.²

Thomas Allen Stephens (listed as T A Stephens) and Mary Smith (listed as Mary Stephens) appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Taylor Township, Greene County, Missouri, enumerated 14 June 1880. The official date of that census was 01 June 1870. Thomas’s age was listed as 45. Mary’s age was listed as 42. They were both listed as having been born in Tennessee, with both of his parents listed as born in Virginia and both of hers born in . Tennessee. Their occupations were listed as Farmer and Keeping House, respectively. Their children John William Stephens, James Thomas Stephens, Carrol Stephens, Newton Cass Stephens and Lewis Siemon Stephens were listed as living with them. Her daughterMary M. Stephens (listed here as Mary M Stephens) was also listed as living in the household. No one was listed as having been married within a year prior to the date official census date. None of the children were listed as attending school within the year prior to the official census date. The two adults were listed as able to read and write, as was the younger Mary. None of the sons was listed as able to read and write (although these tick-marks were crossed out on the form for all but the two older – twin – boys; the question was apparently intended to be asked for children under the age of ten). No one was listed as attending school during the year prior to the census date.

One member of the household, Thomas Stephens (this probably referred to him having lost the sight in one eye due to an accident – which was apparently unrelated to his military service). The household had no male citizens over the age of 21 whose right to vote was denied or abridged due to reason other than rebellion.

The handwritten census schedule for this household lists the state of birth of each person in the household. The boys (all born after the marriage of Thomas and Mary) are all listed with both parents born in Tennessee. However, the oldest child (R:withMother) is has her father listed as born in Missouri. This marks her as having a different father, so she is the daughter of the deceased first husband of Mary Smith, who died while in military service in the US Civil War. In her father’s Civil War pension file records, her name is given as Mary William Reid. The placement of her name following her younger brothers (sons of both Thomas and Mary) also suggests that she is not a biological child of the head of the household Thomas Allen Stephens. The placement of her name following her younger brothers (sons of both Thomas and Mary) also suggests that she is not a biological child of the head of the household Thomas Allen Stephens.

The absence of Arah Stephens in (who, if alive, would be around age 17) in the household at the time of the 1880 census suggests she died between 1870 and 1880. There is some chance that she left the household (perhaps to get married) while very young. No record has been found of either a death or a marriage for her in the 1870-1880 time period.¹⁸

Thomas Allen Stephens lived in 1891 at Turner, Greene County, Missouri.¹⁹ He lived in 1892 at Wright County, Missouri.²⁰ He lived in 1894 at Mountain Grove, Wright County, Missouri.²¹

Thomas Allen Stephens and Mary Smith appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Mountain Grove Township, Wright County, Missouri, enumerated 13 June 1900. The residence was listed as a farm and was owned with a mortgage. The official date of that census was 01 June 1900. This census is unique in that month and year of birth were requested for each individual, in addition to age at the official census date. Their children John William Stephens, Newton Cass Stephens and Samuel H Stephens were listed as living with them. Everyone in the household was listed as being able to read, write, and speak English. No one was listed as attending school (the youngest member of the household was 22). Mary Smith was listed as the mother of eight children, with seven of them living as of the date of the census.^3,22 Thomas Allen Stephens was listed as a farmer in the 1900 census.³

Thomas Allen Stephens and Mary Smith appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Mountain Grove Township, Wright County, Missouri at East Eighth Street, enumerated 15 April 1910, The home was listed as owned, mortgaged, and not on a farm. The official date of that census was 15 April 1910. Their son John William Stephens was listed as living with them His son Thomas Allen Stephens and Mary Smith was listed as living with him. Thomas A Stephens and Mary Smith were listed as ages 75 and 72, respectively, born in Tennessee and Alabama, respectively, both married (for at least the second time) for 40 years, both could read and write, and neither attended school. Thomas's occupation was listed as "own income" (possibly referring to his Civil War pension, but he might have had other income too). He was listed as a veteran of the Union Army. Mary's occupation was listed as "none." She was listed as having had 7 children, of whom 6 were still living. The population schedule indicates a farm schedule was not filed for this household.²³

Thomas Allen Stephens lived in 1915 at Mountain Grove, Wright County, Missouri.⁵

Thomas Allen Stephens died on 27 December 1919 at Mountain Grove, Wright County, Missouri, at age 84 from arteriosclerosis and infirmity of age.^24,6 He was buried on 28 December 1919 at Hillcrest Cemetery, Mountain Grove, Wright County, Missouri.

Thomas Allen Stephens was described in his circa 1891 Civil War pension file as being of height: 5' 8" and weight: 141 pounds 0 ounces. He was also listed as having lost the sight of his left eye some time before 1891, being of dark complection, and having hazel eyes and dark hair.²⁵

Della Sarah Moore's given as Sarrah Della in at least one source document.^3,4 She was born on 4 November 1900 in Arkansas.²

Della Sarah Moore married Virgil Aaron Fields, son of George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson, on 2 June 1920 in Jackson County, Arkansas, (the license was issued in Jackson County).⁵

Della Sarah Moore and her "little son," George Franklin Fields visited her sister in England, Arkansas, circa 21 October 1922.⁶

Between 1923 and 1950 Della Sarah Moore lived in and around Phoenix, Arizona.²

Della Sarah Moore registered to vote in Maricopa County, Arizona, on 5 May 1924 (as Della Fields). She was registrant number 16621 and registration file page number 17537. She provided the following information: party affiliation: Dem, occupation: H. W. (housewife), native of: Arkansas, address: 1901 E. Van Buren, height: 5 ft 3 in, weight: difficult to read, but possibly 170 lbs.⁷

Della Sarah Moore registered to vote in Maricopa County, Arizona, on 8 May 1926 (as Mrs V. A, Fields). She was registrant number 13853 and registration file page number 21293. She provided the following information: party affiliation: Rep, occupation: Hw (housewife), native of: Arkansas, address: 1901 E. Van Buren, height: 5 ft 5 in, weight: 170 lbs.⁸

Della Sarah Moore and George Franklin Fields, her son, appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Madison Election Precinct, Maricopa County, Arizona at Indian School Road, enumerated 17 April 1930. Della Sarah Moore was listed as a female named "V A Fields", presumably meaning Mrs. V A Fields. The official date of that census was 02 April 1930. Della Sarah Moore's age was listed as 30, born in Arkansas, married, age at first marriage was 20, did not attend school the previous year and could read and write. She was listed as employed as a cook at a private residence: the household of Robert H and Mary M Fuqua (ages 51 and 48, respectively). The home was listed as owned, valued at $175,000, and on a farm (Robert Fuqua's occupation is listed as citrus farmer; it is unclear if the large value of the "home" is for the residence itself, or if it includes the value of adjacent citrus orchards). This residence was probably within what is now the city of Scottsdale. Others living in the household (in addition to Della and the Fuquas), included Della Sarah Moore's son, George Franklin Fields, age 8, Gertrude Washburn (age 27), a neice of Robert H Fuqua, and Will McGee (age 62), a guest. A farm census schedule was submitted for the Fuqua household.⁹

Della Sarah Moore registered to vote in McDowell and Scottsdale Precinct, Maricopa County, Arizona, on 6 June 1930 (as Della Fields). She was registrant number 211. She provided the following information: party affiliation: D (Democrat), occupation: housewife, native of: Arkansas, address: Scotsdale, height: 5 ft 6 in, weight: 174 lbs. One of her employers (according to the 1930 census) registered to vote on the same day.¹⁰

Della Sarah Moore married Ernest W Wood, son of Frank Wood and Martha Jackson, on 22 September 1934 at Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. Their names are listed as Sarrah Della Fields (age 32) and Ernest J Wood ("of legal age"). His address is listed as 2340 N. 10th Street, Phoenix (and that is the address they requested a copy of the marriage certificate be mailed to). Her address was listed as Newark, Arkansas. Married by a Justice of the Peace, Nat T McKee. Witnesses: W H Milkey and Lewis A Forkene.^11,4,3

Della Sarah Moore and Ernest W Wood appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of at Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona at 814 East Washington, enumerated 20 April 1940. The home was listed as rented for $14 per month. The official date of that census was 01 April 1940. Her son George Franklin Fields was listed as living with them. All household members were listed having lived in the same place on 1 Apr 1935. Ernest W Wood and Della Sarah Moore were listed as ages 43 and 37, respectively, both not attending school in March 1940 and both having been born in Arkansas. Ernest W Wood was listed as having completed 6 years of schooling and Della Sarah Moore was listed as having completed 8 years of schooling. Ernest W Wood was listed as unable to work (and thus not working or seeking work). Della Sarah Moore was listed as working on public emergency work, with her occupation listed as kitchen foreman in a WPA central kitchen. Both of them were listed as having worked zero hours the week of 24-30 March, and with zero weeks of unemployment immediately prior to 1 April 1940. He was listed as having no wage or salary income during 1939, but he did have more than $50 of other income. She worked 14 weeks in 1939 and was paid $178. She had no non-wage income.

Della Sarah Moore was also listed as living at this address on 1 July 1940.^11,12 She signed the approval form for her minor son George Franklin Fields to enter the US army on 1 July 1940 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. Her address at that time was 416 N.12th Street, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona. She signed as Della M Wood.¹³

Della Sarah Moore's address was listed as at "Pioneer Home", Prescott, Arizona, on 11 July 1942. Later (26 Oct 1942) her address was listed as 317 N. Pleasant, Prescott, Arizona. At another time (date unknown, but probably in the 1942-44 era) her address was listed as P. O. Box 1224, Prescott Arizona. "The Arizona Pioneers' Home" (also known as the Home for Arizona Pioneers and State Hospital for Disabled Miners) is a retirement home in Prescott, Arizona, which opened in 1911 to provide housing for early Arizona pioneers. It's mission was later changed to include miners. Her previous occupation had been cook. She was likely on the staff of the institution.^14,15

She began receiving a dependent's allotment from her son, George Franklin Fields, at least by 30 April 1943. Her son was serving in the US military. It is unclear when this allotment began. It continued until the end of his first enlistment, which ended in November 1945. He later continued the allotment for some months in 1946 during a second enlistment.¹⁶

Della Sarah Moore lived at 416 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, on 29 August 1944 and also on 20 Nov 1945.¹⁷

Della Sarah Moore married Lawrence S Clark circa 1945.² Her address was listed as 416 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona.¹⁸

Della Sarah Moore died on 14 August 1950 at age 49.² She (under her then-married surname of Clark) was buried on 17 August 1950 at Greenwood Cemetery, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona.^2,19 She lived at 416 North 12th Street, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, at the time of her death.² She was listed as a housewife on her death certificate.²

Notes and Observations: The page containing the 1920 Newark Arkansas census information for the G. M. Fields family (when V. A. Fields was 18) lists a Della Moore (age 18) as a servant in the household of Daniel D. Moore, two households before the G. M. Fields household listing (but on Vine Street, the Fields home at that time was on Long Street). It is likely this was the Della who later became V.A's wife.²⁰

Pearl Jane Platt was born on 16 February 1900 at Independence County, Arkansas.⁵

Pearl Jane Platt appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Salado Township, Independence County, Arkansas in the household of her mother, Etta Jones and stepfather, William Page.³

Pearl Jane Platt appeared on the census of 1910 at Magness, Independence County, Arkansas.⁶

Pearl Jane Platt married William Orville Fields, son of George McClellan Fields and Sarah Clementine Johnson, in December 1917 at Magness, Independence County, Arkansas.⁷

Pearl Jane Platt lived in 1918 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.⁸

William Orville Fields (listed as Orville W Fields) and Pearl Jane Platt, (listed as Pearl J Fields) appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas at Hill Street, enumerated 10 January 1920 (10 Jan 1920). The official date of that census was 01 January 1920. The home was listed as owned without a mortgate (and on a farm). William Orville Fields and Pearl Jane Platt were listed as age 22 and 20, respectively, both born in Arkansas, and both married. William Orville Fields’s occupation was listed as a Farmer on a general farm and working on his own account (self-employed). Pearl Jane Platt was listed as having no occupation. Their daughter Wynona Marie Fields (age 18 months) was listed as living with them. Both adult members of the household were listed as being able to read, write, and speak English, and did not attend school after September 1, 1919. An agricultural census was filed for this household. respectively, both listed as born in Arkansas, ages at first marriage (presumably this marriage, for each of them) were listed as 21 and 18, respectively (which seems odd, unless Pearl had an earlier marriage that CCF is unaware of, as this is written in April 2020), both did not attend school the previous year, and both could read and write.

The home was not listed as either owned or rented as owned and was on a farm (although, except for small pasture, most land that the family farmed was not contiguous with the residence, and was some miles distant (this is known by CCF from oral family folklore absorbed while growing up in Newark in the 1950s). No indication was listed as to whether or not a radio was present in the home (this line was blank for everyone on this page of the census schedule). CCF believes (as of April 2020) that in 193- this family lived on a homestead immediately north of George Fields that was owned by George Fields. In CCF’s childhood during the 1950s, the home the Pearl Jane Platt household is believed to have occupied in 1930 was referred to (by CCF’s older family members) as “The Gibson Place,” while the home that the George Fields household lived in 1930 was called something like “The Old Home Place” (the home that CCF’s father, and the aunt and uncles that he knew, had grown up in). This home may have been provided rent free by George Fields in return for providing farm labor and management services.

William’s occupation was listed as Farmer, general farm, and he was listed as employed. No occupation was listed for Pearl. No military veterans were listed as living in the household. The household of William Orville Fields’s father and stepmother is listed immediately prior to his on the same page of the handwritten census schedule.²

Pearl Jane Platt registered to vote in Maricopa County, Arizona, on 22 May 1926 (as Mrs W. O. Fields). She was registrant number 13848 and registration file page number 21099. She provided the following information: party affiliation: Rep, occupation: clerk, native of: Arkansas, address: 1901 E. Van Buren, height: 5 ft 4 in, weight: 150 lbs.⁹

Pearl Jane Platt appeared on the census of 1930 in Big Bottom Township, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.¹⁰

William Orville Fields filed for divorce from Pearl Jane Platt on 20 April 1937 at Independence County, Arkansas. The divorce decree was issued on 17 Nov 1937 (Certificate 5101).¹¹

Pearl Jane Platt appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Magness, at Independence County, Arkansas in the household of her mother, Etta Jones. The official date of that census was 01 April 1940. She was listed as: age 40, divorced, did not attend school during March 1940, had completed eight years of schooling, born in Arkansas, and lived in same house on 1 Apr 1935. She was doing housework, was not employed, and was not seeking work the week of March 24-30 1940, zero weeks of unemployment immediately prior to 1 Apr 1940. No occupation was listed for her. In 1939 she was not employed, had no earnings, and did not have income in excess of $50 from sources other than wages or salary.¹²

Pearl Jane Platt died on 23 September 1972 at Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, at age 72.¹³ She was buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona.¹⁴

Wynona Marie Fields was born on 17 July 1918 at Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.^3,4

Wynona Marie Fields (listed as Winona M Fields) appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Newark, Independence County, Arkansas in the household of her parents, Pearl Jane Platt and William Orville Fields, at Hill Street. She was listed as age 18 months, born in Arkansas.²

Wynona Marie Fields appeared on the census of 1930 in Big Bottom Township, Newark, Independence County, Arkansas.⁵

Wynona Marie Fields (listed as Wyona) appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Newark Town, Big Bottom Township, Independence County, Arkansas in the household of her mother, an unknown person , and stepfather, William Orville Fields. She was listed as age 19, single, attended school, able to read and write, born in Missouri, and with no occupation listed.⁶

Wynona M Fields appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Newark, in Independence County, Arkansas in the household of her father, William Orville Fields. The official date of that census was 01 April 1940. She was listed as: age 21, single, did not attend school during March 1940, had completed two years of college, born in Arkansas, and lived in same house on 1 Apr 1935. She was listed as not employed for wages and not seeking work the week of March 24-30 1940, but was doing housework. In 1939 she had no income from wages and did not have income in excess of $50 from sources other than wages or salary.⁷

Wynona Marie Fields married Hanson K Green on 26 December 1940 in Independence County, Arkansas.⁸

Wynona Marie Fields married (--?--) Wheeler.

Wynona Marie Fields died on 14 January 1989 at Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, at age 70.³ She was buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona.⁹

Wynona Marie Fields's Social Security Number was 431-34-6428, issued in Arkansas before 1951 (last residence was Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona.)³

Personal recollections about Wynona Marie Fields are described in an end note.¹⁰

Nancy Evaline Rogers was born on 14 December 1815 in Christian (County?), Kentucky.^6,7

Nancy Evaline Rogers married Josiah W Jarman, son of Josiah Jarman, on 31 July 1839 in Montgomery County, Tennessee.^1,5

Nancy Evaline Rogers apparently appeared on the census of 1840 in Montgomery County, Tennessee, in the household headed by her husband.⁸

Nancy Evaline Rogers and Josiah W Jarman appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee, enumerated 19 October 1850. the real estate associated with the household was listed as having a value of $300. The official date of that census was 01 June 1850. Their children Lurana B. Jarman, Carroll Wheelis Jarman, Lucretia Tennessee Jarman and Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman were listed as living with them. The names of the various children listed in this narrative are "best estimate" names, based on several sources. The names for some children that were actually listed on some individual census schedules are ... interesting, making it difficult to puzzle out the members of this family. Some family members with different names on the two sentences seem to actually be the same person.²

Nancy Evaline Rogers and Josiah W Jarman appeared on the 1860 Federal Census in a district identified as the region south and west of the Cumberland River, Montgomery County, Tennessee at Palmyra (Post Office), enumerated 27 June 1860. The official date of that census was 01 June 1860. Their children Carroll Wheelis Jarman, Lucretia Tennessee Jarman, Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman, Euphratus Scott Jarman, James Edward Jarman, Keziah Thomas Jarman and William Robert Jarman were listed as living with them. The household was listed as having real estate worth $1700 and personal property worth $400. All children at home except the youngest, William Robert (listed as Tony in this census), were listed as having attended school within the last year. The census information indicates Joisah could read and write, but Nancy, the other adult member of the household, could not.³

Nancy Evaline Rogers and Josiah W Jarman appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of the 19th Civil District, Montgomery County, Tennessee at Carbondale (Post Office)., enumerated 6 June 1870. the real estate associated with the household was listed as having a value of $300 and personal effects were listed as having a value of $580 (the reduction in real estate value, relative to the previous census, suggests that some land holdings may have been sold or transferred to family members). The official date of that census was 01 June 1870. Their children Carroll Wheelis Jarman, Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman, Keziah Thomas Jarman, James Edward Jarman and William Robert Jarman were listed as living with them, as were Joan C Breeden and Nathan Breeden, and Thomas B Powers. The two members of the household surnamed Breeden are children of Lurana B. Jarman Breeden, a daughter of Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers. Lurana B. Jarman Breeden had died in 1869.^1,7 Nancy Evaline Rogers was listed as keeping house in the 1870 census in 1870.¹

Nancy Evaline Rogers probably lived at District 19, Montgomery County, Tennessee, in 1877.⁹

Nancy Evaline Rogers appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of at Civil District 19, Montgomery County, Tennessee, enumerated 17 June 1880. The official date of that census was 01 June 1880. Her children James Edward Jarman, Keziah Thomas Jarman and William Robert Jarman were listed as living with her, as well as Joan C Breeden and Nathan Breeden, Nancy's grandchildren (whose surname is spelled Breeding in this census -- Joan is called Evaline here, her grandmother's middle name). Nancy was listed as disabled with an illness that appears to be characterized by the word "phthisie". This word is probably related to the words "phthisis" or "phthisic". Both of these words refer to any disease causing the wasting away of the body (or part of the body). These words are also now-obsolete terms associated with tuberculosis of the lung, which is likely the case here. Nancy, Kitty (Keziah), and the two Breeding grandchildren were listed as unable to read and write, Ned (James Edward) was listed as unable to write. The two Breeding grandchildren were listed as attending school.⁴ Nancy Evaline Rogers was listed as a housekeeper in the 1880 census.⁴

Nancy Evaline Rogers died after 17 June 1880 at Montgomery County, Tennessee.^6,7 She was buried at Jarman Cemetery, (near, south of) Palmyra, Montgomery County, Tennessee,This cemetery is also known as the Josiah Jarman Cemetery (distinct from the Rives-Jarman Cemetery). Her burial in this cemetery is probably primarily "known" from family folklore, not from any records or a grave marker still existing as this is written in 2014.¹⁰

Personal recollections about Nancy Evaline Rogers are described in an end note.¹¹

Lurana B. Jarman was also known as Luranay and Lurane on some sources.⁵ She was born on 24 October 1842 in Montgomery County, Tennessee.^1,5

Lurana B. Jarman appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of her parents, Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers.²

Lurana B. Jarman married Wade C Breeden on 29 June 1859 in Montgomery County, Tennessee.^1,3

Lurana B. Jarman died on 17 May 1869 at Palmyra (Post Office), Montgomery County, Tennessee, at age 26.^1,5 She was buried at Jarman Cemetery, (near, south of) Palmyra, Montgomery County, Tennessee.⁵

Carroll Wheelis Jarman was also known as Wheeless Jarman.² An alternative reading of Carroll Wheelis Jarman forename is Carrot in both the 1860 and 1870 censuses.^7,3 He was born on 24 November 1844 in Montgomery County, Tennessee.⁸

Carroll Wheelis Jarman appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of his parents, Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers.²

Carroll Wheelis Jarman appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of the region south and west of the Cumberland River, Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of his parents, Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers, at Palmyra (Post Office).³

Carroll Wheelis Jarman appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of the 19th Civil District, Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of his parents, Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers, near Carbondale (Post Office).^1,8 Carroll Wheelis Jarman was listed as a farm hand in the 1870 census on 6 June 1870.¹

Carroll Wheelis Jarman married Harriet A. Henderson (?) circa September 1870.⁴

Carroll Wheelis Jarman died after 1870 at Montgomery County, Tennessee.⁸

Lucretia Tennessee Jarman first name was spelled as Loucretia in at least one record.⁵ She was born on 18 December 1846 in Montgomery County, Tennessee.^1,5

Lucretia Tennessee Jarman appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of her parents, Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers.²

Lucretia Tennessee Jarman appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of the region south and west of the Cumberland River, Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of her parents, Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers, at Palmyra (Post Office).⁴

Lucretia Tennessee Jarman married Thomas W Williams, son of Julia A (--?--), after 1860.^6,5

Lucretia Tennessee Jarman appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of the 19th Civil District, Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of Julia A (--?--), who was apparently her mother-in-law, at Carbondale (Post Office). She was listed as 24 years old, born in Missouri, and her occupation was listed as keeping house. Her husband, Thomas W Williams and son James P Williams, apparently also lived in the household.⁶

Lucretia Tennessee Jarman died in 1913 possibly in McCamish, Johnson County, Kansas.⁵ She was buried at Gardner Cemetery, Gardner, Johnson County, Kansas.⁵

Her name has also been listed as Rhona Jarman.³ Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman was born on 21 May 1848 at Montgomery County, Tennessee, (one source gives date of birth as May 22, with year not specified).^8,5

Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman appeared on the 1850 Federal Census of Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of her parents, Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers.²

Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of the region south and west of the Cumberland River, Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of her parents, Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers, at Palmyra (Post Office).³

Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of the 19th Civil District, Montgomery County, Tennessee in the household of her parents, Josiah W Jarman and Nancy Evaline Rogers, near Carbondale (Post Office).^1,8 Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman was listed as "at home" in the 1870 census.¹

Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman married Patrick H. Birdwell on 30 December 1873 at Montgomery County, Tennessee.^4,5

Rhoda Caroline Harriet Jarman died on 20 November 1928 at Dickson County, Tennessee, at age 80 (death certificate -- paraphrased in Find-a-Grave memorial) suggests death was in District 19 of Montgomery County and was at 10:30 PM on 21 Nov 1928 from apoplex?)⁸ She was buried at Jarman Cemetery, (near, south of) Palmyra, Montgomery County, Tennessee. This cemetery is also known as the Josiah Jarman Cemetery (distinct from the Rives-Jarman Cemetery). Her burial in this cemetery is "known" from a 1928 death cerfiticate. It is unclear if a grave marker still exists as this is written in 2014.^5,9