JOSEPH FIELDS GRAVESTONE PHOTO
William G. Cutler's History of the State
of Kansas
JOSEPH FIELDS, P. O. Alma, has always been a farmer, and has proven himself a very successful one. He was born February 21, 1832, in Belmont County, Ohio. In June, 1856, he married Miss Martha E. Johnson, of Kentucky, by whom he has had eleven children, ten of whom are living, the eldest being Mrs. A Walton, of Harveyville, this county; Charles D. Fields, now twenty-four years of age, is associated with his father as a partner, while Jeremiah is at present studying civil engineering at Washburn College. Mr. Fields experienced many hardships and struggles in his early life. Coming to this State without a dollar, he first located upon Dragoon Creek, this county, and, in 1875, removed to Alma Township. He now owns the whole of one Section, 230 acres being under cultivation, his average yield of wheat being twenty-five bushels to the acre. Has 125 head of cattle, 17 horses and 550 sheep. In 1880 he built a substantial and commodious stone residence, situated one mile from the town of Alma, which, together with his outbuildings and grain in stack, is fully insured. In 1862, he enlisted at Camp Dennison in Company D, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteers, but was discharged in the following February, on account of sickness. Immediately upon his recovery he became a member of Company B, Capt. Talbot, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment O. S. N. G., and responded with his regiment to the call to arms in 1864, participating in all the engagements of his regiment until made Quartermaster's Clerk, in which department he remained until mustered out with his regiment by Gen. Sheridan, at Bolivar Heights. Mr. Field was treasurer of Wilmington Township for three years, has served four years as County Treasurer, and is at present a Trustee of Alma Township. Mr. Fields is Quartermaster of Lyon Post, G. A. R., and D. G. M. of the I. O. O. F., and a charter member of Lodge No. 76, A. O. U. W., and has always contributed liberally to all charitable and patriotic movements, ever taking a deep interest in the welfare of his adopted State.