Fields, David 1834-1914

FIELDS, CLAPP, BRATSBERG, FERRIS

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/20/2021 at 17:18:37

David Fields was born in Clark County, Oregon Twp., Indiana, July 27, 1834.

In 1855 he was married to May Clapp. Eight children were born to this union, two dying in infancy. Several years ago his wife and daughter Lillie died, and his declining years were spent with his children. A few years ago his youngest daughter, Mrs. Rose Bratsberg died, and the remaining children here sought to make his days pleasant and free from all care.

"He who plants within our hearts
All this deep affliction,
Giving, when the form departs,
Fadeless recollection,
Will but unclasp the unbroken chain
Closer when we meet again."

The deceased moved to Kansas in 1870 where with his family he lived until [date printed is 1002*], when he came to North McGregor to be with his children.

He always commanded the highest respect from all who were among his acquaintances, a conscientious and up-right man. He was ill but a short time with a severe cold, but his extreme age overbalanced all that loved one could do for him, and the hour of parting was to him a re-union with the loved ones gone before:

"When for me the silent oar
Parts the silent river,
And I stand upon the shore
Of the strange FOREVER.
Shall I miss the loved and known?
Shall I vainly seek my own?
Therefore dread I not to go
O'er the silent river;
Death, thy hastening oar I know;
Bear me, thou life giver!
Through the waters to the shore,
When mine own have gone before."

At the home of his daughter, Mrs. E.O. Ferris, Saturday afternoon at 3:25, March 28, he passed peacefully to his long sleep that knows no awakening, and where all is beauty and joy. The funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the M.E. church, Rev. Nielson conducting the services.

The following children mourn his passing away; Mrs. E.O. Ferris, Will Fields, North McGregor; Chas. Fields, Lyle, Minn.; Robert Fields, Blackwell, Okla.

~North Iowa Times, Thursday, April 2, 1914

*The 1898 obit of Mrs. Fields states they moved from KS "6 years ago", which would be abt 1892