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1907 Past and Present Biographies

Joseph Fielding

Joseph Fielding, deceased, was a native of England, where he was born February 25, 1832. He was a son of William and Mary (Ryder) Fielding, who were the parents of six children, two of whom are still living. The father died in England and subsequently the mother came to the United States prior to 1860.

Joseph Fielding received his education and his early training in his native land, where he remained until he had attained his twenty eighth year. At that time he came to America and, with the small capital which he brought with him, purchased a farm in Kendall county, Illinois, where he lived until 1889. At that time he removed to Scranton township, Greene county, Iowa, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 4, of W. H. Garland. This land was partially improved but Mr. Fielding added many useful improvements and the home place, in its neat appearance, always indicated the careful management and thorough supervision of its owner. In 1897 Mr. Fielding gave up active farming and moved to the town of Scranton, where he bought a home which he improved and where he enjoyed his remaining days. He passed away November 5, 1905.

It was in 1860 that Mr. Fielding was united in marriage, in Kendall county, Illinois, to Annie Shaw, a native of England, born March 21, 1838, and a daughter of Thomas and Ellen (Smetherst) Shaw. Her parents were also natives of England, and came to this country in 1842. They were well known agriculturists in Kendall county, Illinois, and much respected by a large circle.of friends. Mrs. Fielding is one of nine children, all of whom are now living, the eldest being seventy-one years of age and the youngest fifty-two. To the union of Joseph Fielding and Annie Shaw were born three children. Eva is the wife of F. Wilkinson of Hartford, Michigan. Willis E., who is now conducting the home farm, married Inez Amsden, in 1897, and they are the parents of two children, Leslie Wayne and Gerald Laverne. Luella M. Fielding is at home.

In his political sympathies Mr. Fielding was a supporter of the republican party but was never an aspirant for political honors. He assisted materially in the support of the Methodist church, of which he was a faithful and life-long member. He led an honorable, upright life, in harmony with his professions, and was classed among the leading agriculturists of his township.

Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead,"
by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver,
Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.

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