GEORGE I. FIELDS was born in Wythe county, Virginia, May 16, 1837. His father, John D. Fields, was born in Rappahannock county, Virginia. His grandfather was a native of Scotland and came to this country at an early date and settled near Richmond, Virginia. Here he died at the advanced age of 100 years. Mr. John D. Fields was a brick mason and a farmer. He attended to his trade and had his sons work the farm. He lived on his farm until his death in October, 1868, when he was ninety-six years old. He was a Sergeant in the war of 1812, and made a fine record in the naval service, especially at Norfolk, Virginia. He was honorably discharged. He received his land warrant for 160 acres, which he sold. His wife's name was Nancy E. Williams, a native of Culpeper county, Virginia. She died in Wythe county, Virginia, after a happy married life of sixty years. Mr. and Mrs. John D. Fields had seven children, three of whom are still living.

Mr. George I. Fields is the youngest of the family. He left his home in 1867 and settled in Versailles, Brown county, Illinois. Until that time he had been a farmer, but from then until 1884 he was engaged in milling. Since then he has engaged in newspaper work as editor and publisher of the Versailles Enterprise.

He was married to Ellen P. McWane April 16, 1865. She was born in Nelson county, Virginia, and is still spared to her family. They have had nine children, six of whom are still living, namely: Maggie V., Nancy E., Emma J., Addie D., Louie and Stella May.

Mr. Fields has been elected Tax Collector for the township seven times. He is a Republican in politics and is the Chaplain of the blue lodge, A.F.&A.M. He connected himself with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1870, and has been a Class-leader and exhorter most of the time. Mr. and Mrs. Fields are worthy members of society and are greatly esteemed by their host of warm friends.