Quick Facts
Biography
Moses Whelock Field (February 10, 1828 – March 14, 1889) was a businessman and politician. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from the U.S. state of Michigan, and was instrumental in organizing the Independent Greenback Party.
Early life
Field was born in Watertown, New York, the son of William Field and Rebecca (Wheelock) Field. He moved with his parents to Cato, New York, and attended public schools and graduated from the academy in Victor, New York. In 1844, he moved to Detroit, Michigan, and engaged in mercantile and agricultural pursuits. He operated the Detroit Glass Works and the Detroit Hoop Manufacturing Company. In 1865, he was instrumental in establishing the Michigan State Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and helped create state laws relating to the humane treatment of animals. He is credited with helping establish an art museum in Detroit, and helping establish public drinking fountains in Detroit in 1871. Field served as Alderman of Detroit from 1863-1865.
Political career
He was elected as a Republican candidate from Michigan's 1st congressional district to the 43rd Congress, serving from March 4, 1873 to March 3, 1875. He was an unsuccessful candidate for re-election in 1874 to the Forty-fourth Congress.
Field was instrumental in organizing the Independent Greenback Party, having called the national convention at Indianapolis, Indiana on May 17, 1876. Governor Josiah Begole appointed him a trustee of the Eastern Asylum for the Insane in 1883.
In 1888, Field was elected to an eight-year term as Regent of the University of Michigan. He died on March 14, 1889 before completing the term.
At the time of his death, he lived on his farm, “Linden Lawn,” in the township of Hamtramck, a suburb of Detroit. He is interred in Woodmere Cemetery.
Personal life
On February 2, 1858, Field married Mary Kercheval. They had ten children, including Vincent Field, Alice Field and Mary Field. His family were members of the Swedenborgian Church.