Mary Ethel "Polly" Field was the seventh of eleven children born to Jeremiah Field (c.1764-1830) and his wife Eleanor Sherwood (1776-1859). Her paternal grandparents, William Field, Jr. (bef.1727-1805) and Lydia Elswick (1743-c.1829), had settled in Randolph County in the 1750s. Her maternal grandparents, Daniel Sherwood III (1749-1838) and Frances Linthicum (1749-1806) had come from Talbot Co., Maryland to Guilford County, NC around 1778/9. Mary married Kindred Craven (1812-1890) in 1835, and they had five children: Benton H. J. Craven (1836-1862), Rev. Jeremiah Field Craven (1838-1907), Kindred Lumsden Craven (1844-1926), Mary M. Field (1848-1933, Mrs. Rev. Robert Gretter) and Ellen E. Field (1850-1943, Mrs. Peter Field). They also helped to raise Rev. Melville Chafin Field (1851-1919) one of her nephews, also buried in this cemetery.
From an obituary:
"IN MEMORIUM
_____________
Mrs. Mary Craven
Sister Mary Craven was born the seventh day of March in the year of Our Lord 1813. She was a sister of Rev. Benton Field of precious memory, and an (aunt) of the Rev. Dan Field, of Leaksville. She married Kindred Craven, who was one year her senior, May 1835, with whom she lived happily for 55 years, he having died in the year 1890.
To them were born five children. The first born, Benton Craven, was killed in the War between the States, September 12, 1862. His remains were brought back and interred in the old church graveyard at Bethlehem. A splendid monument stands at the head of his grave, bearing the inscription: "Benton Craven, son of Kindred and Mary Craven; died September 12, 1862, aged 26 years, 5 months and 6 days."
Another son, Rev. Jeremiah F. Craven, who served in his day and generation as a minister of the gospel and a member of the Western North Carolina conference, died September 17, 1907. (Born 17 Sept. 1838, d. 7 Nov. 1907, per his tombtsone.) He sleeps the silent sleep of death by the side of his brother Benton.
One son, K. L. Craven, of Concord; two daughters, Mrs. Ellen Field, of Climax, and Mrs. Mary Gretter, of Friendship, survive to mourn their departed dead.
Sister Craven made her home with Mary Gretter, til the Rev. Robert M. Gretter died last September. This sad event forced a breaking up of cherished relations and Sister Craven went to Concord to live with her son. On Sunday, December 13, without previous sickness of a serious nature, she suddenly fell on sleep, and died in a good old age, an old woman, and full of years--four score years and sixteen--and was gathered to her people in the better land.
Sister Craven made a public profession of religion in her sixteenth year, and united with the Methodist society at Bethlehem, an old camp meeting place of which it may be said in that day "The Lord shall come when He writeth up the people, that this and that man were born there." Eighty years a devout follower of the meek and lovely Jesus. What a stretch of time, I suppose that even a large size book could not contain the many interesting incidents, and coincidents, that transpired during this long and eventful life of eminent usefulness. How inadequate the time and space allotted to tell one-tenth of the most interesting events. From the year the camp meeting was stablished at Bethlehem, she has never missed a single one. How well do we remember last summer during the time her son-in-law was so extremely ill the anxiety and solicitude she manifested with fear that she would not be able to attend the annual camp meeting the fourth Sunday in August. But her heart's desire was granted. She was there to contribute the influence and benediction of her presence and prayers and faith and personal work in leading souls to Christ and sustaining the cherished work of her soul. She had a tent with open doors to preachers and strangers. To her hospitable home, not far away, the circuit riders, as they oft passed by, always found a most hearty welcome and abundant hospitality. The little chamber where was a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candle stick, was arranged for the man of God. And such prophets as Doub, Lewis, Reid, Barringer, Wilson, Cummings, Adams, Brooks, Tillett, Hunt, and many others turned in thither to enjoy the unstinted and lavished hospitality of her home. Who would doubt for a moment that these now glorified souls of God were not at the beautiful gates to welcome her in.
We heard it said the day of her burial by her neighbors and friends that she was the best woman in all that section. The rich legacy left her children and friends, as a goodly heritage, rather to be chosen than great riches, is a good name--a name for virtue, truth, honesty, hope, charity, faith and courage. Her cheerful demeanor, bright Christian spirit, and beautiful life were a benediction to all with whom she came in contact, and while God has called her to lay down all earthly service after 96 years of struggles and triumphs in His cause, for a more glorious service in the Father's house of many mansions, yet she will not die in the hearts and lives of those who knew and loved her. She has passed away like a gentle breath at an age far beyond the time allotted to man, and our hearts deeply sorrow for our loss, but what are we that we should question divine wisdom. God has done it and we should be dumb. It is more fitting that we should rejoice that such a life has inherited its well-deserved reward. May these many years of consecration reap large results and her example be emulated by many; that Christ she loved and served so faithfully be known in the homes of loved ones she as left behind. We pray that the spirit of resignation, of faith, and assurance that God doeth all things will fill the hearts of loved ones from whom she has been separated for a time, as the days of this separation grow fewer.
Her funeral was conducted by the writer from Bethlehem church in the presence of a large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives, and her mortal remains were laid at rest in the church graveyard nearby among loved ones who had preceded her to the glory world."
J. A. BOWLES (1908)
My notes: Mary Ethel "Polly" Field (1813-1908) was the seventh of eleven children of Jeremiah Field (c.1764-1830) and Eleanor Sherwood (1776-1859). Reverend Benton Field (1797-1871), mentioned in the article, was the eldest son and second child of the family. The second son and fifth child was Elswick Sherwood Field (1808-1867), my 3rd great grandfather. Reverend Daniel Early Field (1831-1916), also mentioned, was a son of Benton Field.
*Rev. Bowles evidently mixed up the birth and death dates of Rev. Jeremiah F. Craven. His tombstone states he was born 17 Sept. 1838, and died 7 Nov. 1907.
From an obituary:
"IN MEMORIUM
_____________
Mrs. Mary Craven
Sister Mary Craven was born the seventh day of March in the year of Our Lord 1813. She was a sister of Rev. Benton Field of precious memory, and an (aunt) of the Rev. Dan Field, of Leaksville. She married Kindred Craven, who was one year her senior, May 1835, with whom she lived happily for 55 years, he having died in the year 1890.
To them were born five children. The first born, Benton Craven, was killed in the War between the States, September 12, 1862. His remains were brought back and interred in the old church graveyard at Bethlehem. A splendid monument stands at the head of his grave, bearing the inscription: "Benton Craven, son of Kindred and Mary Craven; died September 12, 1862, aged 26 years, 5 months and 6 days."
Another son, Rev. Jeremiah F. Craven, who served in his day and generation as a minister of the gospel and a member of the Western North Carolina conference, died September 17, 1907. (Born 17 Sept. 1838, d. 7 Nov. 1907, per his tombtsone.) He sleeps the silent sleep of death by the side of his brother Benton.
One son, K. L. Craven, of Concord; two daughters, Mrs. Ellen Field, of Climax, and Mrs. Mary Gretter, of Friendship, survive to mourn their departed dead.
Sister Craven made her home with Mary Gretter, til the Rev. Robert M. Gretter died last September. This sad event forced a breaking up of cherished relations and Sister Craven went to Concord to live with her son. On Sunday, December 13, without previous sickness of a serious nature, she suddenly fell on sleep, and died in a good old age, an old woman, and full of years--four score years and sixteen--and was gathered to her people in the better land.
Sister Craven made a public profession of religion in her sixteenth year, and united with the Methodist society at Bethlehem, an old camp meeting place of which it may be said in that day "The Lord shall come when He writeth up the people, that this and that man were born there." Eighty years a devout follower of the meek and lovely Jesus. What a stretch of time, I suppose that even a large size book could not contain the many interesting incidents, and coincidents, that transpired during this long and eventful life of eminent usefulness. How inadequate the time and space allotted to tell one-tenth of the most interesting events. From the year the camp meeting was stablished at Bethlehem, she has never missed a single one. How well do we remember last summer during the time her son-in-law was so extremely ill the anxiety and solicitude she manifested with fear that she would not be able to attend the annual camp meeting the fourth Sunday in August. But her heart's desire was granted. She was there to contribute the influence and benediction of her presence and prayers and faith and personal work in leading souls to Christ and sustaining the cherished work of her soul. She had a tent with open doors to preachers and strangers. To her hospitable home, not far away, the circuit riders, as they oft passed by, always found a most hearty welcome and abundant hospitality. The little chamber where was a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candle stick, was arranged for the man of God. And such prophets as Doub, Lewis, Reid, Barringer, Wilson, Cummings, Adams, Brooks, Tillett, Hunt, and many others turned in thither to enjoy the unstinted and lavished hospitality of her home. Who would doubt for a moment that these now glorified souls of God were not at the beautiful gates to welcome her in.
We heard it said the day of her burial by her neighbors and friends that she was the best woman in all that section. The rich legacy left her children and friends, as a goodly heritage, rather to be chosen than great riches, is a good name--a name for virtue, truth, honesty, hope, charity, faith and courage. Her cheerful demeanor, bright Christian spirit, and beautiful life were a benediction to all with whom she came in contact, and while God has called her to lay down all earthly service after 96 years of struggles and triumphs in His cause, for a more glorious service in the Father's house of many mansions, yet she will not die in the hearts and lives of those who knew and loved her. She has passed away like a gentle breath at an age far beyond the time allotted to man, and our hearts deeply sorrow for our loss, but what are we that we should question divine wisdom. God has done it and we should be dumb. It is more fitting that we should rejoice that such a life has inherited its well-deserved reward. May these many years of consecration reap large results and her example be emulated by many; that Christ she loved and served so faithfully be known in the homes of loved ones she as left behind. We pray that the spirit of resignation, of faith, and assurance that God doeth all things will fill the hearts of loved ones from whom she has been separated for a time, as the days of this separation grow fewer.
Her funeral was conducted by the writer from Bethlehem church in the presence of a large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives, and her mortal remains were laid at rest in the church graveyard nearby among loved ones who had preceded her to the glory world."
J. A. BOWLES (1908)
My notes: Mary Ethel "Polly" Field (1813-1908) was the seventh of eleven children of Jeremiah Field (c.1764-1830) and Eleanor Sherwood (1776-1859). Reverend Benton Field (1797-1871), mentioned in the article, was the eldest son and second child of the family. The second son and fifth child was Elswick Sherwood Field (1808-1867), my 3rd great grandfather. Reverend Daniel Early Field (1831-1916), also mentioned, was a son of Benton Field.
*Rev. Bowles evidently mixed up the birth and death dates of Rev. Jeremiah F. Craven. His tombstone states he was born 17 Sept. 1838, and died 7 Nov. 1907.
Mary Ethel "Polly" Field was the seventh of eleven children born to Jeremiah Field (c.1764-1830) and his wife Eleanor Sherwood (1776-1859). Her paternal grandparents, William Field, Jr. (bef.1727-1805) and Lydia Elswick (1743-c.1829), had settled in Randolph County in the 1750s. Her maternal grandparents, Daniel Sherwood III (1749-1838) and Frances Linthicum (1749-1806) had come from Talbot Co., Maryland to Guilford County, NC around 1778/9. Mary married Kindred Craven (1812-1890) in 1835, and they had five children: Benton H. J. Craven (1836-1862), Rev. Jeremiah Field Craven (1838-1907), Kindred Lumsden Craven (1844-1926), Mary M. Field (1848-1933, Mrs. Rev. Robert Gretter) and Ellen E. Field (1850-1943, Mrs. Peter Field). They also helped to raise Rev. Melville Chafin Field (1851-1919) one of her nephews, also buried in this cemetery.
From an obituary:
"IN MEMORIUM
_____________
Mrs. Mary Craven
Sister Mary Craven was born the seventh day of March in the year of Our Lord 1813. She was a sister of Rev. Benton Field of precious memory, and an (aunt) of the Rev. Dan Field, of Leaksville. She married Kindred Craven, who was one year her senior, May 1835, with whom she lived happily for 55 years, he having died in the year 1890.
To them were born five children. The first born, Benton Craven, was killed in the War between the States, September 12, 1862. His remains were brought back and interred in the old church graveyard at Bethlehem. A splendid monument stands at the head of his grave, bearing the inscription: "Benton Craven, son of Kindred and Mary Craven; died September 12, 1862, aged 26 years, 5 months and 6 days."
Another son, Rev. Jeremiah F. Craven, who served in his day and generation as a minister of the gospel and a member of the Western North Carolina conference, died September 17, 1907. (Born 17 Sept. 1838, d. 7 Nov. 1907, per his tombtsone.) He sleeps the silent sleep of death by the side of his brother Benton.
One son, K. L. Craven, of Concord; two daughters, Mrs. Ellen Field, of Climax, and Mrs. Mary Gretter, of Friendship, survive to mourn their departed dead.
Sister Craven made her home with Mary Gretter, til the Rev. Robert M. Gretter died last September. This sad event forced a breaking up of cherished relations and Sister Craven went to Concord to live with her son. On Sunday, December 13, without previous sickness of a serious nature, she suddenly fell on sleep, and died in a good old age, an old woman, and full of years--four score years and sixteen--and was gathered to her people in the better land.
Sister Craven made a public profession of religion in her sixteenth year, and united with the Methodist society at Bethlehem, an old camp meeting place of which it may be said in that day "The Lord shall come when He writeth up the people, that this and that man were born there." Eighty years a devout follower of the meek and lovely Jesus. What a stretch of time, I suppose that even a large size book could not contain the many interesting incidents, and coincidents, that transpired during this long and eventful life of eminent usefulness. How inadequate the time and space allotted to tell one-tenth of the most interesting events. From the year the camp meeting was stablished at Bethlehem, she has never missed a single one. How well do we remember last summer during the time her son-in-law was so extremely ill the anxiety and solicitude she manifested with fear that she would not be able to attend the annual camp meeting the fourth Sunday in August. But her heart's desire was granted. She was there to contribute the influence and benediction of her presence and prayers and faith and personal work in leading souls to Christ and sustaining the cherished work of her soul. She had a tent with open doors to preachers and strangers. To her hospitable home, not far away, the circuit riders, as they oft passed by, always found a most hearty welcome and abundant hospitality. The little chamber where was a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candle stick, was arranged for the man of God. And such prophets as Doub, Lewis, Reid, Barringer, Wilson, Cummings, Adams, Brooks, Tillett, Hunt, and many others turned in thither to enjoy the unstinted and lavished hospitality of her home. Who would doubt for a moment that these now glorified souls of God were not at the beautiful gates to welcome her in.
We heard it said the day of her burial by her neighbors and friends that she was the best woman in all that section. The rich legacy left her children and friends, as a goodly heritage, rather to be chosen than great riches, is a good name--a name for virtue, truth, honesty, hope, charity, faith and courage. Her cheerful demeanor, bright Christian spirit, and beautiful life were a benediction to all with whom she came in contact, and while God has called her to lay down all earthly service after 96 years of struggles and triumphs in His cause, for a more glorious service in the Father's house of many mansions, yet she will not die in the hearts and lives of those who knew and loved her. She has passed away like a gentle breath at an age far beyond the time allotted to man, and our hearts deeply sorrow for our loss, but what are we that we should question divine wisdom. God has done it and we should be dumb. It is more fitting that we should rejoice that such a life has inherited its well-deserved reward. May these many years of consecration reap large results and her example be emulated by many; that Christ she loved and served so faithfully be known in the homes of loved ones she as left behind. We pray that the spirit of resignation, of faith, and assurance that God doeth all things will fill the hearts of loved ones from whom she has been separated for a time, as the days of this separation grow fewer.
Her funeral was conducted by the writer from Bethlehem church in the presence of a large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives, and her mortal remains were laid at rest in the church graveyard nearby among loved ones who had preceded her to the glory world."
J. A. BOWLES (1908)
My notes: Mary Ethel "Polly" Field (1813-1908) was the seventh of eleven children of Jeremiah Field (c.1764-1830) and Eleanor Sherwood (1776-1859). Reverend Benton Field (1797-1871), mentioned in the article, was the eldest son and second child of the family. The second son and fifth child was Elswick Sherwood Field (1808-1867), my 3rd great grandfather. Reverend Daniel Early Field (1831-1916), also mentioned, was a son of Benton Field.
*Rev. Bowles evidently mixed up the birth and death dates of Rev. Jeremiah F. Craven. His tombstone states he was born 17 Sept. 1838, and died 7 Nov. 1907.
From an obituary:
"IN MEMORIUM
_____________
Mrs. Mary Craven
Sister Mary Craven was born the seventh day of March in the year of Our Lord 1813. She was a sister of Rev. Benton Field of precious memory, and an (aunt) of the Rev. Dan Field, of Leaksville. She married Kindred Craven, who was one year her senior, May 1835, with whom she lived happily for 55 years, he having died in the year 1890.
To them were born five children. The first born, Benton Craven, was killed in the War between the States, September 12, 1862. His remains were brought back and interred in the old church graveyard at Bethlehem. A splendid monument stands at the head of his grave, bearing the inscription: "Benton Craven, son of Kindred and Mary Craven; died September 12, 1862, aged 26 years, 5 months and 6 days."
Another son, Rev. Jeremiah F. Craven, who served in his day and generation as a minister of the gospel and a member of the Western North Carolina conference, died September 17, 1907. (Born 17 Sept. 1838, d. 7 Nov. 1907, per his tombtsone.) He sleeps the silent sleep of death by the side of his brother Benton.
One son, K. L. Craven, of Concord; two daughters, Mrs. Ellen Field, of Climax, and Mrs. Mary Gretter, of Friendship, survive to mourn their departed dead.
Sister Craven made her home with Mary Gretter, til the Rev. Robert M. Gretter died last September. This sad event forced a breaking up of cherished relations and Sister Craven went to Concord to live with her son. On Sunday, December 13, without previous sickness of a serious nature, she suddenly fell on sleep, and died in a good old age, an old woman, and full of years--four score years and sixteen--and was gathered to her people in the better land.
Sister Craven made a public profession of religion in her sixteenth year, and united with the Methodist society at Bethlehem, an old camp meeting place of which it may be said in that day "The Lord shall come when He writeth up the people, that this and that man were born there." Eighty years a devout follower of the meek and lovely Jesus. What a stretch of time, I suppose that even a large size book could not contain the many interesting incidents, and coincidents, that transpired during this long and eventful life of eminent usefulness. How inadequate the time and space allotted to tell one-tenth of the most interesting events. From the year the camp meeting was stablished at Bethlehem, she has never missed a single one. How well do we remember last summer during the time her son-in-law was so extremely ill the anxiety and solicitude she manifested with fear that she would not be able to attend the annual camp meeting the fourth Sunday in August. But her heart's desire was granted. She was there to contribute the influence and benediction of her presence and prayers and faith and personal work in leading souls to Christ and sustaining the cherished work of her soul. She had a tent with open doors to preachers and strangers. To her hospitable home, not far away, the circuit riders, as they oft passed by, always found a most hearty welcome and abundant hospitality. The little chamber where was a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candle stick, was arranged for the man of God. And such prophets as Doub, Lewis, Reid, Barringer, Wilson, Cummings, Adams, Brooks, Tillett, Hunt, and many others turned in thither to enjoy the unstinted and lavished hospitality of her home. Who would doubt for a moment that these now glorified souls of God were not at the beautiful gates to welcome her in.
We heard it said the day of her burial by her neighbors and friends that she was the best woman in all that section. The rich legacy left her children and friends, as a goodly heritage, rather to be chosen than great riches, is a good name--a name for virtue, truth, honesty, hope, charity, faith and courage. Her cheerful demeanor, bright Christian spirit, and beautiful life were a benediction to all with whom she came in contact, and while God has called her to lay down all earthly service after 96 years of struggles and triumphs in His cause, for a more glorious service in the Father's house of many mansions, yet she will not die in the hearts and lives of those who knew and loved her. She has passed away like a gentle breath at an age far beyond the time allotted to man, and our hearts deeply sorrow for our loss, but what are we that we should question divine wisdom. God has done it and we should be dumb. It is more fitting that we should rejoice that such a life has inherited its well-deserved reward. May these many years of consecration reap large results and her example be emulated by many; that Christ she loved and served so faithfully be known in the homes of loved ones she as left behind. We pray that the spirit of resignation, of faith, and assurance that God doeth all things will fill the hearts of loved ones from whom she has been separated for a time, as the days of this separation grow fewer.
Her funeral was conducted by the writer from Bethlehem church in the presence of a large concourse of sorrowing friends and relatives, and her mortal remains were laid at rest in the church graveyard nearby among loved ones who had preceded her to the glory world."
J. A. BOWLES (1908)
My notes: Mary Ethel "Polly" Field (1813-1908) was the seventh of eleven children of Jeremiah Field (c.1764-1830) and Eleanor Sherwood (1776-1859). Reverend Benton Field (1797-1871), mentioned in the article, was the eldest son and second child of the family. The second son and fifth child was Elswick Sherwood Field (1808-1867), my 3rd great grandfather. Reverend Daniel Early Field (1831-1916), also mentioned, was a son of Benton Field.
*Rev. Bowles evidently mixed up the birth and death dates of Rev. Jeremiah F. Craven. His tombstone states he was born 17 Sept. 1838, and died 7 Nov. 1907.
Family Members
Siblings
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Martha "Patsy" Field McDaniel
1795–1863
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Rev Benton Field
1797–1871
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Frances "Fannie" Field Staley
1800–1842
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Rebecca Field Tyler
1805–1844
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Elswick Sherwood Field
1808–1867
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Hugh H. Field
1811–1897
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Eleanor Field Teague
1815–1899
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Jeremiah J. Field
1817 – unknown
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Tabitha Field Taylor
1818–1897
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William Field
1820–1852
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