"Portrait and Biographical Record of Portland and Vicinity, Oregon." Authors: "a compilation of this work....by a number of writers". Chapman Publishing Co; Chicago, 1903. p. 442. THOMAS R. FIELDS Although so long a time has elapsed since the death of Thomas R. Fields, October 25, 1892, the cheery old river captain is recalled by those who chance to pass his way as the embodiment of western energy and resourcefulness. No name was better known in Clackamas county than his; no heart responded more readily to the need of a friend, or to general benevolent demands. His optimistic, generous and humane life was worthy of emulation, and was watched through its progress by hosts of friends and well wishers. Captain Fields was born in Mason City, Ky., and was a son of Ambrose Fields, who was also born in Kentucky, and who was a cooper by trade, an occupation to which he devoted his entire active life. The latter emigrated to Oregon with his family in 1852, and took up a donation claim of six hundred and forty acres near Oregon City, upon which he died at the age of eighty-one years. His son, Thomas, was educated in the public schools of Kentucky and Oregon, and while quite young engaged as a cabin-boy on the old Hosier, a boat on the Yamhill river. On his seasoned old river craft he worked his way up to the position of captain, and during his twelve or fifteen years on the river was captain of various other craft. As a navigator he was safe and sure, understood every curve in river and every shoal, and exerted a fine command over the many men who worked under him. After abandoning the river life he engaged in the grocery business in Oregon City, and the fact that he was so well known among all classes of people materially contributed to his success in this undertaking. He became active in politics, and was keenly alert to all municipal affairs, himself promoting the cause of education and good city government. Politically a Democrat, he was liberal and broad-minded, and thought more of the man than of the party which he represented. At Canemah, Ore., in 1867, Captain Fields was united in marriage with Clara Strickler, who was born in Clariontown, Clarion county, Pa., July 18, 1843, a daughter of George Strickler, who was also born in Pennsylvania, and who was a contractor and builder by occupation. Mr. Strickler came across the plains to Oregon in 1852, settling with his family in Portland, where he engaged in the hotel business, and conducted a similar occupation after removing to Dayton, Yamhill county. For twenty years he was the genial proprietor of the Dayton hotel, and during that time was one of the most familiar figures in the community, as well as one of the most prominent and influential. In 1865 he transferred his interests to Canemah, Ore., where he engaged in the same business, and where he died in 1898, at the age of seventy-three years. He married Eliza N. Jacobs, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and who bore him several children, three of whom attained maturity, and two of whom are living: Maggie is now Mrs. E. S. Elliott, her husband being an engineer on the Southern Pacific railroad. Mrs. Fields was educated in Dayton, Yamhill county, Ore., and lived there up to the time of her marriage in 1867. Transcriber's additional notes: "History of the Columbia River Valley, From The Dalles to the Sea" Author: Fred Lockley S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.; 1928; Vol. 1, Page 163 With steadily increasing business on the upper Willamette, nearly every year witnessed the launching of one or more steamers, although nearly all of them were small craft and either poorly constructed or poorly equipped. In 1859, the Yamhill Steamboat Company, composed of J. D. Miller, E. B. Fellows, George LaRoeque, Albert Epperly, John B. Piettete and Thomas R. Fields, purchased the little steamer St. Claire which Green Davidson and John Davis had built at Rays Landing. The St. Claire never amounted to much as a carrier, but won lasting fame as the only steamboat that was successfully sent over the falls at Oregon City. This feat was accomplished in 1861, with Capt. George W. Taylor in command. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in April 2008 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.