Mary Ann TEAGARDEN

  General Notes:

Tintype: What may be the only image of Mary Ann (Teagarden) Fields, 1813-1878, is preserved on an original tintype, gift to DeeAnna Allum Granston in 1965 from Mary Ann's granddaughter, Bonnie Darr Fields, 1882-1967. Mary Ann was a member of the well-known and well-documented Teagarden family of Pennsylvania, including Washington and Greene counties.



Bonnie Darr Fields (1882-1967), February 14, 1965 letter to DeeAnna:

"I found a tin-type of Grandma Fields that I am sending, plus others. Do not return them or the story of my life. I am so glad to have a place for them."



LETTERS: Among original letters written by Sarah "Emma" L. (Meacham) Fields--Mrs. Alexander Teagarden Fields--are the letters below. The one dated September 13, 1878, describes "Grandma Fields" (Mary Ann Teagarden Fields) ten days prior to Mary Ann's death on September 23. "Emma" was Mary Ann's daughter-in-law. (Original letters in possession of DeeAnna Allum Granston)


The following undated and unsigned letter was written by Emma, likely to her sister Matilda. Emma mentions [Ulysses S.] Grant. The best clue to the year of this letter is Emma's reference to Mrs. Huston, as follows: "I saw Mrs. Huston once since we were married. She gave me the most motherly kiss and good wishes." Emma and Alex were married in December, 1867, which means the letter was likely written in 1868.

We have only been to church once since we came here, so we spend our Sabbaths reading. Father is going to send me the PACIFIC ADVOCATE after he has read it; I like it better than our Chicago paper. We take the CHICAGO REPUBLICAN AND JOURNAL, so we have plenty of reading matter, and as we have the P. O. it furnishes still more. Alex is so strong a Republican he will hardly touch the TIMES or any Democrat paper. I would read them all if I had time; you know I am no politician, though, like you. Wish I could hear you and Alex talk--you would agree too well, though, for argument. He is in a sad dilemma just now politically, for he says if Grant is nominated he will not vote for him. He knew him personally in the Army and says he can never forgive some of his behavior to our soldiers, but I think when the time comes rather than kill his Father's (Democrat) vote, he will go for Grant, for you know Father Fields [Lewis Fields ca 1812-ca 1902], is a strong Democrat, votes copperhead ticket clear through. I always dread to hear them commence on politics, for though they do not quarrel they cannot agree on anything. You would laugh to hear me crow over Mother Fields [Mary Ann Teagarden Fields, 1813-1878] about her Republican son forsaking the Democracy of his mother after her having faithfully instilled Democracy into his mind from childhood. Well, she will say, he may see the errors of his ways yet and turn to "right" again. We have considerable sport but no hard feelings over our differences of opinion, but that is enough on this subject. You will think this "Boy" of mine, as I call him, absorbs all my thoughts, which is not quite the case.

So now for other friends--I saw Mrs. Huston once since we were married. She gave me the most motherly kiss and good wishes.

****

Koszta
January 7, 1874

My Precious Sister,

How truly glad I was to hear from you once again. I will be honest with you, Sister--I did not write because I thought you did not care to get so many letters as you wrote so few, though when the evening I had set aside to be always given to the dear homefolks came around, I could hardly stand it I wanted to write so bad. So to keep you from being uneasy the next week I sent a postal card. I was so glad to hear from Alfred and dear, trusting little Nellie--what faith and what a letter for a child. Bless her dear little heart. Her prayers will save her papa if my weak, unworthy petitions can't. We are in the midst of a protracted meeting. As yet no converts and only three seekers, not because our pastors have failed in their duty, for such prayers, exhortations and sermons would melt any heart, it seems. They are having a glorious revival in Marengo, and we are trusting we will have yet. Alex enjoys the meetings so much. He is on the mountain top working, praying, or any duty that calls. How thankful, oh how grateful my heart is for the rest, the peace and joy of me and mine Christmas Day. Mother Fields had a family reunion, a nice time for us all. New Years we spent at home. Rachel and Maria came down. The little mittens came just in time for Santa Claus in the evening. Were they meant for Gracie or Hattie? Gracie said they were for her. Hattie had a canary bird and cage given by Tracy and a nice little apron from Etta Hench. Both little stockings were filled. Besides, Santa Claus came in person. Such fun for little hearts. Aunty Hustons had a New Years dinner for their children hoping to have a reconciliation, but Tilla and Emma did not speak at all. Too bad. Little Tilla was here sweet as she could cook. Emma doesn't go out much. She isn't so much like Aunt Emma in figure and form as she hoped to be.

Goodbye. Write me soon. Alex can't tell you yet when we can go to see you. I won't wait much longer, for I want to see all of you so much. Love for all the dear ones.

In love and sympathy,
Your sister Emma

****

Koszta, Iowa
September 13, 1878

Dear Sister,

Again it is Saturday night and an hour of leisure is happily mine, for the work of the day and week is done. Two little fat girls have had their bath, soothed and petted until both have forgotten childish griefs in sweet, refreshing slumber. Neither of them have been very well today, but I guess they have played too hard. Dear little Nellie, she is just as merry and frisky as before she was sick, but it seems to me since I can scarcely bear her out of my sight I am so afraid something will befall her. I did not write you about her having spasms again because I did not want to alarm you or Gracie, and I hope she will not hear of it, for I want her to have a good time. She first had chills, then a terrible fever, and then the spasms. Alex was in Marengo the first time, and you can imagine how I suffered. The next day he was here it almost made me down sick. I cannot bear it to see her suffer so, and I do hope she may never have to endure such agony again. She said to Hattie, "Hat, I'se awful sit isterday (sick yesterday). It hated (hurted) me difful bad. I'se better now." We thought she had outgrown them, and I rested easy about her. Now I'm so anxious about her night or day.

Was so glad to get your postal today. Had been a little restless about Gracie. Am so glad she can read to her grandparents. It has always been my great desire for her to be a good reader that she might in that way add some comfort to their old age. Her Grandma Fields takes so much pride in her reading and writing. She is sick again. Not able to sit up at all. Were up all night last night with her--Katie and Alvord. She asks for Gracie and wonders when she will come home. Thinks another week a long time to wait.

Suppose you have seen Lottie and Forest before this time. I was so glad to have them come and sorry I had to work all the time. Could not get anyone to help me, and I had been so near sick all week my house has not looked so untidy since I have been alone. Well, it can't be helped now, I know. I think just as much of them as any friend can even if I was not quite so well prepared for company. Those dear, sweet children. I could love them as my own. I just wonder if they like us as well As we do them. Alex thinks Forest just a capital good man. I knew he would like him before he came.

There it is Monday night and my letter not yet done. Yesterday I felt so miserable, and then I don't think it quite right to write letters on Sunday. It may be no harm, but it is not pleasant Sabbath employment for me. Today have done quite a large washing and had so many callers-Mrs. Gorby, Mrs. Watson, Mrs. Huston, Mrs. White, Mrs. Elliott, and one or two others. Do you wonder it took me nearly all day.

Was in to see the new doctor's wife this evening. She is quite sick, a dear little black-eyed lady who has known better days. She cried when she saw strangers around her and everything in a heap. She faints every few moments so they can hardly revive her. I did not stay for the little girls were alone.

Mrs. Richardson is quite sick, and Mother is worse today, took worse in the night last night. I do wish Gracie was here, for she is Grandma's favorite and wants her so much. Dear, precious Mother, shall we have to give her up this time. He only knows. She said to me, "Emma, is it not wrong to want me to stay longer? My work is done, and it is only to suffer week after week." Of course, I know our loss would be her great gain, yet how can we do without our mother. Such she has always been to me. ["Mother" was Emma's mother-in-law, Mary Ann (Teagarden) Fields, who died on September 23, 1878.]

Haven't I done well about Gracie to not fret and fuss about her. Glad she likes Mary Miller. Her mother likes Mary, too. Has she been to see Effie Hazzard? Hope she has. Don't fail to go and see Aunt Rachel some, too.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mary married Lewis FIELDS, son of John FIELDS and Rachel PHIPPEN, about 1840 in Pennsylvania. (Lewis FIELDS was born in 1812 in Delaware Or Virginia Or West Virginia, died about 1902 in Mitchellville, Polk County, Iowa and was buried in (Probably) Koszta Cemetery, Iowa County, Iowa.)