Among the first families who settled in Mason County, and served an important part in its early history and improvements was the Field family.  Drury S. Field, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Petersburg, Virginia, and born Oct 6, 1792.  The family settled in Mason County, in 1835, on what is now known as Field's Prairie, and here he resided to the time of his death, in April, 1838.    A. E. Field was born March 6, 1823, came to Mason County with his parents, and this has since been his home, consequently he is one of the earliest settlers of the county now living.  His experience includes the pioneer condition of this section of the State, and the transformation of Mason County from a wilderness to its present high state of improvement and its present society.    In early life he read medicine and adopted the profession of his father, and assisted him in his practice.  He afterwards engaged in agriculture.    He was married, in Dec. 1845, to Miss Bessie Craggs, of this county.  They had seven children, four of whom are still living.  Mr. Field is a faithful and consistent member of the Baptist Church, and a lifelong member of the Democratic Party.    Possessed of more natural abilities than usually falls to the lot of mortal man, and also of a good education and much reading, it follows of necessity that he has ever held a position of influence among his friends and acquaintances, and is one whose opinions are sought and relied on by his neighbors.  He is, as might be expected in a man of his strong sense, entirely free from all ostentation and pretense, but a model of genial sociability and neighborly kindness. Contributed by: Mandy Reiley