Thomas J FIELDS

                   Thomas J. Fields served in the Civil War as a bugler. He was wounded and was reported to have been killed. Two years went by, as his wife struggled to provide for her family. One spring day she was trying to plow a bull and the bull sulled up in the creek. As she pitted her strength against that of the animal, she looked over the split rail fence and saw her husband coming home from the war. She thought he was a spirit and said, Is that you, Thomas?
He replied This is very much me. This is Thomas Fields. It is said that she fainted and fell into the creek. He brought with him, from the war, his uniform, his rifle and other items. These were kept in a closet that he called his 'Relic Room.'
Thomas J. Fields became a doctor. He perfected a cure for skin cancer and had quite a thriving practice. He lived in Union County, Ga., but moved to Mt. Airy to be near a railroad, since many of his patients were traveling by train. His son, Virgle, (and sometimes Virgle's wife, Stella), as well as his son W. Hershel, who lived in Gastonia, NC, knew the formula and also treated patients. The formula is unknown today, but family members say it consisted of camphor gum and herbs.
After his death, Dr. Thomas Fields' home in Mt. Airy burned to the ground and all his personal effects, including Civil War memorabilia was destroyed. All  that was left was the marble that topped some of his antique furniture. This was taken by some who lived close by.
Inscribed on Dr. Thomas J. Fields memorial is the following Blessed are the dead who in the Savior died.