Benjamin Hazard Field (1814-1893)

He was born at Yorktown, Westchester Co., New York, and finished his education at North Salem Academy. Choosing a mercantile career, he went to New York in 1832 and entered the office of his uncle, Hickson Woolman Field. After his uncle retired in 1838, he assumed management of the business, "which embraced almost every industry" and in which he amassed a significant fortune. In 1861, he was joined by his son, Cortlandt, and from 1865 Benjamin took on the role of silent partner as the firm became known as Cortlandt de P. Field & Co. He was President of the New-York Historical Society (the erection of  its fireproof building was largely due to his efforts); President of the St. Nicholas Society; Life Member of the American Geographical Society; Member of the Century Club; Member of the New York Chamber of Commerce; Director of the Atlantic Mutual Life Insurance Company; and, Vice-President of the Bank for Savings.

He was equally well-known for his philanthropy, and "the best part of his life was given up almost entirely to work for others". He was President of the Home for Incurables; the New York Free Circulating Library; the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary; and, the Field Home and the Field Farm Company. He was Vice-President of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; the Sheltering Arms; and, the Children's Fold. He was a Trustee of the Working Women's Protective Union; the Roosevelt Hospital; Greenwood Cemetery; the American Museum of Natural History; the New York Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb; and, the Good Samaritan Dispensary. He married Catherine, daughter of Frederic de Peyster, and they had two children (listed).