George and Cornell
35
Apparently, the blinding was the result of a fishing accident.46 “Family folk lore reveals that salt water got into his eyes and then the hot sun damaged his eyes.”47 He nonetheless became a leading lawyer in the area. The previously quoted obituaries noted: “He built up a large law practice among the colored and white population in Hampton.” At least for some time his law offices were on King Street, but at later times he operated out of an office in his home. He popped up regularly in the newspaper. He represented Eliza Baker in a divorce case,48 and Gertrude Lively in another.49 He represented the victim in a successful criminal-assault prosecution.50 He often appeared as defense counsel.51 “In one case [from 1916], Fields represented Patrick Henry, a black mail carrier charged with shooting his son. Based on the testimony of Mr. Henry, Fields was able to
46
See Engs, supra note 17, at 158.
47
E-mail from Lynne Scott Jackson to Kevin M. Clermont (June 18, 2012, 21:16 EST). 48
See Suit for Divorce, Daily Press (Newport News), Apr. 6, 1905,
at 6. 49
See Negro Minister in “Pen,” Wife Sues for Divorce, Daily Press (Newport News), May 10, 1908, at 5. 50
See Used Bottle on Pennick, Daily Press (Newport News), Sept. 19, 1905, at 7. 51
See Fined Fifty Dollars, Daily Press (Newport News), May 11, 1898, at 3 (prostitution); Will Plead Self Defense, Daily Press (Newport News), May 13, 1898, at 3 (shooting death); The Story of the Murder of Artilleryman Now Rehearsed, Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk), Apr. 14, 1900, at 8 (complicity in murder); Gathright and Jones Are Each Fined $50, Daily Press (Newport News), Aug. 17, 1910, at 4 (selling whiskey without a license); Negro Officer Fined, Daily Press (Newport News), Oct. 20, 1910, at 5 (gambling “at Bay Shore, the negro resort”).