Mary fields biography
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Dr. David Childs, D.D., Ph.D.
Northern Kentucky University
Introduction
A phrase I have been using with my students in nearly every class is that “African American history is American history.” It seems I have to constantly remind students of this fact. The reason for this is that the way most of us (Including my students) have been taught US history is from a Eurocentric perspective. In this way, the many stories and events in history that involved groups outside of white males (Native Americans, those of Chinese descent, Japanese, African Americans and women) are often omitted from history books. In light of this fact, it is important that we highlight American stories, figures and even heroes that are outside of the mainstream historical narrative. A remarkable figure in US history that challenges the white washed historical narrative is Mary Fields.
An undated photo of Mary Fields (19th Century).
Mary Field’s Early Life
Mary Fields ( –), also known as Stagecoach Mary and Black Mary, was an American mail carrier who was the first Black woman to work for the US Postal Service (She did contract work as a star route mail carrier). Born in the antebellum south, Fields was enslaved on a plantation in Hickman County, Tennessee until the age of
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Stagecoach Mary Fields
By Shelby Amspacher; Intern, Subdivision of Tuition and 1 Services
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Mary Fields
Mary Fields, better known as “Stagecoach Mary,” is both a physical and symbolic pioneer. Not only did Mary Fields traverse the rigorous Montana terrain through rain and shine, but she was the first African American woman to carry mail for the United States Post Office to travel on a Star Route.
Born in , Fields endured a livelihood of slavery until the Civil War. Though the exact location is up for speculation, it is widely accepted that Fields was born in Hickman County, Tennessee. After her emancipation in , Fields migrated north via the Mississippi River. While journeying north, Fields worked as a servant and laundress to other traveling families.
Eventually, Mary Fields landed in Toledo, Ohio, where she found work at the Ursuline Covenant of the Sacred Heart. Fields completed maintenance tasks as a groundskeeper, washed laundry, and purchased supplies. However, Fields had little in common with the covenant’s sisters, for she had a gruff style, frequently referenced smoke and drink, and had a temper like no other.
Due to unfortunate circumstances, Fields relocated to the Ursuline Covenant in Cascade, Montana in Mother Amadeus Dunne, one of Fields’ most cherished individuals, grew gravely ill, and Fields made it a point to care for her. During th