Simon Fields
Among the first settlers on Ohio Brush Creek was Simon Fields, a soldier of the Revolution, whose grandson, Simon M. Fields, resides at the "Old Stone House" on Zane's Trace, near Dunkinsville. He was one of the founders of Methodism in Ohio, being a co-worker with Joseph Moore, the founder of Moore's Chapel, the first Methodist Meeting House in the Northwest Territory. Fields' Meeting House, now Stone Chapel, was founded by him in 1798. He was appointed class leader of the pioneer society of Methodists on Ohio Brush Creek in 1799, and retained the office until the day of his death, at his old family place on Brush Creek, eight miles east of West Union. He was a very large and fleshy man, and, like the Revolutionary fathers, had positive opinions which he dared to express on any subject in which he was concerned. He was an enthusiastic admirer of President Jefferson. He was shot through the side by a musket ball while fighting British red-coats in defense of the Republic.
It was his custom on entering a church house to bring both hands to gether, slightly inverted, and say, "Bless the Lord" in a round full tone of voice. He always sat close up to the pulpit, just in front of the preacher, and would exclaim, "That is the Gospel," if passages in the discourse suited him; or "That is not the Gospel, brother; preach the Gospel!" if the discourse did not meet his approval. He is buried in the family burial place on his old homestead on Ohio Brush Creek. His grandson, Simon M. Fields, erected a monument to mark his resting place on which is the following inscription: "Simon Fields, born November 9, 1757; died November 9, 1832, 'O, that men would pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting.' A faithful soldier of the Revolutionary War."
Simon Fields had a son, Wesley, who died under peculiar circumstances. He had enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812. and was ready to go to the front. His horse was saddled and hitched in front of his home while he was bidding farewell to the family. He took suddenly ill and expired in a short time.
From History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900