Background
Field, David Dudley was born on February 13, 1805 in Haddam, Connecticut, United States. Son of Review David Dudley and Submit (Dickinson) Field.
Field, David Dudley was born on February 13, 1805 in Haddam, Connecticut, United States. Son of Review David Dudley and Submit (Dickinson) Field.
Attended Williams College.
Admitted to New York bar, 1828. Delegate National Democratic Convention, Syracuse, New York, 1847, introduced “Cornerstone” resolution. Attended National Republican Convention, Chicago, 1860.
Chairman New York delegation to Peace Conference, Washington, District of Columbia, 1861.
Member United States House of Representatives from New York, 44th Congress, 1877. Prominent lawyer, 60 years.
Handled litigation following Civil War, Milligan Case before Supreme Court of the United States Court, 1867, Cummings and McCardle cases, 1868, Cruikshank Case, 1875. Counsel for Jay Gould, James Fish, later charged with unprofl. conduct, no vote taken.
Chief counsel for defendant in prosecution of Boss Tweed.
Counsel for Tilden before Hayes-Tilden Electoral Commission, 1876. Counsel for plaintiff in case of New York versus Louisiana before Supreme Court of the United States Court. His efforts effected addition of Article I, Section 7, also Article VI, Section 24 to New York State Constitution of 1846, appointing 3 commissioner to “reduce into a written and systematic code the whole body of the law of this state”.
Appointed one of 3 commissioner (New York State Codes completed 1865).
California adopted all 5 of “Field” Codes. Headed movement for codification of laws of nations.
Visited Europe, attended conferences devoted to international affairs, 1866-1894. An early fighter for international law, published Draft Outline of an International Code, 1872.
Member United States House of Representatives from New York, 44th Congress, 1877.
Married Jane Hopkins. Married second, Mistress.