[5] After schooling in Westchester and at North Salem Academy, he moved to New York and entered the mercantile business of his uncle, Hickson W. Field (grandfather of Princess di Triggiano Brancaccio,[7] lady in waiting to the Queen of Italy),[8][9] at 170-176 John Street.

After his uncle retired in 1838, Field assumed control of the entire business, rapidly gaining "both fortune and fame.

[2] On January 19, 1838, Field was married to Catherine Matilda Van Cortlandt de Peyster (1818–1886).

[14] Together, they lived on the northern edge of Madison Square Park at 21 East 26th Street[10] and were the parents of:[8] Field died on March 17, 1893, in New York City.

[20] Through his daughter Florence, he was the grandfather of Cortlandt Field Bishop, a pioneer aviator, balloonist, book collector, and traveler.