After the Dutch surrender of New Netherland, Colonel Richard Nicolls, an English military officer, was authorized to establish the Monmouth Tract, which he did on April 8, 1665, and instituted a legal system centered on English common law[1] During a brief period of control by the Dutch in 1673, a sheriff would be known as a schout.
"An Act to Appoint Sheriffs", was approved by the Legislature of East New Jersey on March 1, 1682.
[6][7][8] 1960 Morris J Woodring Royal sheriffs during colonial era:[9] The sheriffs were:[9][17] On May 14, 1884, Fields was chosen as Director of the Monmouth County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders and served for three years.
[23] Fields was appointed to the unexpired term of Freeholder Samuel M. Gifford, who had died in office, and served on the board until May 1, 1887.
While sheriff, Fields relocated to Freehold, the county seat.