Alexander Pope Field

Alexander Pope Field (November 30, 1800 – August 19, 1876) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 21st Attorney General of Louisiana, the 6th Illinois Secretary of State, and the 4th Secretary of the Wisconsin Territory. His party affiliation shifted during his career.

Early life and education Born on November 30, 1800, in Louisville, Kentucky. He moved to Jonesboro, Illinois, studied law, and was admitted to the Illinois bar. His uncle was judge Nathaniel Pope.

Career From 1822 until 1828, Field served in the Illinois House of Representatives as a Democrat and supported Andrew Jackson. He later became a Whig.

He served in the United States Army including in the Black Hawk War of 1832 and was brigade inspector. From 1829 until 1840, he served as Illinois Secretary of State. He then moved to Saint Louis, Missouri, in 1845.

In 1849, Field moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1864 during the American Civil War, Field was elected to U.S. Congress in the second district of Louisiana, however he was not allowed to take his seat. Field assaulted Hon. William D. Kelley from Pennsylvania with a penknife. Maximilian F. Bonzano was also elected to the 38th United States Congress the same year in 1864 for the first district of Louisiana, and Bonzano was also not allowed to take his seat after the assault.

Field was elected Louisiana Attorney General serving from 1873 until his death.