Today we remember James Park Fielder, Sr., a prominent early resident of Arlington and the namesake of Fielder Road.

Born in Tennessee, Fielder graduated from Vanderbilt University with a law degree before settling near Alvarado in 1884. In 1887, he married Mattie Barnes; the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary shortly before his passing. They raised four sons, although one tragically died in infancy.

The Fielders moved to Arlington in 1906, originally residing on Center Street. A few years later, Fielder purchased a 215-acre farm on what was then the western edge of town, completing a large estate there in 1914. As one of the oldest residences still standing in Arlington, the home became a central hub for social gatherings among the community’s prominent citizens.

Fielder wore many hats: he was a farmer, landowner, and banker who also practiced law, served on the City Council, and held the office of Arlington’s Mayor in 1909. His legacy includes helping to organize Grubbs Vocational College (now UTA) and SMU in Dallas. Devout in their faith, the Fielders were long-time members of the First United Methodist Church of Arlington.

Fielder passed away on May 7, 1948, at the age of 84 following a long illness. Funeral services were held at the family home. Mattie passed away two years later; both are buried at Balch Cemetery in Alvarado.

Today, the Fielders’ former residence serves as the Fielder Museum. Opened in 1980, it is the home of the Arlington Historical Society, preserving the legacy of the family and the city they influenced.

J.P. Fielder Sr. Dies at Home in Arlington
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – May 7, 1948
Newspapers.com

James & Mattie Fielder headstone at Balch Cemetery

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Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 05-07-26