William Fieldwick (1848–1906): Racetrack Superintendent Killed by Train

 

Elks Plot, burial site of William Fieldwick

 

Elks Plot 32, Grave 126

William Fieldwick was a British-born American horseman and racetrack superintendent whose life captured the spirit of California’s sporting and industrial transformation at the turn of the 20th century. Born in England in 1848, Fieldwick immigrated to the United States in the latter half of the 19th century, eventually settling in the San Francisco Bay Area during a period of explosive growth and cultural change.

Fieldwick became a prominent figure in California’s thriving horse racing world through his position as Superintendent of the New California Jockey Club, headquartered at the Emeryville Racetrack. Nestled between Oakland and Berkeley, the Emeryville track—also known as Oakland Trotting Park—was one of the most important racing venues on the West Coast, drawing crowds of thousands and attracting elite jockeys, breeders, and bettors from across the country.

As superintendent, Fieldwick oversaw the daily operations of the track and its extensive stables, playing a critical behind-the-scenes role in ensuring the smooth running of race events. Known for his discipline, reliability, and deep understanding of horses, he earned the respect of jockeys, trainers, and racing patrons alike. His work supported the Jockey Club’s rise to prominence during a golden age of California horse racing, when Emeryville became a lively hub of sport, society, and spectacle.

Oakland Race Track

 

Tragically, Fieldwick’s life was cut short on November 17, 1906, when he was struck and killed by a Southern Pacific train. While the precise circumstances remain unclear, reports suggest he was walking near or along the railroad tracks—likely in the course of his daily routines—when the accident occurred. During this era, rail lines crisscrossed East Bay towns, and pedestrian fatalities, though tragic, were not uncommon.

His death was noted in regional newspapers and mourned by members of the racing community who had come to rely on his steady leadership and knowledge. Though personal details about his family life remain scarce, Fieldwick’s legacy is preserved in the role he played during a formative chapter in California’s sporting history.

Today, the site of the old Emeryville Racetrack is the location of Bay Street Emeryville, a mixed-use development featuring retail stores, restaurants, a movie theater, and residential units.