Joseph W. "Joe" Oakes 1866-1929

OAKES, KENT, DAVIN

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/26/2013 at 23:40:46

J.W. Oakes
J.W. Oakes, an early settler of Jack Creek township, died very suddenly at his farm home there Sunday evening at eight o’clock. Mr. Oakes had been troubled with heart attacks for about two months.

Since moving to Emmet county in 1891 Mr. Oakes had been known here as a progressive and enterprising agriculturist. His interests, however were not confined to his business entirely, but sponsored every undertaking for the good of the general community.

Mr. Oakes was born on March 22, 1866, in Laporte county, Ind., the son of William M. and Anna E. Foresman Oakes. He attended the elementary schools of the neighborhood and the high school at Valparisio. In 1886 he started farming for himself in Ogle county. In 1887 he moved to Lyon county, Iowa, and farmed there for four years. In 1892, he was married to Miss Eda Kent of Polk county. Two of their five children survive. Joseph W., Jr.., who is on the home farm, and Mrs. A.J. Dvain [Davin] of Ft. Dodge. Three sons, Harold, Kent and William Mac have preceded their father in death.

Funeral services are being held today at two o’clock at the home in charge of Rev. Gladstone of Lone Rock. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, December 18, 1929)

J.W. Oakes Passed Away Last Sunday
Had Been Ill with Heart Trouble
J.W. Oakes of Jack Creek township passed away suddenly Sunday evening at eight o’clock. He had been in poor health for some time suffering with an ailment of the heart. A few weeks ago he suffered an attack that rendered him unconscious and his condition was very serious at that time. Since then members of the family realized that death would likely come at any time. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock at the home. Services were conducted by the Rev. Gladstone of the Presbyterian church. The Ringsted male quartette sang a number of songs. The remains were laid to rest in the High Lake cemetery. The funeral was very largely attended as Mr. Oakes was well known and was highly regarded by all.

J.W. Oakes was born in Indiana March 22, 1867, and passed away at his home in Jack Creek township, Emmet county, Iowa, December 15, 1929. On March 6, 1891, Mr. Oakes was united in marriage to Miss Eda Kent at Pocahontas, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Oakes located in Jack Creek township following their marriage and they made their home there ever since. Mr. Oakes was a very successful farmer and was a man of good business judgment. He was a director of the Farmers Savings bank of Ringsted, secretary of the Jack Creek school board for the past twenty years, and was also one of the trustees of Jack Creek township. He was an ardent supporter of the Hoprig church and attended all the religious and community activities in his neighborhood. Besides his sorrowing wife the deceased is survived by two children, Joe, Jr., who is at home and Mrs. A.J. Davin of Fort Dodge. Three children preceded their father in death. Besides the wife and son mentioned Mr. Oakes’ death is mourned by one grandchild, Doris Maxine Davin of Fort Dodge. The deceased always took great pride and pleasure in his only grandchild.

The writer has known Mr. Oakes for a number of years and we entertained a very high regard for him. He frequently called at the office on business and we always enjoyed a visit with him. He was a man well posted on current events and was sensible and level headed in all matters. He had a high sense of honor and was scrupulously honest in every transaction. The wisdom of his years, his good counsel and sound judgment will be missed by his business associates and by his neighbors and friends in the handling of community affairs. He was a devoted loving husband and father and will be sadly missed from the happy family fireside. He was a real friend, one who could be depended upon at all times and he was one of the most obliging of neighbors. He was a Christian gentleman who observed in all ways the teachings of the Creator in whom he believed. He was active in every worth while affair of his home community. He was an upright, honorable, deserving gentleman and the community as well as the members of the family have suffered a distinct loss in his death. The Times extends heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Oakes and her son and daughter in the sad loss they have been called upon to bear. (Graettinger Times, Graettinger, IA, December 19, 1929)