Louisiana AHGP

Part of the American History and Genealogy Project

John L. Oakes

John L. Oakes is a man whom nature seems to have especially designed to be a planter, for he has met with more than the average degree of success in pursuing that calling, and owing to his desire to keep out of the beaten path, and to his adoption of new and improved methods, together with industry and good judgment, he is now a well to do citizen. He was born in this parish in 1856, being a brother of Reuben L. Oakes, a sketch of whom appears in this work, and Lucy, now Mrs. Langford, both residents of this parish. They are the children of Reuben and Margaret (Scarborough) Oakes, the former of whom was born in Alabama, and the latter in Georgia.

John L. Oakes began the battle of life for himself as a planter with but $500, but in the eleven years that have passed he has accumulated about 1,300 acres of land, 600 of which are under cultivation, a fact that speaks louder than words can do as to his ability as a financier. He has the distinction, young as he is, of being the most extensive planter in the ward, and one of the most extensive in the parish. His example of industry and earnest and sincere endeavor to succeed in life, especially in the direction of planting, is well worthy the imitation of men older than himself, as well as the rising generation.

He was married to Mrs. Mollie Collier, a daughter of Richard Cleaver, in 1885, and by her is now the father of two children: Lawrence and Tullis. Mr. and Mrs. Oakes are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Biographical Sketches| Claiborne Parish

Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, Southern Publishing Company, 1890