D. C. OAKS

D.C.Oaks, a successful banker of Coopersville, Ottawa County, Mich., and well known as a man of practical business ability, has been prominent connected with various leading interests of his present locality. He is a stockholder in the Coopersville Creamery, and when the building was erected in 1893 was elected treasurer. He is also largely interested in the elevator business of the village. Our subject is a native of Michigan, and was born in St. Joseph County, his parents being among the earliest settlers in that part of the State. His father, David Oakes, was a native of the Empire State, but when only a little lad journeyed with his father and mother from New York to the Westward, the paternal grandparents then made their home in Ohio. David Oakes and his wife emigrated to the Wolverine State in 1852, and, locating in the dense woods of St. Joseph County, the father entered with energetic industry into the clearing, cultivating and improvement of a farm. A man of ability, he had received a thorough practical education in the schools of Ohio and had taught in his early manhood. He was guided by upright principals and was a truly patriotic American citizen. When the Civil War broke out, David Oaks, raising a company of volunteers, was commissioned Captain and enlisted under Gov. Blaire. The father served wit gallantry under Gen. Rosecans, but shortly after the battle Murfreesboro died from the exposure and fatigue incidental to the campaign. A year later our subject lost his mother, so that at the early age of eleven years he was left without a home and had to make his own way in the world after that.

The surviving children of the parents’ family were Dustin C., our subject, and Jessie F., now Mrs. H. R. Curtis, of Lyons. Mr. Oaks passed the days of childhood and attained to manhood in St. Joseph County. Ambitious and self reliant, he worked out by the month to acquire the means to educate himself in the Agricultural College from which institution he graduated with honors in 1874. Immediately following the completion of his studies, Mr. Oaks taught school for one year, and achieved success as an instructor.

In 1876 Dustin C. Oaks and Miss Nora, daughter of Rufus Kelly, of Lyons, were married. For the succeeding five years our subject prosperously engaged in the tilling of the soil. He served as Deputy County Clerk for one year, then soon after entered into banking, to which latter business he has devoted himself mainly since 1883, when he settled in Shelby in Oceana County, his permanent home for a half-score years. Upon January 1, 1891, Mr. Oakes removed to Coopersville, and bought his present business of D. C. Oaks & Co. and continuing in the same as prosperously extended the original interests, and in his present relations with the public enjoys the entire confidence of the community by whom he is surrounded. Although comparatively a new-comer in the village, our subject is now recognized as an important factor in the promotion and development of local enterprise.

Two children, a daughter and son, have with their bright presence cheered the pleasant home. Mr. and Mrs. Oakes occupy a prominent social position and are foremost in the good works of their locality. Fraternally, our subject is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has received the highest degree in that ancient and honored order. Widely known and highly esteemed for his business and social attainments, Mr. Oaks is universally respected and possesses the best wishes of a host of friends.