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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
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Portrait and Biographical Record of Muskegon and Ottawa Counties,
Michigan: containing biographical sketches of prominent and
representative citizens and of the presidents of the United States.
Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1893

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Page 453

D. C. OAKES, a successful banker of Coopersville, Ottawa County, Mich., and
well known as a man of practical business ability, has been prominently
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
making 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, cul-
tivation and improvement of a farm.  A man of ability, he had received

Page 454

a thoroughly practical education in the schools of Ohio and had taught in
his early manhood.  He was guided by upright principles and was a cour-
ageous and truly patriotic American citizen.  When the Civil War broke out,
David Oakes, raising a company of volunteers, was commissioned Captain and
enlisted under Gov. Blair.  The father served with gallantry under Gen.
Rosecrans, but shortly after the battle of Murfreesboro died from 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 parent's family were Dustin C., our subject,
and Jessie F., now Mrs. H. R. Curtis, of Lyons.  Mr. Oakes 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 honor in 1874.  Immediately following the completion of his studies,
Mr. Oakes taught school for one year, and achieved success as an
instructor.

In 1876 Dustin C. Oakes 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, Oceana
County, his permanent home for a half-score of years.  Upon January 1,
1891, Mr. Oakes removed to Coopersville, and bought his present business of
D. O. Watson & Co., and continuing in the same has 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 degreein that ancient and honored order.  Widely known
and highly esteemed for his business and social attainments, Mr. Oakes is
universally respected and possesses the best wishes of a host of friends.

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