Bio: Reuben L. Oakes, Claiborne Parish, LA
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville, 1890
Submitted for the LAGenWeb Archives by: Gwen Moran-Hernandez, Jan. 2000


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Reuben L. Oakes is in every sense of the work a self-made man, for the property 
which he now has, has been acquired by his own exertions since starting out in 
life for himself.  He was born in this parish in 1862, to Reuben Oakes, a native 
of Alabama, who came to Claiborne Parish in 1849, a more complete record of whom 
is given in the sketch of John L. Oakes.  Reuben L. has resided all his life in 
this parish, and his first knowledge of the "three R's" was acquired in the common 
schools.  He way always diligent, and improved his opportunities to the utmost, 
becoming a well-informed young man.  When he had attained his twenty-first birthday 
he united his fortunes with that of Miss Ida Bridgeman, of Homer, and began his 
career as a planter, his capital at that time being very meager indeed.  He did 
not become discouraged when obstacles presented themselves, but continued to 
steadily pursue the "even tenor of his way," and the magnificent plantation, which 
consists of 1,100 acres of land, which he now owns, is the result of hard and 
persistent toil, and shows what a young man of intelligence, energy and progressive 
views can accomplish when he so desires.  In 1888 he established a mill, which he 
has conducted with remarkable success in connection with planting up to the present 
day.  The most of his broad acres are cleared, and a goodly portion under cultivation, 
the annual income from the same being large.  The admirable manner in which everything 
is kept about his place shows that a man of sound judgment and unswerving energy is at 
the helm, and here, where he has always lived, his many estimable qualities have 
acquired for him a popularity not derived from any factitious circumstances, but a 
permanent and spontaneous tribute to his merit.  He and his wife have two bright and 
interesting children: Guy and Daisy.  He is a Democrat in his views, and at all times 
supports the men of that party.

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