American AcornsNathaniel Oak
1780-1859 · Male
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Sex is as recorded in the family tree. Age at death is worked out from the dates shown and may be a range or an approximation. It is left out when a date is missing or is only a “before”, “after” or “between” date, when the research has found a date Unconfirmed, when the two dates conflict, or when they would mean an age over 110.
Overview
Nathaniel Oak1780-1859Abigail (Cartland) Oak1788–1866Wife
Biography
Nathaniel Oak settled in Exeter, Maine, around 1810, farmed there with Abigail Cartland, and raised eight children. The 1906 family register preserves the fullest account of his early life.
From New Hampshire to Exeter
According to the family register, Nathaniel was born in Winchester, New Hampshire, on February 9, 1780, the son of Nathaniel Oak and Susanna Hastings. At eighteen, he left the family's home in Chelsea, Vermont, carrying his possessions on a stick over his shoulder. He worked on bridges and other structures in Portsmouth and Bangor before visiting his sister Abigail in Exeter. In 1810 he bought a farm there and began clearing it.
Likely About this evidence
These early-life details come from a family history compiled in 1906 from correspondence and memory. They remain Likely rather than contemporary documentation. His sons' death records disagree over his birthplace: Samuel's says Chelsea; Joseph's says Winchester.
Abigail Cartland and their children
Nathaniel married Abigail Cartland of Lee, New Hampshire, in 1811 or 1812. She was the daughter of Elijah Cartland and Abigail Scales. Their children were Eliza, Samuel, Abigail, Harriet, Nathaniel, George, Joseph and Mary. Samuel and Joseph's death records name the same parents, Nathaniel Oak and Abigail Cartland. Joseph's son Herbert later became a photographer in Merrimac, Massachusetts.
Likely About this evidence
The family register gives November 1, 1811, for the marriage; a memorial gives November 30, 1811, and an index gives 1812. Both the year and day therefore remain unsettled. The children's list is from the register; Samuel and Joseph's parentage is supported by their death records. Joseph's August 5, 1828, birth date is calculated from his stated age at death, rather than copied from a birth record.
The Exeter farm
In 1850, Nathaniel was recorded as a seventy-year-old farmer with real estate valued at $6,000. Abigail, 61, and four grown children—Abigail, Nathaniel, George and Mary—were in the household. Samuel lived nearby with his wife Lucinda and their children.
Confirmed About this evidence
The census provides the household, occupation and property value.
The family register remembered Nathaniel as physically strong, generous to poor neighbors and active in the Baptist church. It said he took no public office.
Likely About this evidence
The descriptions of his character and church life are the family's later recollections, not conclusions drawn from the value of his farm.
His will and death
Nathaniel's will, signed February 3, 1857, named sons Nathaniel Jr. and George as executors. It gave Abigail a life interest in a third of the estate, left woodland to Samuel, $100 to Harriet Messenger and $500 to Mary, and forgave Joseph's debt as his share. A codicil replaced a $300 bequest to daughter Abigail Smith with $500 held in trust by her brothers for her needs.
Confirmed About this evidence
The will's marginal January 3, 1860, date appears to be a recording date. Naming a beneficiary does not establish that the person survived Nathaniel; the will provided for heirs of a beneficiary who died first.
Nathaniel died in Exeter in September 1859 and was buried at Crowell Cemetery.
Confirmed About this evidence
The monument and an 1859 newspaper citation support the death year. The register gives September 24 but prints the year as 1851; the separate reviewed profile treats the day as Likely.
Family
Parents
- Mother: Susanna Hastings 1748/49–1801
Likely evidence: show why
Why: The 1906 register (entry 20) gives Nathaniel and Susanna (Hastings) Oak's children, including Nathaniel.
Records:
- H. L. Oak, Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register (Los Angeles, 1906), entries 1, 7, 20 and 72 (record page · view at Internet Archive)
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Published transcription or compiled genealogy examined.
- Father: Nathaniel Oak 1751-1840
Likely evidence: show why
Why: The pension file has the father move in 1839 'to spend the remainder of his days with his son who resides in Exeter', and 'Nathaniel Oak Junr of Exeter' vouched for his identity (images inspected in the saved research). As quoted, it does not say those are the same man; the 1906 register makes them father and son.
Records:
- Revolutionary War pension file S.18534, Nathaniel Oak (NARA M804, roll 1836). Ancestry collection 1995
- H. L. Oak, Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register (Los Angeles, 1906), entries 1, 7, 20 and 72 (record page · view at Internet Archive)
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined; Published transcription or compiled genealogy examined.
Wife: Abigail (Cartland) Oak 1788–1866 Confirmed evidence: show why
Why: Samuel Oak's 1900 death record names his parents Nathaniel Oak and Abigail Cartland (image inspected in the saved research).
Records:
- Maine death record of Samuel Oak, 7 Jan 1900. Ancestry collection 1962, record 162712 (view at Ancestry)
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined.
Confirmed evidence: show why
Why: Samuel Oak's 1900 death record names his parents Nathaniel Oak and Abigail Cartland (image inspected in the saved research).
Records:
- Maine death record of Samuel Oak, 7 Jan 1900. Ancestry collection 1962, record 162712 (view at Ancestry)
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined.
- Daughter: Harriet OAK c. 1817–1818
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
- Daughter: Eliza OAK 1814–1841
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
- Son: Joseph Oak c. 1828–1905
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
- Son: Nathaniel Oak 1824–1907
Likely evidence: show why
Why: The 1906 register (entry 72, text read) names Nathaniel and Abigail's eight children: Eliza, Samuel, Abigail, Harriet, Nathaniel, George, Joseph and Mary. It was compiled by a cousin (close-kin testimony), not from a record.
Records:
- H. L. Oak, Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register (Los Angeles, 1906), entries 1, 7, 20 and 72 (record page · view at Internet Archive)
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Published transcription or compiled genealogy examined.
- Son: Samuel Oak about 1817-1900
Confirmed evidence: show why
Why: Samuel's 1900 death record names his father Nathaniel Oak (image inspected in the saved research).
Records:
- Maine death record of Samuel Oak, 7 Jan 1900. Ancestry collection 1962, record 162712 (view at Ancestry)
Review: assessed 09-23-2026; evidence: Image examined.
Earlier: Confirmed (09-24-2026, reviewed profile): Reviewed label 'Documented', migrated on evidence.
- Son: Samuel Oak 1814–1815
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
- Daughter: Abigail OAK 1818–1883
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
- Daughter: Mary Oak 1831–1905
Likely evidence: show why
Why: The 1906 register (entry 72, text read) names Nathaniel and Abigail's eight children: Eliza, Samuel, Abigail, Harriet, Nathaniel, George, Joseph and Mary. It was compiled by a cousin (close-kin testimony), not from a record.
Records:
- H. L. Oak, Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register (Los Angeles, 1906), entries 1, 7, 20 and 72 (record page · view at Internet Archive)
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Published transcription or compiled genealogy examined.
- Son: George Oak 1826–1857
Likely evidence: show why
Why: The 1906 register (entry 72, text read) names Nathaniel and Abigail's eight children: Eliza, Samuel, Abigail, Harriet, Nathaniel, George, Joseph and Mary. It was compiled by a cousin (close-kin testimony), not from a record.
Records:
- H. L. Oak, Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register (Los Angeles, 1906), entries 1, 7, 20 and 72 (record page · view at Internet Archive)
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Published transcription or compiled genealogy examined.
Life events
| Born | 9 Feb 1780, Winchester, New Hampshire Likely evidence: show whyWhy: The 1906 register gives 9 Feb 1780 at Winchester (a compiled source); the tree's 19 Feb is not supported. Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Published transcription or compiled genealogy examined. |
|---|---|
| Died | 24 September 1859, Exeter, Maine Likely evidence: show whyWhy: The family monument reads 'NATHL. OAK 1780 — 1859' (photo inspected) and an 1859 death notice (index) agrees on the year. The day, 24 September, is the 1906 register's, which prints the year as 1851; the memorial page's typed inscription also reads 1851, but the stone itself shows 1859. Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined; Index or transcription examined. Earlier: Confirmed (09-23-2026, prior research): Reviewed profile: 'Documented', per the monument and an 1859 death notice. |
| Buried | Crowell Cemetery, Exeter Center, Maine Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: The Oak family monument (photo read in the saved research). Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Gravestone read from a photograph. |
| Marriage | 1811 or 1812, Lee, New Hampshire, with Abigail (Cartland) Oak 1788–1866 Unconfirmed evidence: show whyWhy: Sources disagree: 1 Nov 1811 (1906 register), 30 Nov 1811 (Find a Grave) and 1812 (New Hampshire index). Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Published transcription or compiled genealogy examined. |
| Residence | 1850, Exeter, Maine Likely evidence: show whyWhy: 1850 census: 'Nathaniel Oake', 70. Records: Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Index or transcription examined. |
Newspapers
3 newspaper clippings to view here. View them larger, one at a time.
Daily Eastern Argus, Portland, Maine, 30 October 1841, p. 3: "In Exeter, 22d inst. Mrs. Eliza Oak, eldest daughter of Nathaniel Oak, Esq., of that place."30 October 1841 · p. 3
Bangor Weekly Courier (Bangor, Maine), 4 October 1859, p. 3, 'Died' column: 'In Exeter, Sept. 24th, Nathaniel Oak, for fifty years a resident of the town'.4 Oct 1859 · p. 3
Piscataquis Observer (Dover, Me.), 6 Oct 1859, p. 3: death notice of Nathaniel Oak of Exeter.6 Oct 1859
Record images
29 record images to view here. View them larger, one at a time.
1820 U.S. census, Exeter, Penobscot County, Maine, page 24: 'Nathaniel Oake', head of household.1820 · p. 24
Pension file S.18534: Nathaniel Oak's sworn application of 22 March 1839 at Bangor, Penobscot County, Maine, to transfer his pension to Maine, "to spend the remainder of his days with his son who resides in Exeter," with an affidavit of Nathaniel Oak Jun'r of Exeter and Justice Joseph Carr's certificate that the witness is "a very respectable farmer and a person of veracity."1832-1895 · Fold3 page 4 of 21
Nathaniel Oak, application for transfer of his pension from Vermont to Maine, Penobscot County, 22 March 1839 (to live with his son at Exeter)22 Mar 1839
1850 census, Exeter, Maine: Nathaniel Oak (70, farmer, born New Hampshire) with Abigail (61), Abigail, Nathaniel, George and Mary.August 1850 · sheet as numbered on the image
1850 census, Exeter, Penobscot County, Maine: Nathaniel Oak household, dwelling 52 (Nathaniel 70, Abigail 61, and four children at home).1850 · dwelling 52
1850 U.S. census, Exeter, Penobscot County, Maine, p. 119b: the Nathaniel Oak household (dwelling 52, family 58), full-page capture.1850 · p. 119b, dwelling 52, family 58
1850 U.S. Federal Census, Exeter, Penobscot County, Maine: Nathaniel Oake, 70, farmer, $6,000 real estate, with his wife Abigail and four of their grown children still at home.1850
Nathaniel Oak's will, p. 224: bequests to his wife and children, including Mary's $500 and Harriet's $100.1857
Nathaniel Oak's will, p. 225: the will's own execution date, 3 February 1857, the witness signatures, and the codicil's opening.1857
Penobscot County, Maine probate, vol. 21, pp. 224-225: will of Nathaniel Oak of Exeter, dated 3 Feb 1857 (a second scan of the same two pages).3 Feb 1857 · pp. 224-225
Penobscot County, Maine probate, vol. 21, pp. 226-227: codicil of 23 May 1857 to the will of Nathaniel Oak of Exeter (conclusion, with other wills on the page).23 May 1857 · pp. 226-227
The codicil's trust clause: the revoked $300 bequest to Abby Smith replaced with $500 held in trust by her brothers.1857
Will of Nathaniel Oak of Exeter, 1857: names son Samuel Oak (Penobscot probate vol. 21).1857
Will of Nathaniel Oak of Exeter, 3 Feb 1857: signature and bequests (Penobscot probate).3 Feb 1857
Exeter, Maine, town record of deaths: 'Nathaniel Oak. Formerly of Winchester, N.H. Aged 78y 7m 4d. Sept 24, 1859'.24 Sep 1859 · image 145 of 158
Nathaniel Oak's will, Penobscot County Probate Records, Vol. 21: the opening and the marginal docket date, "Nath'l Oak, Jan'y 3, 1860."1860
Nathaniel Oak's will: the discharge clauses for his children, including son Joseph, by then of Chelsea, Massachusetts.1860
Nathaniel Oak's will: the witness signatures and the opening of the codicil revoking a bequest to daughter Abby Smith.1860
Maine record of a death: Samuel Oak, died Skowhegan 7 January 1900, age 83, born Exeter; father Nathaniel Oak (born Chelsea, Vt.), mother (maiden name) Abagail Cartland (born Lee, N.H.).7 Jan 1900
Samuel Oak's 1900 Maine death record, naming his parents as Nathaniel Oak and Abigail Cartland.1900
His son Joseph's 1905 Massachusetts death record, naming the same parents and giving his own exact birth date, 5 August 1828.1905
Entry on Nathaniel (b. 1780, Chelsea, Vt.) who left home at eighteen, settled in Exeter, Maine, and his wife Abigail Cartland; the eight children.1906 · p. 34
Henry Lebbeus Oak, Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register (1906), entry 72 continued, p. 34.1906
Henry Lebbeus Oak, Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register (1906), entry 72, pp. 33-34: the family's own account of Nathaniel Oak's move to Exeter, Maine, and his standing there.1906
Grave marker of Capt. Nathaniel Oak (1751-1840) and Nathaniel Oak (1780-1859) and wife Abigail (monument inscription), 1751-1840 / 1780-1859 / 1785?-1865.photograph undated
Grave marker of Nathaniel Oak Jr. ('Father' footstone), 1780 - 1859.photograph undated
Grave marker of the Oak family monument (Exeter, Maine), Capt. Nathl. Oak 1751-1840 and others.photograph undated
Nathaniel Oak's will, opening and marginal docket date
Oak, Nathaniel
Photos & documents
Sources
- View memorial on Find a Grave Memorial 67475017
A volunteer-contributed memorial page. Its dates and family links are the contributor's; the labels on this page say which ones the records support. - H. L. Oak, Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register: Nathaniel Oak of Marlborough, Mass., and Three Generations of His Descendants (Los Angeles, 1906), entry 72, pp. 33-34 (printed page 34). Internet Archive item oakoaksoakesfami00oakh Birth, marriage and death records Citation only Birth, Death, Military service
- American Genealogical-Biographical Index (AGBI) Family histories and trees Citation only Birth
- Find a Grave memorial 67475017: Nathaniel Oak Jr. (1780-1859), Crowell Cemetery, Exeter Center, with the Oak family monument. URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67475017 Burials and memorials Citation only Burial, Death
- American Genealogical-Biographical Index (AGBI) Family histories and trees Citation only
Research sources
- 1850 U.S. census, Exeter, Maine (NARA M432, roll 265) Census
- Find a Grave memorial 67475017: Nathaniel Oak Jr. (1780-1859), Crowell Cemetery, Exeter Center, with the Oak family monument Burials and memorials view at findagrave.com
- H. L. Oak, Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register (Los Angeles, 1906), entries 1, 7, 20 and 72 Family histories and trees view at Internet Archive
- Maine death record of Samuel Oak, 7 Jan 1900 Birth, marriage and death records view at Ancestry
- Photograph of the Oak family monument, Crowell Cemetery, Exeter Center, Maine: 'NATHL. OAK 1780 — 1859 / ABIGAIL HIS WIFE 1788 — 1866' (photo attached to Find a Grave memorial 67475017) Burials and memorials view at findagrave.com
- Piscataquis Observer, 6 Oct 1859: death notice of Nathaniel Oak of Exeter Newspapers
- Revolutionary War pension file S.18534, Nathaniel Oak (NARA M804, roll 1836) Military
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