John Oak

Overview

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Service

Mentioned in another story

This story is about someone or something else, and names John Oak.

• The Oak men who served, from Marlborough's garrisons to the Cold War

Family

Parents

• Father: Jonathan Oak 1717–bet. 1784 and 1785
  Unconfirmed evidence: show why

  Why: From the imported family tree; not yet reviewed.

  Review: not yet reviewed.

  What the labels mean

• Parent: Jonathan Oak born 1717
  Likely evidence: show why

  Why: The 1899 Lewiston Journal (secondhand) says John Oak of Exeter was a son of Captain Jonathan Oak; Jonathan's will of 1784 names a son John; ages agree; Pamela Lambert called John her brother and appears to be Jonathan's daughter Millie. Against it, the pension file names no parent, Harvard has no matching John, and the Lewiston piece gives Bennington and Quebec service that the file never mentions.

  Records:

  • Lewiston Journal, 29 April 1899, 'On Maine's Historic Ground'. 29 Apr 1899, Illustrated Magazine Section, p. 20: 'John Oak, son of Captain Jonathan Oak, served in the war for Independence ... died in Exeter, Maine ... in 1842, aged 86 years' (secondhand)
  • Will of Captain Jonathan Oaks, Canaan, 1784. will of Capt. Jonathan Oaks of Canaan, 2 Dec 1784, names sons including John, and daughter Mille
  • Revolutionary War pension file R.7758, John Oaks of Exeter, Maine (widow Abigail, rejected). John Oaks's declaration of 4 Apr 1818 (aged 63; enlistments under Capts. Gilbert, Derby/Denby and White) and 1820 schedule (wife 64, son 20); widow Abigail's declaration of 4 Oct 1843 (aged 83; married 13 Dec 1783; he died at Exeter 25 June 1842); Pamela Lambert's deposition of 31 Aug 1843; Exeter selectmen 2 Oct 1843 (died June 1842); widow's claim rejected (27 pages) (context)
  • Maine Marriages: Sherebiah Lambert Jr. and Permelia 'Millie' Oaks, Canaan, 1787 (index entry; image not seen) (context)
  • H. L. Oak, Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register (Los Angeles, 1906), entries 1, 7, 20 and 72 (record page · view at Internet Archive) (context)

  Review: assessed 10-03-2026; evidence: Published transcription or compiled genealogy examined.

  Earlier: Unconfirmed (10-03-2026, research): Added from research; not in the imported family tree.

  What the labels mean

Wife: Abigail Lambert c. 1760–bet. 1843 and 1844

Likely evidence: show why

The evidence note for this conclusion names a relative who may be living, so it is shown only in the family area.

What the labels mean

• Son: Electrius Oaks died c. 1890
  Unconfirmed evidence: show why

  Why: From the imported family tree; not yet reviewed.

  Review: not yet reviewed.

  What the labels mean

• Son: John Oaks Jr.
  Unconfirmed evidence: show why

  Why: From the imported family tree; not yet reviewed.

  Review: not yet reviewed.

  What the labels mean

Life events

Newspapers

1 newspaper clipping to view here. View it larger, one at a time.

• Sun-Journal (Lewiston, Me.), Illustrated Magazine Section, 29 Apr 1899, p. 20: On Maine's Historic Ground (Captain Jonathan Oak and Nathaniel's tradition).29 Apr 1899

Record images

32 record images to view here. View them larger, one at a time.

• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 9: docket card: John Oakis, private, Col. Bailey's Regiment, 1777, 3 years. Docket card: John Oakis, Private, Col. Bailey's Regiment, 1777, 3 years. Correct.1777 · p. 9
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 10: John Oaks's original service declaration (aged 63, of Bangor). John Oaks's service declaration (endorsed 8 April 1819): the full narrative of his enlistments, the leaf itself undated.1818 · p. 10
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 19: printed certification of the 4 April 1818 declaration, Penobscot Co. Printed certification of the original declaration of 4 April 1818, Penobscot County, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Judge M. Kinsley.1818 · p. 19
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 1: case jacket cover. Jacket: Continental Mass., Oaks, John / Abigail, No. R.7758.1819-1844 · p. 1
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 11: docket wrapper: John Oaks' Declaration &c. Copy, 8 April 1819. Docket wrapper: John Oaks' Declaration &c. Copy. Continued 9174. 8 Ap 1819.8 Apr 1819 · p. 11
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 2: printed pension summary card (Bangor; private under Col. Bailey, 3 years; $8 a month from 4 April 1818). Summary card: Maine, John Oaks, Bangor, private under Col. Bailey (Mass. line), 3 years; inscribed at $8 a month from 4 April 1818; certificate issued 8 April 1819.1819 · p. 2
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 12: 1820-Act schedule declaration, Penobscot Co., 27 June 1820 (aged 66, Bangor). Printed schedule declaration before the Penobscot County Circuit Court of Common Pleas: John Oaks aged 66 of Bangor, referring to his declaration of 4 April 1818 and Certificate No. 9174.27 Jun 1820 · p. 12
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 13: 1820 property schedule (household, total property $25). Schedule of property sworn 27 June 1820: wife aged 64 (feeble), a son aged 20 (sick three years), total property value $25; signed Thos. Cobb, Clerk.27 Jun 1820 · p. 13
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 14: docket card: Abigail Oaks, widow, Act 7 July 1838, rejected; husband died 25 June 1842. Docket card 9772: Abigail Oaks, widow, Act 7th July '38, Rejected; the husband died 25th June '42 (date partly obscured; confirmed on page 15).1843 · p. 14
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 15: Abigail Oaks's widow's declaration, Exeter, 4 Oct 1843 (aged 83). Abigail Oaks, aged 83, of Exeter, Penobscot County, declares her husband lived in Harvard, Mass. when he entered the service, that they married 13 Dec 1783 and that he died at Exeter 25 June 1842.4 Oct 1843 · p. 15
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 16: clerk's certification of Judge Allen's authority, Penobscot Co., 5 Oct 1843. Clerk's certification of Judge Fredc. H. Allen's authority, Penobscot County.5 Oct 1843 · p. 16
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 18: docket card: Abigail Oaks, Me., rejected under the Act of 7 July 1838. Docket card 9772: Abigail Oaks, Me., Rejected, Act 7 July '38; claim suspended on the 1843-44 letter of Joseph Carr.1843-1844 · p. 18
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 20: deposition of Henry Sewall, Sangerville, Me., 25 Aug 1843 (on the minister who married John and Abigail). Henry Sewall corroborates the standing of Rev. Ezekiel Emerson of Georgetown, Me., the minister who married John and Abigail; the witnesses include an 'Oakes' (first name unclear).25 Aug 1843 · p. 20
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 21: certification of Henry Sewall's deposition, 20 Sept 1843. Continued certification of Henry Sewall's deposition by Wm. T. Hilliard, Clerk, Penobscot County.20 Sep 1843 · p. 21
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 25: folder wrapper: certificate of the Selectmen of Exeter on the marriage of John and Abigail Oaks. Wrapper: Certificate of the Selectmen of Exeter, Maine, in relation to the Marriage of John & Abigail Oaks.2 Oct 1843 · p. 25
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 26: certificate of John Cutler and Andrew Shaw, Selectmen of Exeter, 2 Oct 1843. Selectmen certify 18 to 20 years' acquaintance with Abigail Oaks, widow of John Oaks, 'a Revolutionary Pensioner, who died in this town in June 1842', and no doubt of a lawful marriage.2 Oct 1843 · p. 26
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 27: Joseph Carr's cover letter of 10 Oct 1843 forwarding Abigail Oaks's claim. Joseph Carr, Bangor, forwards the widow's claim papers, describing her as very aged, infirm and destitute.10 Oct 1843 · p. 27
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 6: deposition of Jesse Washburn, Town Clerk of Canaan, Me., 31 Aug 1843 (no marriage record). Jesse Washburn certifies there is no record in the Canaan town books of the marriage of John Oaks to Abigail Lambert (Canaan was an unincorporated plantation and early records are lost).31 Aug 1843 · p. 6
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 7: certification of the Washburn and Lambert depositions, Somerset Co., Me. Certification of Jesse Washburn's and Pamela Lambert's depositions by Joseph Barrett, J.P., and Joshua Gould, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, Somerset County.31 Aug-5 Sep 1843 · p. 7
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 8: deposition of Pamela Lambert, Canaan, Me., 31 Aug 1843 (marriage of John Oakes and Abigail Lambert, 13 Dec 1783). Pamela Lambert, an eyewitness, states John Oakes and Abigail Lambert were married on 13 Dec 1783 and that John Oakes was her brother (the file's own reading; the kinship is as she states it).31 Aug 1843 · p. 8
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 3: envelope from Joseph Carr, Bangor, 25 May 1844. Envelope postmarked Bangor, Me., 25 May 1844, to the Commissioner of Pensions.25 May 1844 · p. 3
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 4: Joseph Carr's letter of 20 May 1844 (Abigail Oaks is dead; asks whether the children may claim). Joseph Carr to J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions: reports Abigail Oaks is dead and asks whether her children can claim, the family being very destitute.20 May 1844 · p. 4
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 22: envelope postmarked Wallingford, Vt., to the Commissioner of Pensions. Envelope postmarked Wallingford, Vt., addressed to J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.1846 · p. 22
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 23: John B. Harris's letter of 2 Nov 1846 asking whether Abigail Oaks and Mary Cass are entitled to benefits. John B. Harris, Wallingford, Vt., asks whether 'Mrs. Abigail Oaks & Mrs. Mary Cass both of Main[e]' are entitled to benefits under the resolution of 23 Jan 1845.2 Nov 1846 · p. 23
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 24: continuation of John B. Harris's letter (an unrelated bounty-land question). Continuation and signature of the letter on page 23; it also raises an unrelated bounty-land question.2 Nov 1846 · p. 24
• Johnston, The Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn (1878), p. 235: Prescott's regiment ordered to the Kip's Bay landing (15 September 1776). When the cannonade at Kip's Bay began, General Parsons, probably by Putnam's order, directed Prescott's, Tyler's, and the remnant of Huntington's regiment to march to the assistance of the troops where the enemy were landing.1878 · p. 235
• Johnston, The Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn (1878), p. 67: Prescott's regiment first stationed on Governor's Island (April 1776). Prescott's 'Bunker Hill regiment' is first stationed on Governor's Island (April 1776); footnote 2 prints the General Orders of April 16, 1776: 'Colonel Prescott's Regiment is to encamp on Governour's Island as soon as the weather clears.'.1878 · p. 67
• Heitman, Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army (1893), p. 101: Brooks, John (Mass.): Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant 7th Massachusetts. Entry for John Brooks: captain of minute men at Lexington and Concord 1775, major, and lieutenant-colonel commandant of the 7th Massachusetts from 1778 to 1783.1893 · p. 101
• Heitman, Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army (1893), p. 190: Gilbert, Joseph and Samuel (Mass.): captains of Prescott's Massachusetts Regiment, 1775-1776. Entries for Joseph Gilbert (1st lieutenant, then captain, Prescott's regiment and the 7th Continental Infantry) and Samuel Gilbert (captain, Prescott's regiment, 1775; 7th Continental Infantry, 1776).1893 · p. 190
• Heitman, Historical Register of Officers of the Continental Army (1893), p. 432: White, William (Mass.): captain 7th Massachusetts, 1779-1781. Entry for William White: adjutant and lieutenant of the 7th Massachusetts, captain from 1 July 1779, killed October 1781.1893 · p. 432
• Pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Exeter and Bangor, Me.; widow Abigail), page 17: later index card: Abigail Oaks, widow of John, stamped REJECTED. Reused 1862/1873-Act index card: P.O. Abigail Oaks, Service: wid. of John, stamped REJECTED.p. 17
• The jacket of the Revolutionary War pension file of John Oaks (Continental and Massachusetts service) and his widow Abigail, R. 7758jacket

Sources

• Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War, vol. 11 (Boston, 1903), p. 597: "Oak, Calvin, Winchendon" (Capt. Moses Hale's company, 6 days; Capt. Abel Wilder's company, Col. Ephraim Doolittle's regiment, enlisted April 26, 1775, 3 mos. 13 days). Internet Archive item massachusettssol11mass, leaf 604 Military Citation only Military service
• Revolutionary War pension file W.19932, Calvin Oak (widow Lucretia), NARA M804 as viewed on Fold3 (record id 25086452), 33 pages; p. 4-5 (Lucretia's account of his service). Corroboration: Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors vol. 11 (1905), pp. 597 and 603, entries for Calvin Oak of Winchendon. No URL recorded; repository, record id and page numbers as above Military Citation only Military service
• Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War, vol. 11 (1902), p. 604: 'Oaks, John, Harvard (also given Littleton). Private, Col. John Bailey's regt.; Continental Army pay accounts for service from March 1, 1777, to Dec. 31, 1779; ... also, Capt. Samuel Darby's (2d) co., ... company return dated Camp Valley Forge, Jan. 25, 1778'. Internet Archive item massachusettssol11mass, leaf Military Citation only Military service
• Revolutionary War pension file R.7758, John Oaks (also Abigail), Certificate No. 9174, NARA M804 as viewed on Fold3 (record id 25087424), 27 pages; p. 8 (deposition of Pamela Lambert, Canaan, 31 Aug 1843: she "was at the wedding"), p. 15 (Abigail Oaks, 4 Oct 1843), p. 6 (Canaan town clerk: no record found). No URL recorded; repository, record id and page numbers as above Military Citation only Marriage
• Patterson, The Probate Records of Lincoln County, Maine, 1760 to 1800 (Portland: Maine Genealogical Society, 1895), pp. 149-151: will of 'Jonathan Oaks of Canaan in the County of Lincoln', dated 2 Dec 1784, probated 12 Mar 1785 (Lincoln Probate vol. III, pp. 121-2) Family histories and trees Citation only Death, Probate, Will
• Revolutionary War pension file R.7758, John Oaks (also Abigail), Certificate No. 9174, NARA M804 as viewed on Fold3 (record id 25087424), 27 pages; p. 2 (printed summary card: Maine, John Oaks, Bangor, private, Col. Bailey, 3 years, inscribed at $8 a month from 4 Apr 1818, certificate issued 8 Apr 1819), p. 12 (1820 schedule). No URL recorded; repository, record id and page numbers as above Military Citation only Event
• Revolutionary War pension file R.7758 (John Oaks, Bangor/Exeter, Maine; widow Abigail): widow's declaration of 4 Oct 1843 gives 25 June 1842; the selectmen of Exeter certify 'June 1842'; the Pension Office docket slip reads 'died 25th June '43' (a clerk's slip likely). Fold3 record id 25087424 Military Citation only Death

Research sources

• 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
• Lewiston Journal, 29 April 1899, 'On Maine's Historic Ground' Newspapers
• Maine Marriages: Sherebiah Lambert Jr. and Permelia 'Millie' Oaks, Canaan, 1787 (index entry; image not seen) Birth, marriage and death records
• Revolutionary War pension file R.7758, John Oaks of Exeter, Maine (widow Abigail, rejected) Military
• Will of Captain Jonathan Oaks, Canaan, 1784 Wills and probate