American AcornsIrving Gilbert Oak
1901–1981 · Male · died at 80
- 5 photos
- 32 newspaper clippings, 8 more cited
- 29 records (12 viewable)
- Biography
- Irving Oak's rescue of a fellow lineman
- Family recollection
How to read this page
- Photos and clippings count items you can view here.
- Cited or transcribed records are counted separately.
- Story links lead to accounts about the person; “Mentioned in another story” marks a passing reference.
- Memorial links open Find a Grave.
- A “family recollection” label marks something a relative remembered, not a written record.
- A military-service label rates the record of that service, not the whole life.
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
Irving Gilbert Oak1901–1981Nellie Mildred Russell1902–1948Wife
Biography
Census records and family notices trace Irving's work and home life in Skowhegan.
Growing up in a Skowhegan mill household
Irving Gilbert Oak was born in Skowhegan on August 25, 1901. In 1910 he lived on Hackett Street with his father George, George's wife Lizzie, and five other children. George worked in a pulp mill. By January 1920 the family was on West Front Street: George was a teamster at a woolen mill, Irving, 18, was a conductor on the electric railway, and his sister Nettie worked as a spooler in the mill.
Confirmed About this evidence
The household and occupations come from the 1910 and 1920 censuses. Irving's 1981 obituary and a 1973 genealogy give August 25, 1901; age-based census indexes give 1902.
His father's death
Irving was 21 when his father died on March 10, 1923, after a four-week illness. George's obituary in the Independent-Reporter described a lifelong Skowhegan resident who worked as a piper for N. S. Steward. It named seven children, including “Irvin.”
Confirmed About this evidence
The date, illness, occupation and children come from George's 1923 obituary. A provider index misreads the death as March 17, but the text and a Tuesday funeral show March 10.
Irving's mother is named differently in the two obituaries. His father's calls the widow “formerly Miss Lizzie Flye”; Irving's 1981 obituary gives Elizabeth Evans Oak.
Unconfirmed About this evidence
George's obituary calls his widow “formerly Miss Lizzie Flye.” Irving's 1981 obituary names his mother as Elizabeth Evans Oak. The relationship between those names remains unresolved.
Lineman, husband, father
By 1925 Irving was a lineman for Central Maine Power. At 23, he married Natalie Mildred Russell at the Simpson cottage on Lake Wesserunsett, with the Rev. George L. Thurlow officiating. The Evening Express notice says the wedding took place on a Wednesday evening; the paper of Thursday, July 23, 1925 printed it, so the wedding was most likely on Wednesday, July 22.
Confirmed About this evidence
The marriage is Confirmed by the notice; the day is Likely. The dateline prints "July 2.", probably July 22 with a digit dropped: the other items on the same page are dated July 22 and 23, and July 22, 1925 was a Wednesday. An earlier reading of the dateline as printed gave July 1; that date will be removed from the tree.
In 1930 Irving and Natalie rented a home on Island Avenue with their two young sons. By 1940 they owned a home at 197 West Front Street, valued in the census at $1,200. Irving remained a power-company lineman; his recorded earnings for 1939 were $1,600 for 52 weeks of work.
Confirmed About this evidence
The 1930 and 1940 censuses describe the households and Irving's work. A lineman named Ralph R. Wentworth appears nearby in the 1930 census, but he has not been securely identified as the man Irving later rescued.
A January 1939 funeral notice names “Irvin G. Oak” among the neighbors who served as pallbearers for Arlando Luce of West Front Street.
Likely About this evidence
The name and street make this identification likely.
Widowhood and a second marriage
Natalie, also known as Nellie, died at Sisters Hospital in Waterville on August 4, 1948, aged 46. Irving was also 46. Her Lewiston Daily Sun obituary named their three surviving sons, Allan, Wendell, and Ivan. Two years later the census recorded Irving as widowed, still living on West Front Street and working as a lineman.
Confirmed About this evidence
Natalie's obituary and the 1950 census establish the sequence. The obituary spells Allan's name “Allen.”
On June 30, 1955, Irving, 53, married Fretta Wilson, a nurse at Fairview Hospital, at the Bethany Baptist parsonage. The Rev. John F. Johnson officiated. They visited her relatives in Springhill, Nova Scotia, on their wedding trip and settled at 197 West Front Street. The Morning Sentinel marriage notice still listed Irving as a Central Maine Power lineman.
Confirmed About this evidence
The July 2, 1955, marriage notice gives the ceremony date, occupation, trip, and address. It prints Fretta's middle initial as both V. and W.
His later years
Irving died in a Skowhegan hospital on September 30, 1981, aged 80. His Morning Sentinel obituary described him as a lifelong resident and a first-call lineman for Central Maine Power. It named his wife Fretta, his sons Allan, Wendell, and Ivan, a stepson, three sisters, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His funeral was scheduled at the Nelson J. Smart Funeral Home.
Confirmed About this evidence
The obituary was published on Thursday, October 1, and says he died Wednesday, supporting September 30. The provider's indexed date of October 7 is inconsistent with the notice. The obituary uses the spellings “Wendall” and “Fretta Coburn Oak.”
Family
Parents
- Father: George Franklin Oak 1873–bef. 1923
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
Why: From the family's own chart (a family account); not yet checked against records.
Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: family account.
- Mother: Elizabeth "Lizzie" B. Evans Ames (Oak) 1874–1936
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
Wife: Nellie Mildred Russell 1902–1948 Unconfirmed evidence: show why
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
- Son: Wendell Merle Oak 1927–2010
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
- Son: Allan Eugene Oak 1925–2012
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
- Son: Donald Russell Oak 1930–1930
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
- Daughter: Iris May Oak 1931–1931
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
Life events
| Born | 25 AUG 1901, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, United States of America Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: Maine's birth return gives Irving G. Oaks, born at Skowhegan Aug. 25, 1901, son of George and Lizzie (Evans) Oaks; his gravestone gives the same date. Records: Review: assessed 10-26-2026; evidence: Image examined. Earlier: Unconfirmed (09-24-2026, imported tree): From the imported family tree; not yet reviewed. |
|---|---|
| Died | 30 SEP 1981, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, United States of America Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: The Maine death index (certificate 8108099), his gravestone and his obituary agree on 30 Sep 1981, at Skowhegan. Records: Review: assessed 10-26-2026; evidence: Index or transcription examined. Earlier: Unconfirmed (09-24-2026, imported tree): From the imported family tree; not yet reviewed. |
| Also recorded as | Irving Gilbert "Irve" Oak; Irving G Oak; Irvin G. Oak; Irvin G Oaks |
| Residence | 1910, Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, USA Image: U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 · Image: 1930 U.S. Census, Skowhegan, Maine: Irving G. Oak, lineman for the power company, with his wife Natalie and sons Allan and Wendell. · Image: 1910 U.S. Census, Skowhegan, Maine: the household of George F. and Lizzie Oak, including their son Irving. |
| Occupation | 1920 | Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, USA | Conductor, electric road (street railway), 1920, Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, USA |
| Residence | 1920, Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, USA Image: U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 · Image: 1940 U.S. Census, Skowhegan, Maine: Irving Oak, lineman for the Power Co., with his wife and three sons, at 197 West Front Street. |
| Marriage | 22 JUL 1925, Lake Wesserunsett (Simpson cottage), Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, USA, with Nellie Mildred Russell 1902–1948 |
| Marriage | 1 JUL 1925, Lake Wesserunsett (Simpson cottage), Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, USA, with Nellie Mildred Russell 1902–1948 |
| Occupation | Lineman for the Central Maine Power Company, 1925-1950, Skowhegan, Maine Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: Named as a Central Maine Power Company lineman in a 1925 marriage notice and in the 1941 and 1942 newspaper reports; census and directory entries of 1930-1950 fit. Not proof of continuous service. Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined. |
| Rescue | Helped rescue two people from a submerged car, 23 Sep 1925, Bingham, Maine Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: Central Maine Power's own letter, printed in the Kennebec Journal of 6 Oct 1925, names Irvin Oak, Frazer and Malon Dumont and commends them for rescuing Mrs. Alexina Bates and a companion from a submerged car at Bingham on 23 Sep 1925; it required the company's linemen to learn the prone pressure method afterward. The Portland Press Herald and Evening Express each carried an independent day-after/same-day news account of the accident itself, naming no rescuer. Records:
Review: assessed 10-01-2026; evidence: Image examined. |
| Residence | 1930, Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine |
| Residence | 1930, Skowhegan, Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, USA |
| Residence | 1935, Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine |
| Residence | 1939, Waterville, Maine, USA |
| Residence | 1940, Waterville, Maine, USA |
| Residence | 1 APR 1940, Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, United States |
| Residence | 1940, Skowhegan Town, Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, USA |
| Rescue | Revived a fellow Central Maine Power lineman after an electrical accident, using the Schaefer prone-pressure method of artificial respiration, 1941, South Channel dam, Skowhegan, Maine Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: As the Morning Sentinel's report of his award (24 Feb 1942) describes it. Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined. |
| Rescue | Took an injured fellow lineman to hospital after he was burned by a power line; the accident for which Irving was later honoured, 5 Oct 1941, South Channel dam, Skowhegan, Maine Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: The award reports state the date directly: the Kennebec Journal and Bangor Daily News accounts of the Feb 1942 award both name "last October 5" as the date of the accident, matching the Morning Sentinel's own 6 Oct 1941 report of a Central Maine Power lineman burned at the South Channel dam, with "a fellow worker, Irvin Oak," taking him to hospital. The award report also says the accident happened "last summer" and that the man was knocked unconscious, which the October report does not -- small discrepancies of recollection four months later, not a different accident: the date, the dam, the company and the men's names all agree. Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined. |
| Award | Awarded the National Safety Council's President's Medal for saving a life, Feb 1942, Skowhegan, Maine Confirmed evidence: show whyWhy: Morning Sentinel, 24 Feb 1942, reporting the award. It was the National Safety Council's medal, not the electric industry's: Central Maine Power's first Edison Electric Institute medal came in 1952. The Kennebec Journal and The Bangor Daily News carried the same award on 25-26 Feb 1942, each naming the October 5, 1941 accident; the Bangor Daily News report is word for word the Kennebec Journal's release. Two further papers (the Bangor Commercial and the Evening Express) ran their own distinct accounts the same day; the Brunswick/Bath Times Record ran it front-page with a page-5 continuation quoting what reads as the medal's own citation text, and named Walter H. Underwood, the company's safety director, as the man who recommended Oak for it. Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined. |
| Award | Medal presented at a special meeting, as announced that morning, 24 Feb 1942, Skowhegan Rotary Club, Skowhegan, Maine Likely evidence: show whyWhy: Reports of the award from six Maine newspapers, February 24–26, 1942. The rescue story (linked from this page) includes the available clippings and continuations. Records:
Review: assessed 09-24-2026; evidence: Image examined; Index or transcription examined. |
| Irvin G Oaks to be presented safety medal | 24 FEB 1942, Waterville, Maine |
| Residence | Occupation: Lineman; Relation to Head of House: Head; Marital Status: Widowed, 1950, Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, USA |
| Residence | BEF 1951, Maine |
| Marriage | 30 JUN 1955, Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine, USA, with Nellie Mildred Russell 1902–1948 |
| Burial | Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, United States of America |
| Residence | Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine |
| Residence | Skowhegan, ME |
Family recollections
Family recollection According to a family recollection, Irving left school at 12 or 13 to work as a cook in a logging camp and help his mother with the younger children.
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
- He left school when he was 12 or 13. The departure age comes from the family recollection. The census does not establish when he left school.
- He went to work as a cook in a logging camp. No located record identifies the camp, employer, or cooking job.
- He went to work to help his mother with the younger children. Helping his mother is the reason given in the recollection. Both parents appear in the 1910 and 1920 households.
All the evidence for this recollection · What the labels mean
Census records show him attending school in 1910 and working as an electric-railway conductor at 18 in 1920. His 1940 census entry appears to record fifth grade as the highest he completed. The camp work and his reason for leaving school remain part of the family account, without documentary confirmation.
Confirmed evidence: show why
Why: The 1910 census of Skowhegan lists Irving G., age 8, as a son in his parents' household, marked as attending school.
Records:
- 1910 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 237, sheet 12B, lines 56-62: Irving G. Oak, son, 8, attending school. NARA T624, roll 546, page 12B; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry)
Review: assessed 09-25-2026; evidence: Image examined.
Confirmed evidence: show why
Why: The 1920 census of Skowhegan lists Irving, 18, as a son not attending school, occupation conductor on an electric railway. No employer is named.
Records:
- 1920 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 118, sheet 1A, lines 35-42: Irving Oak, son, 18, conductor, electric road. NARA T625, roll 648, page 1A; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry)
Review: assessed 09-25-2026; evidence: Image examined.
Likely evidence: show why
Why: The 1940 census records the fifth grade as the highest he completed, with the informant mark beside his own name. This rests on a single census answer; no school record has been found.
Records:
- 1940 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 13-61, sheet 18A, line 15: Irving Oak, 38, lineman; highest grade completed, 5. NARA T627, roll 1492, page 18A; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry)
Review: assessed 09-25-2026; evidence: Image examined.
About this recollection 6 statements: 2 Confirmed, 1 Likely, 3 Unconfirmed
Where it comes from: A family member recorded this account in 2026. Its original teller and whether Irving told it himself are not recorded. Who first told the story, and whether it came from the person it describes, is not recorded.
- Remembered He left school when he was 12 or 13.
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
Why: The departure age comes from the family recollection. The census does not establish when he left school.
Records:
- Family recollection: Irving Gilbert Oak's schooling and first job
- 1940 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 13-61, sheet 18A, line 15: Irving Oak, 38, lineman; highest grade completed, 5. NARA T627, roll 1492, page 18A; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry) (context)
- 1910 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 237, sheet 12B, lines 56-62: Irving G. Oak, son, 8, attending school. NARA T624, roll 546, page 12B; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry) (context)
Review: assessed 09-25-2026.
- Remembered He went to work as a cook in a logging camp.
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
Why: No located record identifies the camp, employer, or cooking job.
Records:
- Family recollection: Irving Gilbert Oak's schooling and first job
- 1920 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 118, sheet 1A, lines 35-42: Irving Oak, son, 18, conductor, electric road. NARA T625, roll 648, page 1A; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry) (context)
Review: assessed 09-25-2026.
- Remembered He went to work to help his mother with the younger children.
Unconfirmed evidence: show why
Why: Helping his mother is the reason given in the recollection. Both parents appear in the 1910 and 1920 households.
Records:
- Family recollection: Irving Gilbert Oak's schooling and first job
- 1910 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 237, sheet 12B, lines 56-62: Irving G. Oak, son, 8, attending school. NARA T624, roll 546, page 12B; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry) (context)
- 1920 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 118, sheet 1A, lines 35-42: Irving Oak, son, 18, conductor, electric road. NARA T625, roll 648, page 1A; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry) (context)
Review: assessed 09-25-2026.
- Records In 1910, aged eight, he was attending school.
Confirmed evidence: show why
Why: The 1910 census of Skowhegan lists Irving G., age 8, as a son in his parents' household, marked as attending school.
Records:
- 1910 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 237, sheet 12B, lines 56-62: Irving G. Oak, son, 8, attending school. NARA T624, roll 546, page 12B; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry)
Review: assessed 09-25-2026; evidence: Image examined.
- Records His formal schooling ended at about the fifth grade.
Likely evidence: show why
Why: The 1940 census records the fifth grade as the highest he completed, with the informant mark beside his own name. This rests on a single census answer; no school record has been found.
Records:
- 1940 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 13-61, sheet 18A, line 15: Irving Oak, 38, lineman; highest grade completed, 5. NARA T627, roll 1492, page 18A; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry)
Review: assessed 09-25-2026; evidence: Image examined.
- Records In 1920, aged 18, he was a conductor on the electric railway.
Confirmed evidence: show why
Why: The 1920 census of Skowhegan lists Irving, 18, as a son not attending school, occupation conductor on an electric railway. No employer is named.
Records:
- 1920 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 118, sheet 1A, lines 35-42: Irving Oak, son, 18, conductor, electric road. NARA T625, roll 648, page 1A; image held with the family tree (record page · view at Ancestry)
Review: assessed 09-25-2026; evidence: Image examined.
Each statement has an evidence label. The remembered account is preserved when an assessment changes.
Newspapers
32 newspaper clippings to view here. View them larger, one at a time.
The Independent-Reporter of 15 March 1923 on the death of George F. Oak. It names his widow as 'formerly Miss Lizzie Flye' and lists 'Irvin' among his seven children; it does not say the widow was Irving's mother.1923
'OAK—RUSSELL,' Evening Express, 23 Jul 1925, p. 6: the marriage of Irving Gilbert Oak, lineman for the Central Maine Power Company, to Miss Natalie Mildred Russell, at the Simpson cottage, Lake Wesserunsett.23 Jul 1925 · p. 6
Evening Express, Portland, Maine, July 1925: marriage notice of Irving Gilbert Oak and Natalie Mildred Russell, dated at Skowhegan on July 2. It describes him as a lineman for the Central Maine Power Company.23 Jul 1925
Evening Express, Portland, Maine, September 23, 1925, p. 12. The same-day Associated Press account of the Bingham accident.23 Sep 1925
Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine, October 6, 1925, p. 8: "Power Co. Linemen Are Praised for Recent Rescue Act." The company's letter commending Irvin Oak, Frazer and Malon Dumont by name for rescuing Mrs. Alexina Bates and her companion from a submerged car at Bingham, September 23, 1925.6 Oct 1925
Kennebec Journal, October 6, 1925, p. 8: continuation of the Bingham rescue report and the company's first-aid training requirement.6 Oct 1925
Portland Press Herald, September 24, 1925, p. 2. The day-after news account of the Bingham accident, independent of the company's own letter.24 Sep 1925
Morning Sentinel, Waterville, Maine, January 23, 1939, p. 10: funeral of Arlando Luce. Irvin G. Oak was one of four bearers, all neighbors of Mr. Luce on West Front Street.23 Jan 1939
Evening Express, Portland, Maine, October 6, 1941, p. 5: "Lineman Badly Shocked," a third paper's account of the same accident.6 Oct 1941
Morning Sentinel, Waterville, Maine, October 6, 1941, p. 9: “Lineman Burned In Contact With Voltage Wires.” The report names Irvin Oak as the fellow worker who took Ralph R. Wentworth to the hospital.6 Oct 1941 · p. 9
The Bangor Daily News, October 6, 1941: "Skowhegan Man Seriously Burned," a second paper's account of the October 5, 1941 accident at the South Channel dam, the day after it happened.6 Oct 1941
Bangor Commercial, February 25, 1942, p. 14: its account of Irving Oak's President's Medal.25 Feb 1942
Bangor Daily News, February 26, 1942, p. 12. This award account repeats the release printed in the Kennebec Journal.26 Feb 1942
Caption accompanying the award photograph. Morning Sentinel, February 25, 1942, p. 9.25 Feb 1942
Evening Express, February 25, 1942, p. 5. The report names safety director Walter H. Underwood as the person who recommended Oak and describes both rescues.25 Feb 1942- Irving Oak, left, receiving the President's Safety Award. Morning Sentinel, February 25, 1942, p. 9.25 Feb 1942
Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine, February 25, 1942, p. 3. A second report of the same award, naming the October 5, 1941 accident and, in the same article, the 1925 Bingham rescue.25 Feb 1942
Morning Sentinel, Waterville, Maine, February 24, 1942, p. 12: “Irvin G. Oaks To Be Presented Safety Medal.” The notice describes the award and the first aid for which he was recognized.24 Feb 1942 · p. 12
Morning Sentinel, Waterville, Maine, February 25, 1942, p. 9. The full report of the National Safety Council's President's Medal, awarded to Irvin G. Oak for reviving a fellow employee after the October 5, 1941 accident at the South Channel dam.25 Feb 1942
Newspapers.com - Morning Sentinel - 24 Feb 1942 - 12 Irvin G Oaks to be presented safety medal24 Feb 1942
The Kennebec Journal's own photograph and caption for the award, "PRESIDENT'S SAFETY AWARD was presented to Irvin G. Oakes...", February 25, 1942, p. 3.25 Feb 1942
Times Record, February 25, 1942, p. 1: the front-page report of Oak's medal. Continued on p. 5.25 Feb 1942
Times Record, February 25, 1942, p. 5: continuation of the award report, including wording presented as the medal citation.25 Feb 1942
Times Record, February 25, 1942, p. 5: the close of the report, on Oak's revival of Ralph R. Wentworth of Skowhegan after the October 1941 electric shock, and a note of a similar rescue Oak made in 1925 at Bingham.25 Feb 1942
Morning Sentinel (Waterville, Me.), 6 Aug 1948, p. 16: Mrs. N. Mildred Oak (Skowhegan Local News).6 Aug 1948 · p. 16
The Lewiston Daily Sun (Lewiston, Maine), Saturday 7 August 1948, p. 2 (Obituary Index entry naming Ivan Ray Oak, Allan Eugene Oak and Irving Gilbert Oak; the decedent has not yet been read, so who died is not yet stated here). Full newspaper page as saved.7 Aug 1948 · p. 2
The Morning Sentinel of 2 July 1955: Mrs. Fretta Wilson, a nurse at Fairview Hospital, married Irving G. Oak on Thursday, 30 June 1955; 'Mr. Oak is employed as a lineman for the Central Maine Power Company.' The bride's initial is printed both V and W.1955
Irving's obituary in the Morning Sentinel of 1 October 1981: he died Wednesday, 30 September, aged 80, 'a first call lineman for Central Maine Power' and 'a life-long resident of Skowhegan.' The notice does not mention the rescue or the medal.1981
Morning Sentinel (Waterville, Me.), 1 Oct 1981, p. 14: obituary of Irvin G. Oak (the article).1 Oct 1981 · p. 14
Evening Express, July 23, 1925, p. 6: the Oak–Russell marriage notice on the full newspaper page.
Irving's obituary in the Morning Sentinel of 1 October 1981: he died Wednesday,
Morning Sentinel (Waterville, Me.), 6 Oct 1941, p.
Also cited, with no image here
- Portland Evening Express and Daily Advertiser (Portland, Maine), Thursday 23 July 1925, p. 6, 'OAK-RUSSELL' (Skowhegan item): marriage of Irving Oak, lineman for the Central Maine Power Company, and Miss Mildred Russell took place 'Wednesday evening, [at the] Simpson cottage, Lake Wesserunsett, Rev. George L. Thurlow' officiating. Newspapers.com image 851333494. URL: https://www.newspapers.com/ Newspaper or record reference; read it at the archive or publisher.
- U.S., Newspapers.com™ Marriage Index, 1800s-current Newspaper or record reference; read it at the archive or publisher.
- Newspapers.com - Morning Sentinel - 10 Feb 1930 - 5 Read and transcribed in the research; no image is held.
- Newspapers.com - Morning Sentinel - 10 Feb 1930 - 5 Death of son Donald R Oak The copy held is too small to read.
- Maine, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-current Newspaper or record reference; read it at the archive or publisher.
- Maine newspapers of 25-26 Feb 1942 reporting the award (Morning Sentinel, Bangor Commercial, Evening Express, Kennebec Journal, Brunswick Times Record, Bangor Daily News) 6 articles: 3 have been read and transcribed, with page images held for review and not shown here yet; 3 are known only by headline or page details.
- “Fretta W. Wilson Married Thurs. To Irving G. Oak,” Morning Sentinel (Waterville, Maine), 2 July 1955, p. 12. Newspapers.com image 854743248 Newspaper or record reference; read it at the archive or publisher.
- U.S., Newspapers.com™ Marriage Index, 1800s-current Newspaper or record reference; read it at the archive or publisher.
Record images
12 record images to view here. View them larger, one at a time.
Maine birth record, Irving Gilbert Oak, 1901 (parents George Oaks and Lizzie Evans).1901
1910 census, Skowhegan, Maine: George F. Oak household (including Irving).1910
1920 census, Skowhegan, Maine: George F. Oak household (Irving 18, conductor on the electric road).1920
1930 U.S. census, Skowhegan, ED 13-76, sheet 22A, line 23: Irving G. Oak, lineman, Power Company (crop; line 33 Ralph R. Wentworth).1930 · sheet 22A, line 23
1910 U.S. Census, Skowhegan, Maine: the household of George F. and Lizzie Oak, including their son Irving.
1920 U.S. Census, Skowhegan, Maine: the household of George F. Oak, with Irving, 18, listed as a conductor for the electric road.
1930 U.S. Census, Skowhegan, Maine: Irving G. Oak, lineman for the power company, with his wife Natalie and sons Allan and Wendell.
1940 U.S. Census, Skowhegan, Maine: Irving Oak, lineman for the Power Co., with his wife and three sons, at 197 West Front Street.
1950 U.S. Census, Skowhegan, Maine: Irvin G. Oak, widowed, a lineman for the electrical company.
Maine, Birth Records, 1621-1922
U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989
U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989
Photos & documents
Sources
- Social Security Death Index Birth, marriage and death records Citation only Birth, Death, Residence
Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File - Maine, U.S., Birth Records, 1715-1922 Birth, marriage and death records Viewable scan Birth
Maine State Archives; Cultural Building, 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0084; 1892-1907 Vital Rec… - Maine, U.S., Death Index, 1960-1997 Birth, marriage and death records Scan: family sign-in Birth
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current Burials and memorials Scan: family sign-in Birth
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014 Birth, marriage and death records Citation only Birth, Death, Residence
Social Security Administration; Washington D.C., USA; Social Security Death Index, Master File - 1910 United States Federal Census Census Viewable scan Transcription Birth, Residence
Source Citation: Year: 1910; Census Place: Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine; Roll: T624_546; Page: 12B; Enumeratio… - 1920 United States Federal Census Census Viewable scan Birth, Residence
Year: 1920; Census Place: Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine; Roll: T625_648; Page: 1A; Enumeration District: 118 - 1920 United States Federal Census Census Viewable scan Transcription Birth, Residence
Source Citation: Year: 1920; Census Place: Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine; Roll: T625_648; Page: 1A; Enumeration… - Ohio, U.S., Death Records, 1908-1932, 1938-2022 Birth, marriage and death records Citation only Birth, Death, Residence
Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics; Columbus, OH, USA; Index to Annual Deaths, 1958-2018 - Portland Evening Express and Daily Advertiser (Portland, Maine), Thursday 23 July 1925, p. 6, 'OAK-RUSSELL' (Skowhegan item): marriage of Irving Oak, lineman for the Central Maine Power Company, and Miss Mildred Russell took place 'Wednesday evening, [at the] Simpson cottage, Lake Wesserunsett, Rev. George L. Thurlow' officiating. Newspapers.com image 851333494. URL: https://www.newspapers.com/ Newspapers Citation only Marriage
- U.S., Newspapers.com™ Marriage Index, 1800s-current Newspapers Citation only Marriage
Portland Evening Express and Daily Advertiser; Publication Date: 23/ Jul/ 1925; Publication Place: Portland,… - 1930 United States Federal Census Census Viewable scan Transcription Birth, Residence
Source Citation: Year: 1930; Census Place: Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine; Roll: 839; Page: 22A; Enumeration Dis… - 1930 United States Federal Census Census Viewable scan Birth, Residence
Year: 1930; Census Place: Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine; Page: 22A; Enumeration District: 0076; FHL microfilm:… - Newspapers.com - Morning Sentinel - 10 Feb 1930 - 5 Newspapers Viewable scan Transcription Event
Death of son Donald R Oak - Maine, U.S., Newspapers.com™ Stories and Events Index, 1800's-current Newspapers Scan: family sign-in Residence
Waterville Morning Sentinel; Publication Date: 23 Jan 1939; Publication Place: Waterville, Maine, USA; URL:… - Newspapers.com - Morning Sentinel - 23 Jan 1939 - 10 Newspapers Viewable scan Transcription Event
Description/Note: "Pallbearer at the funeral of his neighbour Arlando Luce, 84, West Front Street (Morning S… - U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 Directories and public records Viewable scan Residence
- 1940 United States Federal Census Census Viewable scan Transcription Birth, Residence
Source Citation: Year: 1940; Census Place: Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine; Roll: T627_1492; Page: 18A; Enumerati… - 1940 United States Federal Census Census Viewable scan Birth, Residence
Year: 1940; Census Place: Skowhegan, Somerset, Maine; Roll: m-t0627-01492; Page: 18A; Enumeration District:… - U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 Directories and public records Viewable scan Transcription Residence
- Newspapers.com - Morning Sentinel - 24 Feb 1942 - 12 Newspapers Viewable scan Event
Irvin G Oaks to be presented safety medal 24 Feb 1942 - 1950 United States Federal Census Census Viewable scan Birth, Residence
National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year:… - 1950 United States Federal Census Census Viewable scan Birth, Residence
National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year:… - “Fretta W. Wilson Married Thurs. To Irving G. Oak,” Morning Sentinel (Waterville, Maine), 2 July 1955, p. 12. Newspapers.com image 854743248 Newspapers Citation only Marriage
- Maine, U.S., Marriage Index, 1892-1996 Birth, marriage and death records Citation only Marriage
- Maine, U.S., Death Index, 1960-1997 Birth, marriage and death records Scan: family sign-in Death
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current Burials and memorials Scan: family sign-in Death
- Maine, U.S., Death Index, 1960-1997 Birth, marriage and death records Scan: family sign-in
- Maine, U.S., Marriage Index, 1892-1996 Birth, marriage and death records Citation only
- Maine, U.S., Marriage Index, 1892-1996 Birth, marriage and death records Citation only Residence
- U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 Directories and public records Viewable scan
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current Burials and memorials Scan: family sign-in Burial
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current Burials and memorials Scan: family sign-in
- U.S., Newspapers.com™ Marriage Index, 1800s-current Newspapers Citation only
- U.S., Newspapers.com™ Obituary Index, 1800s-current Newspapers Viewable scan
The Lewiston Daily Sun; Publication Date: 7 Aug 1948; Publication Place: Lewiston, Maine, USA; URL: https://…
Research sources
- 1910 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 237, sheet 12B, lines 56-62: Irving G. Oak, son, 8, attending school Census view at Ancestry
- 1920 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 118, sheet 1A, lines 35-42: Irving Oak, son, 18, conductor, electric road Census view at Ancestry
- 1940 U.S. census, Skowhegan, Somerset County, Maine, ED 13-61, sheet 18A, line 15: Irving Oak, 38, lineman; highest grade completed, 5 Census view at Ancestry
- Bangor Commercial, 25 Feb 1942, p. 14: "Skowhegan Man Honored / Irving Oak Awarded President's Medal For Saving Life" Newspapers
- Brunswick/Bath Times Record, 25 Feb 1942, p. 1: "President's Medal Awarded Employe of Central Maine" Newspapers
- EEI Bulletin, Feb 1953: Central Maine Power's first Edison Electric Institute resuscitation medal (1952 case) Other documents view at Internet Archive
- Evening Express (Portland, Me.), 1925: marriage notice naming Irving Gilbert Oak, a Central Maine Power Company lineman (clipping) Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- Evening Express (Portland, Me.), 23 Sep 1925, p. 12: the Bingham accident (AP) Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- Evening Express (Portland, Me.), 25 Feb 1942, p. 5: "Skowhegan Man Wins Hero Medal" Newspapers
- Evening Express (Portland, Me.), 6 Oct 1941, p. 5: "Lineman Badly Shocked" Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- Family chart supplied by the site's owner (a family account) Family histories and trees
- Family recollection: Irving Gilbert Oak's schooling and first job Family recollections
- Kennebec Journal (Augusta, Me.), 25 Feb 1942, p. 3: "Awarded President's Medal for Saving Life by Prone Pressure" Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- Kennebec Journal (Augusta, Me.), 6 Oct 1925, p. 8: "Power Co. Linemen Are Praised for Recent Rescue Act" Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- Maine birth return, Skowhegan, Aug. 25, 1901: Irving G. Oaks, father George Oaks, mother Lizzie Evans Other documents
- Maine Death Index, 1960-1997: Irvin G Oak, died 30 Sep 1981, age 80, Skowhegan, certificate 8108099; gravestone 'Sept. 30 1981'; obituary 'Irvin G. Oak, 80, ... son of George and Elizabeth Evans Oak' Other documents
- Maine newspapers of 25-26 Feb 1942 reporting the award (Morning Sentinel, Bangor Commercial, Evening Express, Kennebec Journal, Brunswick Times Record, Bangor Daily News) Newspapers
- Morning Sentinel (Waterville, Me.), 24 Feb 1942, p. 12: 'Irvin G. Oaks To Be Presented Safety Medal' Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- Morning Sentinel (Waterville, Me.), 25 Feb 1942, p. 9: "Irvin G. Oakes Gets President's Safety Award" Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- Morning Sentinel (Waterville, Me.), 6 Oct 1941, p. 9: a Central Maine Power lineman burned at the South Channel dam; 'a fellow worker, Irvin Oak, took the injured man to the hospital' Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- Portland Press Herald, 24 Sep 1925, p. 2: the Bingham accident Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- The Bangor Daily News, 26 Feb 1942, p. 12: "Skowhegan Man Receives Medal For Saving Life" Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- The Bangor Daily News, 6 Oct 1941: "Skowhegan Man Seriously Burned" Newspapers view at Newspapers.com
- Times Record, 25 Feb 1942, p. 5: "Central Maine Man Gets Medal" (continuation, with the medal's own citation text) Newspapers
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