Daniel Oaks

Daniel Oaks, owner of the Oaks House at Reed City, and a sloon-keeper in that place, was born Nov. 24, 1835, in Worcester Co., Mass. His father, Joel Oaks, was born in New Hampshire and died in Massachusetts, which was the native State of the mother, Abbie (Pierce) Oaks, who died at East Saginaw in 1880. Mr. Oaks is the youngest of nuine children born to his parents. He was reared on the farm in the Bay State until he was 15 years of age, after which he obtained employ in the factories about five years. He came to Detroit i 1855, and there became interested in the traveling entertainment business, in which he was occupied a long term of years. He came to Reed City, Jan. 1, 1872, and erected a small building on the south end of the lot which is his present location, and which was designated the "Blue Front." In 1882 he built the hotel which bears his name. It has a frontage of 100 feet and is 75 feet deep, is three stories high and can accommodate a large number of guests. The house commands a liberal share of the best patronage. The first floor has three store apartments. Mr. Oaks built his present place of business in 1881. It is constructed of brick, 80 x 50 feet in size, and is two stories in height above the basement. He deals in the merchandise common to similar establishments. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is one of the Council. Mr. Oaks is public spirited and take a considerable interest in local politics.

He was married in August, 1876, at Nowen's Mills, in Barry Co., Mich., to Mrs. Ellen E. Gates. She was born in Allegan co., Mich., and has a son by her former marriage, McGinley Gates.

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