J. H. Oakley
J. H. Oakley, photographer, Ravenna, was born in Charlestown Township, this county, December 9, 1842. His father, Abram Oakley, was a native of England, but left that country while yet a mere boy and located for a number of years in Canada, going thence to the State of New York, and finally removing to Portage County, being among the earliest settlers of Charlestown Township. In 1844 he removed to this township, where he continued to reside until some time after the death of his wife, Minerva (Beach) Oakley, which occurred in 1860. In 1865 he went to Indiana, having a daughter residing at Elkhart, at whose home he died in 1867. Their children, four in number, are all living, viz.: Maria J., Julia A., John H. and Mary C. At the outbreak of the Rebellion our subject was among the first to respond to the call for volunteers, and enlisted for the three mouths' service in Company G, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In October, 1861, he re-enlisted for three years in Battery I, First Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, and served therein until December 9, 1864, when he was honorably discharged by reason of expiration of term of service. He participated in many of the important battles of the war, among them being the second battle of Bull Run, and the engagements at McDowell, Cross Keys, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mission Ridge and all the battles of the Atlanta campaign. In January, 1865, he took up the study of his profession, and in July of that year formed a partnership with his preceptor, Mr. Ford, whom he succeeded the following year, and has since carried on the business alone. In September, 1884, he occupied Room No. 4 in the Opera House Block on the ground floor, having a depth of 120 feet, with new skylight and operating room. In addition to his regular photographic work, which ranks among the very best in the State, he is a large dealer in pictures, frames, art goods, etc. Mr. Oakley was married in 1872 to Miss Isodene E. Horr, a native of Shalersville, this county, and has two sons: Harry B. and Warren B. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Encampment, Royal Arcanum and G. A. R.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885