"History of Steuben County" (known as the 1885 History of Steuben County)
p. 447
"Oscar F. Rakestraw was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, Oct. 30, 1849, the
son of Caleb and Elezan R. Rakestraw, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye
State. Caleb Rakestraw was for several years a carpenter, but came to Steuben
County in 1858, settling near Metz, and engaged in farming. In addition,
he also keeps a hotel. His wife died in 1874, leaving four children. The
oldest is Oscar F. The others are Mrs. Richard Gale, living west of Angola;
Mrs.. John Dustman, of Coldwater, and Mrs. Anna Dunham, of Angola. The subject
of this brief biography attended the district school, and also, in 1864, studied
for a time at Hillsdale. Afterward he was at school at Angola. Entering the
Angola postoffice during the incumbency of Alfred Osborn, he served as assistant
until 1871. In that year he commenced working as an insurance agent, being
thus engaged until 1877, except one winter spent at Hillsdale College. In
1877 he entered the Republican office, and in June, 1880, he once more engaged
in the insurance business, in the employ of the Connecticut General, of Hartford.
He was special agent for this company from June, 1880, til March, 1883, going
to New England in December, 1882, and traveling there until forced by illness
to abandon the work. In the meantime, November, 1881, he assisted in the
establishment of the Journal, with which he continued his connection while
engaged in the insurance business. Since March, 1883, he has given his entire
time to the Journal, and to its successor, the Republican. He was married
June 10, 1879, to Melissa Cline, daughter of Michael and Barbara Cline, of
Angola. Mr. and Mrs. Rakestraw are members of the Desciples' or Christian
church."
Submitted By: Theresa Ferguson