"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