Daniel Oakes, d. 1792-1793, Pittsylvania Co., Va

Published sources give the date of death of Daniel Oakes as circa 1809. The source of this information appears to be a book titlled "Neath the Oaks" compiled by Lonnie L. Okes and published in 1957. Although this researcher has never seen this book, other researchers, citing this source, state that Daniel Oaks is on the 1809 tax list but is listed as "Daniel Oakes Estate" on the 1810 tax list. Which tax list this refers to is not clearly identified. I think I know. The 1810 Land Tax List shows "Daniel Oaks estate" with 228 acres of land. In the years leading up to 1810, Daniel Oakes is shown with 228 acres of land. From this evidence, it was concluded that Daniel Oakes died between 1809 and 1810. This conclusion is incorrect.

Daniel Oakes appears on the personal property tax list of Pittsylvania County from 1782-1792. He is absent from the tax list for all years after 1792. The 1792 personal tax list of Pittsylvania County, Virginia shows Daniel Oakes with 2 horses. In 1793, Daniel is absent but Catherine Oakes, his wife, is on the tax list with two horses. Catherine continues on the tax list through at least 1812. This researcher has not checked the list after this date. Women are not included on these tax lists unless they are heads of household. From this information, we can conclude that Daniel Oakes died between 1792 and 1793.

This conclusion is further supported by the land tax lists of Pittsylvania County. Daniel Oakes is on the 1792 land tax list with 228 acres. In 1793, the land tax list shows Daniel Oakes, dec'd with 228 acres. These records show that Daniel Oakes died between 1792 and 1793 and that his widow, Catherine, was charged with the tax on his property in 1793.

The land tax lists can be very inconsistent on the information provided. Daniel Oakes is shown as deceased in 1793 and in 1810, but not in the intervening years. However, we can safely assume that if Daniel Oaks was deceased in 1793 and 1810, then he is likely deceased in those years between, especially since this conclusion is confirmed by the personal property tax lists.