Oates family papers, 1890-1994.
Title:
Oates family papers, 1890-1994.
Personal Author:
Physical Description:
.25 cubic feet.
Abstract:
The Oates family papers consist of biographical information, legal papers, correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings and memorabilia. The papers document the lives and activities of Joseph Oates, Sr., and his wife Lillian, and their son, Joseph Oates, Jr., and his wife Alice. The papers begin with Joseph Oates, Sr.'s mining days in the Yukon Territory and Alaska and conclude with Joseph Oates, Jr.'s membership in the Pioneers of Alaska and his death in 1985.
Biographical/Historical Data:
Joseph Oates, Sr. was born in Adelaide, Australia on May 17, 1873. He worked in a gold mine in Australia until the age of 17, when he ran away from home. He traveled over the Chilkoot Pass and arrived in Dawson City, Yukon Territory in 1890. After mining in the Klondike region for nine years, he moved to Eagle, Alaska. He married Lillian Marks from Huslia, Alaska and the couple had a son, Joseph Oates, Jr. The family moved to Takotna, Alaska in 1912, where they lived until 1942. Joseph, Sr. and his son owned the Joe Oates General Freighting Company in Takotna. Joseph, Jr. was drafted in 1942, and he and his parents moved to Fairbanks where Joseph, Jr. served at Ladd Field. Joseph Oates, Sr. died in 1960, his wife Lillian died in 1972, and Joseph Oates, Jr. died in 1985.
Restrictions on Access:
Access limited to Alaska and Polar Regions Collections research room hours.