William Oakman was born in County Armagh, Ireland about 1775. He arrived in America with his brother, Henry in September 1770.
William’s brother, Isaac Oakman, also emigrated to America and settled in Philadelphia as a Merchant.
Confirmation of where William settled has not yet been achieved. There were three William Oakmans in America at this time.
- In August 1779 we find a William Oakman fighting as a Loyalist in the Revolutionary War. This William fought with the South Carolina Loyalists.
- In 1784 we find another William Oakman receiving a Certificate of 3 Years’ Service as Fife Major in the 2nd Georgia Continental Regiment under Lieut Francis Tennill. William received a grant of land for his services during the Revolutionary War. This William settled in Chatham County, Georgia and died in October 1794.
- Yet another William Oakman found with the 13th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line during the Revolutionary War. He received 100 acres of land in Ohio for his efforts, but appears to have sold it. Where he settled is not yet known.