From William G. Cutler’s “History of the State of Kansas”, published in 1883:
W. G. OAKMAN, of the firm of Oakman & Clover, dealers in real estate. The present firm was organized in 1878. The junior partner, Mr. S. S. Clover, has been in business at Paola in the same line since 1864. Mr. Oakman is a native of Canada, and was born March 30, 1837. He came to the United States in 1850 and made his home at Lockport, N. Y. about two years, then removed to Detroit, Mich., where he remained nine years. He next moved to Western Michigan and in 1868 came to Kansas. He was back and forth between Michigan and Kansas for several years and in 1875 engaged in farming in Miami County. In 1878 he formed a partnership with Mr. Clover in his present business.
In the 1870 and 1880 US Censuses, William stated he was born in Canada, but the 1900 Census reveals he was born in Ireland. He had obviously spent some time in Canada prior to settling in the US, which raises the question of whether William’s family had emigrated to Canada, or whether he may have been visiting other family there. As he was only about 13 years of age when he first came to the US, it seems likely he had indeed travelled to Canada with his family.
In 1868 William was living in Ypsilanti, Michigan. William, widowed, married Mary A Laselle (nee Hooper), also widowed, on 2 January 1868 at Three Oaks, Michigan. In the 1870 US Census we find William and Mary still living in Three Oaks. They had at least one child, Willie, who was born c1868 but died of Infant Cholera the following year.
On 23 June 1874 William, widowed, married Sarah Wigton (nee Palmer), also widowed. On both marriage records, Williams place of birth is Canada or Canada West. William was again a widow by 1900 when he was living in Pueblo, Colorado.
In 1908 we find William in Folsom State Prison. William had been convicted of Embezzlement in San Diego and was sentenced to two years imprisonment. William was discharged in October 1909. His prison record states he was a farmer, born in Ireland, was 5 foot 8 1/2 inches tall, medium complexion, slate blue eyes and grey hair.
Where and when William died is not yet known.