Oakmans have been living in County Armagh from at least the early 1700s. With Armagh and Antrim being such close neighbours it would not be surprising to learn that the Oakman families in each of these counties were related in some way. Proving this may never be possible, but certainly worth attempting!
Take a look at a map of Northern Ireland and you will see just how close all the Oakman families lived to one another.
Oakmans in Armagh County in the 1700s
1714
- Robert and Thomas Oakman are listed as Presbyterian sub-tenants of Armagh Archdiocese, County Armagh.
- Thomas Oakman is listed on the 1714 Armagh Rent Rolls (T729(3) page 124, Knockineaglr(?), County Armagh
(source: PRONI Person Index).
1753
- William Oakman was a Freeholder with land in Drumcocks, Co Armagh
(source: PRONI Freeholder Records)
1758
- Walter Oakman, late of Killymuddy, died about 1758
(source: Pre 1858 Wills and Admons, Armagh Diocesan Administration Books)
1770
- In 1770, John Oakman and George Oakman, Presbyterian, Armagh City
(source: Armagh City List of Inhabitants 1770 – PRONI T1228/1). - William Oakman and Isaac Oakman of County Armagh, emigrated to America in the 1770s.
1780
- John Oakman, Merchant of New York – indenture regarding some land in Co Armagh
1781
- John (Jack) Oakman writes a letter from Liverpool to his uncle in Ireland (source: PRONI D874/9):
Liverpool 31st March 1781
Dear Uncle,
Since my Last I have recd. your very obldg favr. Incloseing one from Harry and I expect before you Receive this you will have forwarded Another from him to me As there is a Ship arrived Lately with Dispatches from N:Y:
Peter Shusy is very well & Doing very well I recd. a Letter Billy on my arrival here Davd. [dated?] Cove of Cork the 2d Feby. He had only been ten Days there at that time & He Informs me his Close [clothes?] is all [Pledged?] In Cork & requests I will send him Money to Release them which I shant Do. He is the old Lad Still. I stay here to the Fall and then will have a ship of my own to go out in, there is a vessel to be sold here next month which I intend to Purchase 1/2 of & send her out. I leave this town for Staffordshire in a few Days to Purchase Ware Please to let my Aunt know I will Purchase Hers there & Perhaps in the Course of this Summer I will have it in my Power to Help you mutch in that Branch if you think it will answer/ this town at this time is very Dull of buisness [business?] as there is little or know [no?] Shipping here I beg you will write me often & alwais [always?] forward any letters may come for me the same Day the [they?] Arrive Get Lalors Bill from Mr. Megough & Inclose it to me I have the Pleasure to be your sincere Friend
Jno. Oakman
Direct No 45 Cabel Street
1785
Mr John Oakman died at Armagh.
Belfast Newsletter 5 April 1785
1819
Freeholder records dated 6 April 1819, for the Barony of O’Neiland-East, list William Oakman of Annaghmore leasing houses from Nicholas A Cope, Esq. Names of Lives or other Tenure : Duke & Duchess of York.