Oakman, Mamie Moross, 1868-1956

The Oakmans were a wealthy couple who lived in Detroit (Mich.). Robert was politically active and influential. For further information on them see the catalog record for their papers, which are also housed in the Clarke Historical Library.

For information on the Oakmans, see the catalog record for their papers, which are also housed in the Clarke Historical Library. Mrs. Edith Carew poisoned her husband, Walter R.H. Carew, Secretary of the Yokohama United Club in Yokohama, Japan, with doses of arsenic. He died on Oct. 17, 1896. Marie Barberi, an Italian, cut the throat of her lover, Dominico Cataldo in Aug. 1897. Both women were found guilty and imprisoned. The cases were covered in the international press. (Information from the collection.).

For information on the Oakmans, see the catalog record for their papers, which are also housed in the Clarke Historical Library. Clara Ward was the daughter of Eber B. Ward of Detroit (Mich.), whose papers are also housed in the Clarke. Clara married the Prince of Chimay and Caraman. She later ran off with a gypsy, causing an international scandal in 1896. Her husband tried to have her declared mentally incompetent and eventually divorced her. (Information from the collection.).

Mamie's husband, Robert Oakman, served as Pingree's secretary. Oakman was an influential Republican in Detroit. He also served as city assessor and on the state's first State Tax Commission. For further information on him, see the catalog record for his papers, which are also housed in the Clarke Historical Library. Pingree (1840-1901) served in Co. F, 1st Mass. Regiment of Heavy Artillery during the Civil War. He spent time as a prisoner in Andersonville and Millen (Ga.). After the war, Pingree established a successful shoe and boot factory with C.H. Smith. In 1872 he married Frances A. Gilbert. In 1889, Pingree was elected Mayor of Detroit. He was twice elected Governor of Mich., on Nov. 3, 1896 and Nov. 8, 1898. (Information on Pingree from Michigan Biographies, v. 2, pp. 196-197.).