History of North Tama By Daniel Connell April 22, 1897 THE STOKES FAMILY another of the large families of the community who came at an early day and from the first was an important factor and has continued prominent for enterprise and good citizenship is the Stokes family, important in numbers and influences although quiet and unassuming. John Stoakes, the father of the family, was born in England August 1, 1792. In 1797 his parents came to the United States and settled in Jefferson county, Ohio. During the second war with England the subject of our sketch was in the army for a time. He married in 1818 and was farmer for many years; then a merchant. In 1851 he settled in Van Buren county and in the spring of 1855 came to Perry township, having previously entered land on section 2, around which his numerous family gathered. Mrs. Stoakes died January 17, 1870, and he died February 11, 1880. Their eldest child is Mrs. Rider, of Sacramento, California, who has not been a resident here. William M. Stokes, eldest son of John, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, December 28, 1822. He settled on section 1, and like all others here at the time put up a log cabin and lived in it for many years. It was not very large for twelve of them - only 14 x 18 feet, - but those were the days of small things except families. Of their children Matthias, John N. and William are farmers in Clark, enterprising and successful. Mr. Stoakes has a desirable farm well stocked, a good orchard, house and all that tends to make a man feel contented in the decline of life. Henry Stoakes was born May 3, 1829. His farm adjoined his fathers. He was unmarried at he time of coming, but in 1860 married Armilda, daughter of Robert Hough, who had a farm on section 11 adjoining West Union. In 1883 he sold and removed to O'Brien county and in 1886 he went to Nebraska. Elazor Stoakes, the third son, was born March 4, 1833, being but of age when he came here. He, with a younger brother, worked his father's place until in 1861 he enlisted, followed the fortunes of the 14th regiment for some fifteen months and was discharged on account of his eyes. He subsequently married Eliza, daughter of Robert Granger. He purchased land on section 32, Geneseo, on which he still resides. George Stoakes, the fourth son, was born September 4, 1843, being but eleven years old when the family came here. He remained on his father's land, caring for his parents and a sister. He married Alice, daughter of Dryden Barbour, in 1866. When his parents died he came into the possession of the farm and still resides on it, meeting with success.