James Oag
James Oag (c1837-1912) major shareholder in the North Cornwall Railway
1901 Living at Thorndon House, Broadwood Widger, Devon: James Oag (age 64 born Scotland), Farmer and County Magistrate. With his wife Mary and two daughters.[1]
1911 Living at Thrumster, Station Road, Okehampton, Devon: James Oag (age 74 born Wick), Civil Engineer. With his wife Mary and three daughters.[2]
1912 Obituary.[3]
It is with deep regret that we announce death Mr. James Oag, J.P., County Alderman, which occurred at his residence, Thrumster, Okehampton, yesterday (Thursday). As our readers are aware, Mr. Oag had been seriously ill for some weeks. For some years had suffered from slight weakness the heart; the trouble became acute, and it was impossible to give him any relief, though Dr. E. H. Young was unremitting in his attentions.
Few public men in the West of England enjoyed the respect and esteem won by Mr. Oag. The soul of integrity, conscientious in the discharge every public duty, a man of shrewd conceptions, deep insight, and wide sympathies, his word and judgment always carried considerable weight. He was a typical specimen of a Scotsman at his best. Standing over six feet, well proportioned, upright, incisive and deliberate in speech, he might well have sat for one of the worthy Scotch elders depicted Ian Maclaren.
Mr. Oag spent 13 years India as an engineer, and during that time carried out considerable public work, including the construction of a large number of bridges, and report states that all the work for which he was responsible has stood the test of time. his return to England, Mr. Oag took his residence in Devonshire, purchasing a freehold estate at Ashwater. His worth was soon recognised, and he began to take part in public work. Whilst at Ashwater he was made a J.P., and for many years he sat on the Lifton and Okehampton Benches. His services as a magistrate were greatly in request, as he could always be relied upon to take a fair and impartial view of any case brought before him. Very few men were so free from prejudices.
For a long period he had been connected with the Delabole Slate Quarry, of which time of his death was managing director. He was a large shareholder and director of the North Cornwall Railway. The revival of the Torrington to Okehampton railway scheme was due to his initiative. For the past two years he laboured incessantly to secure the necessary capital to commence the undertaking, and only recently he came terms with the largest landowner to secure the required land. was also director several other large concerns, and frequently went to London to attend important Board meetings.
By the death of Mr. Oag, the Devon County Council will lose one of its most valued members. He had been a member of the County Council since its formation. Regular in his attendance, always at the Committee meetings, with a sound grasp the business, rendered invaluable service to the County. He was ever a good friend to Okehampton; as member of the Education Committee he always looked after its interests. The erection of the handsome Upper School buildings, its fine equipment, and its fine staff, always had his cordial vote and support. As a member of the County Council, he visited nearly every part of Devonshire public business. At the formation of the Devon County Council in 1889, he was elected for the Ashwater District.
In June, 1905, when Sir John Spear, M.P., and Mr. E. A. Sanders resigned as Aldermen of the County Council, one seat was given Lord Clinton and the other to Mr. Oag. In addition to being the Education Committee, he was on several sub-committees, the Bridges and Roads Committee, and the County Kate Committee. A member of the Council said he spoke seldom, but was a most regular attendant and could always relied on for his sound judgment when the Council wanted to do business. Mr. was made a County Magistrate in 1893. He came to Okehampton to reside in 1905. A stalwart Liberal, firm in his convictions, unflinching in his loyalty, his service and sound advice will very much missed the Tavistock Division. He was a member of the Tavistock Liberal Association, and often presided over Liberal meetings. He was also a member of the National Liberal Club, Mr. Oag was a member the Congregational Church. was a man very generous disposition, and did much good quietly, He loaves a widow, three sons (only one of whom is in England), and three daughters, I for whom much sympathy is felt.