Oakman ^of Ireland

James was a "Carter" at the time of his marriage to Maude "Dolly" Ambler, but later took up the occupation of "Hatter", working in a factory in Amess St, North Carlton. Bootmakers and hatters were common occupations in those days, as everybody wore at least one pair of boots and had at least one hat. It is now known that the high levels of lead hatters were exposed to in their trade resulted in many, if not all, suffering mental illness in later life.

James also worked for many years at His Majesty's Theatre in the city, working the lights and spotlights for the numerous shows performed there - including performances by Dame Nellie Melba. He also spent time as a fruiterer, with a shop and residence at 550 Rathdowne Street, North Carlton.

After retiring, James became a nightwatchman at the Indo Tyre Factory in Nicholson St, North Carlton (halfway between Richardson and Pigdon Streets). When the factory was later destroyed by fire James retired from working.

James Thomas began to suffer from Dimentia. He had a fall on 26 January 1851 resulting in a fractured collarbone and abrasions to his chest and shoulders. Family unable to care for him in his "confused and inaccessible" state, he was admitted to the Hospital for Mental Hygiene in Royal Park where he was kept under sedation by his doctor. Reverend Father Catarinch administerd the "Last Rites" on 1 February. James' condition gradually deteriorated and he died at the hospital at 10.00pm on 5 February 1951. Family had visited with him on the day of his death, and his nurse, Margretts, was with him when he died. An inquest was held into his cause of death with the Coroner concluding that he had died of "senility and bronchopneumonia". The pathologist's report indicates James Thomas was 5'7" in height and that he had been suffering heart disease, emphysema and pneumonia.

Dolly lived until 19 October 1958 when she died at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne at the age of 87. Five days earlier, whilst living with her daughter Mary, she had suffered a cerebral haemorrhage, and soon contracted pneumonia.

James and Dolly were buried at Melbourne General Cemetery, grave number RC-D-536.

In Loving Memory of ARTHUR OAKMAN beloved husband of Maisie departed this life 1st Dec 1941 also JAMES Father of above Died 5 Feb 1951 aged 79 and MAUDE died 19 Oct 1958 aged 87 in memory of Charles Chapman Cunningham passed away 18-4-1965 aged 85 yrs R I P

Sources:

• Vic Birth Certificate, 15397/1871
• Vic Marriage Certificate, 1627/1899
• Vic Death Certificate, 5429/1951