Background
Urian Oales was born in England, probably in London, in 1631, and was brought to Cambridge, Massachussets, by his parents, Edward and Jane Oakes, about the year 1640.
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Urian Oakes
Edit ProfileEducation
Urian Oakes received the degree of B. A. at Harvard with the class of 1649.
Career
Urian Oakwes was named fellow of the Harvard college in the charter of 1650. The annual Cambridge almanac for 1650 was prepared by Oakes, who filled the blank spaces with an outline history of the world. On the title page appears the epigram "Parvum parva decent; sed inest sua gratia parvis, " the first three words being a playful allusion to the author's diminutive stature.
Returning to England after three years' tutoring of Harvard students, he became minister of Tichfield. Silenced by the Act of Uniformity in 1662, he became for a time headmaster of the Southwark Grammar School; and then, when the persecution of dissenters had abated, organized a Congregational church at Tichfield. Eventually the Church of Cambridge, Massachussets, gave him a call, which he accepted in 1671.
Urian Oakes is best remembered for his one published poem, the Elegie on Thomas Shepard, which, in the opinion of Moses C. Tyler "reaches the highest point touched by American poetry" in the colonial era. His prose style was flexible, energetic, and dignified.
With Increase Mather and two other divines, he was appointed a censor of the Massachusetts press; but his respect for authorities did not extend to those of Harvard College. Out of disappointment, perhaps, at not being offered the presidency after the death of Charles Chauncy, Oakes became ringleader of those who wrecked the promising administration of Leonard Hoar.
After Hoar had been driven out, Oakes twice declined to be his successor; but while continuing his duties to the Cambridge church, he consented to be "acting President. "
Jasper Danckaerts' depressing picture of the unshepherded Harvard student body was during Oakes's "acting, " or rather inactive, presidency of five years. Only twenty-two students - fewer than at any similar period in the college history - were graduated; but these included Cotton Mather, John Leverett, and the two Brattles; and Oakes did get a much-needed new building, the first Harvard Hall, completed. Upon being again elected president, February 9, 1679/80, Oakes consented to be formally installed; but before having much opportunity to mend matters, he died.
Achievements
Religion
As official orator on notable occasions, he lent the vigor of his English and grace of his delivery to the service of the orthodox cause; for unlike many New-England divines who had sojourned in the old country, Oakes stanchly supported early New-England principles, and frankly regarded "an unbounded Toleration as the first born of all Abominations. "
Personality
Oakes had a high reputation in his day for social qualities, classical wit, and elegant Latinity.
