Born about 1762-64; his son Joseph said he was born in Maryland. He married twice and had 14 or 15 children, according to his son.
He was born into a brawling group of frontiersmen, these early Frakes men were driven into new, largely unexplored, unpopulated, areas in their quest for a better life. He was a fighter and drinker and hunter and horse racer and frontiersman. There are many interesting stories told about him. He was a capitol judge of a horse; he was able to win most horse races. He was a breeder of racehorses and hunting dogs. Mr. Frakes was a genuine specimen of a borderer, both in his manners and dress; the latter consisted in part of a blue blanket Kentucky hunting-shirt, with red tasseled belt. His strength, even in his age, was proverbial, and his will not calculated to brook control. He was a true friend and always held the confidence of those who knew him.
First records of Robert his brothers, father and Uncles, were in 1780 Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties, Pennsylvania, petitions to the government. His father Nathan Frakes participated in the Revolutionary War, scouting and protecting the frontier.
In 1788, Robert FRAKES was in Bourbon County, Kentucky, with his brothers and father Nathan Frakes. He married Ellen "Nellie" Griffiths, before 1791 probably in Bourbon County, Kentucky.
By 1799, Robert FRAKES moved with his brother, William FRAKES, to Bracken County, Kentucky, which bordered the Ohio River.
By Dec 25, 1799 Robert FRAKES had moved to Greene County, Ohio, said his son Joseph. According to the "History of Greene County, Ohio," Robert settled near the village of Fairfield. About 1802 his wife died.
Robert was in the 1810 Ohio Census, Greene County, Ohio.
He married a young woman, Margaret Orr, in 1805, in Bath Township, Greene County, Ohio.
In 1810, Robert FRAKES moved to Monroe Township, Logan County, Ohio--3 miles west and north of West Liberty.
War of 1812 service record: Robert Frakes Company: 1 COMPANY SPIES (WOOD'S), OHIO. Rank - Induction: PRIVATE Rank - Discharge: PRIVATE .
In 1820, the census shows Robert FREAKS living in Logan County, Ohio: 2 males and 1 female under age 10; 1 male and 2 females age 10-15; 1 male 16-18; 1 male 19-25; 1 female age 26-44; 1 male 45 and older. He was listed next to Robert's brother Nathan FREAKS.
In 1828, Robert moved from Ohio to Young's Prairie, Michigan, then, according to some sources, took over a claim that had been staked out by Colonel Abiel FELLOWS, who had gone to Prairie Ronde and staked off a claim on Gourdneck Prairie, Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The Colonel then went back east to send for his sons and when he returned, the Frakes' had already taken over his claim.
Robert was a overseer of slaves in Kentucky, and came to Michigan in 1830. He took up land from the Government and settled on the banks of Rawsen Lake, then called Frakes Lake. He was a great huntsman, and has killed many a wild cat, deer, bear and fox on horseback. [Portrait and Biographical Record of Kalamazoo, Allegan and Van Buren Counties, 1892. p. 533-34]
In 1830, the census shows Robert FRAKES living in St. Joseph County, Michigan Territory. 1 male under 5; 1 male 5-9; 1 male 10-14; 3 males 15-19; 1 male 60-69; 1 female 15-19 ; 1 female 40-49.
He settled in Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan in 1831. He had visited the country before then and directed the extended family to head for there.
After a time, the village of Schoolcraft became the point of rendezvous for the "characters" of the new settlement, and they gathered every Saturday from near and far. On that day the ‘Big Island Hotel' was a place of much business, and over its bar were dispensed the various liquid decoctions common to the day and place, while horse-races, fights, and other amusements were progressing outside. The Messrs. Frakes, McElvain, Stevens, Hoyt, Harrison and others were there, each with his retinue of companions and ‘backers'. One old settler said: "I must not forget old ‘Uncle Robert Frakes' who He lived on Gourd Neck Prairie, and any sporting man who ever put up his money in a race with ‘Uncle Bob's' was sure to look upon an empty wallet after the race was over."
In Oct 1832, the first County Court was held in the City of Kalamazoo. It was held in a log cabin; the court records don't show his Roberts connection with the case. There is a 1857 painting, recently restored, of this event (including Robert Frakes and his hunting dog) and it may be seen at: www.michbar.org/journal/pdf/pdf4article1234.pdf
He entered some land, 40 acres on Dec 2, 1833 at the land office, and paid $1.25 per acre. He located in Schoolcraft Township, Range 4, Township 11 west, section 22.
In 1834 he was living in Brady Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. In 1837, Robert was in Brady Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was taxed on 18 head of stock, probably horses
1 Feb 1843, Robert purchased land in Kalamazoo County from the government land office. Section 11, Township 4South, Range 11west.
On Jan 4, 1844, Robert and his wife Margaret sold some of their land to the Schoolcraft Township for Gourdneck Prairie Cemetery and a school.
In 1844, when Robert was 83, he moved to Henry County, Missouri to be with some of his family there. Taken from, "The History of Kalamazoo Michigan," by Everts & Abbot of Philadelphia - 1880, "Robert FRAKES of Gourdneck Prairie, devoted much of his time to fast horses, and at the age of eighty-three years moved west to Missouri, because this country was getting to thickly settled.
26 Dec 1847 Robert died at Henry County, Missouri. Robert's estate was probated in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, but he was probably buried in Missouri. He may have been as old as 87 years.
Some of his children:
Nathan Frakes born 1791, married Susannah Rush, lived in Hancock, Ohio. Died 1835.
Eleanor Frakes born 1804, married William Hunt, and moved to Henry, Missouri
Elizabeth Frakes born 1805, married William Robinson and moved to Henry, Missouri
Mary Frakes born 1794, married Willian Bridges, and moved to Missouri, died 1878.
Joseph Frakes born 1799, married Oscilla Downs, and stayed in Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan, died 1880.
Oliver Perry Frakes, Civil War Veteran, born about 1824, died at the soldier's home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1886. Buried at the Wood National Cemetery there: 2907475.
He was born into a brawling group of frontiersmen, these early Frakes men were driven into new, largely unexplored, unpopulated, areas in their quest for a better life. He was a fighter and drinker and hunter and horse racer and frontiersman. There are many interesting stories told about him. He was a capitol judge of a horse; he was able to win most horse races. He was a breeder of racehorses and hunting dogs. Mr. Frakes was a genuine specimen of a borderer, both in his manners and dress; the latter consisted in part of a blue blanket Kentucky hunting-shirt, with red tasseled belt. His strength, even in his age, was proverbial, and his will not calculated to brook control. He was a true friend and always held the confidence of those who knew him.
First records of Robert his brothers, father and Uncles, were in 1780 Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties, Pennsylvania, petitions to the government. His father Nathan Frakes participated in the Revolutionary War, scouting and protecting the frontier.
In 1788, Robert FRAKES was in Bourbon County, Kentucky, with his brothers and father Nathan Frakes. He married Ellen "Nellie" Griffiths, before 1791 probably in Bourbon County, Kentucky.
By 1799, Robert FRAKES moved with his brother, William FRAKES, to Bracken County, Kentucky, which bordered the Ohio River.
By Dec 25, 1799 Robert FRAKES had moved to Greene County, Ohio, said his son Joseph. According to the "History of Greene County, Ohio," Robert settled near the village of Fairfield. About 1802 his wife died.
Robert was in the 1810 Ohio Census, Greene County, Ohio.
He married a young woman, Margaret Orr, in 1805, in Bath Township, Greene County, Ohio.
In 1810, Robert FRAKES moved to Monroe Township, Logan County, Ohio--3 miles west and north of West Liberty.
War of 1812 service record: Robert Frakes Company: 1 COMPANY SPIES (WOOD'S), OHIO. Rank - Induction: PRIVATE Rank - Discharge: PRIVATE .
In 1820, the census shows Robert FREAKS living in Logan County, Ohio: 2 males and 1 female under age 10; 1 male and 2 females age 10-15; 1 male 16-18; 1 male 19-25; 1 female age 26-44; 1 male 45 and older. He was listed next to Robert's brother Nathan FREAKS.
In 1828, Robert moved from Ohio to Young's Prairie, Michigan, then, according to some sources, took over a claim that had been staked out by Colonel Abiel FELLOWS, who had gone to Prairie Ronde and staked off a claim on Gourdneck Prairie, Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The Colonel then went back east to send for his sons and when he returned, the Frakes' had already taken over his claim.
Robert was a overseer of slaves in Kentucky, and came to Michigan in 1830. He took up land from the Government and settled on the banks of Rawsen Lake, then called Frakes Lake. He was a great huntsman, and has killed many a wild cat, deer, bear and fox on horseback. [Portrait and Biographical Record of Kalamazoo, Allegan and Van Buren Counties, 1892. p. 533-34]
In 1830, the census shows Robert FRAKES living in St. Joseph County, Michigan Territory. 1 male under 5; 1 male 5-9; 1 male 10-14; 3 males 15-19; 1 male 60-69; 1 female 15-19 ; 1 female 40-49.
He settled in Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan in 1831. He had visited the country before then and directed the extended family to head for there.
After a time, the village of Schoolcraft became the point of rendezvous for the "characters" of the new settlement, and they gathered every Saturday from near and far. On that day the ‘Big Island Hotel' was a place of much business, and over its bar were dispensed the various liquid decoctions common to the day and place, while horse-races, fights, and other amusements were progressing outside. The Messrs. Frakes, McElvain, Stevens, Hoyt, Harrison and others were there, each with his retinue of companions and ‘backers'. One old settler said: "I must not forget old ‘Uncle Robert Frakes' who He lived on Gourd Neck Prairie, and any sporting man who ever put up his money in a race with ‘Uncle Bob's' was sure to look upon an empty wallet after the race was over."
In Oct 1832, the first County Court was held in the City of Kalamazoo. It was held in a log cabin; the court records don't show his Roberts connection with the case. There is a 1857 painting, recently restored, of this event (including Robert Frakes and his hunting dog) and it may be seen at: www.michbar.org/journal/pdf/pdf4article1234.pdf
He entered some land, 40 acres on Dec 2, 1833 at the land office, and paid $1.25 per acre. He located in Schoolcraft Township, Range 4, Township 11 west, section 22.
In 1834 he was living in Brady Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. In 1837, Robert was in Brady Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was taxed on 18 head of stock, probably horses
1 Feb 1843, Robert purchased land in Kalamazoo County from the government land office. Section 11, Township 4South, Range 11west.
On Jan 4, 1844, Robert and his wife Margaret sold some of their land to the Schoolcraft Township for Gourdneck Prairie Cemetery and a school.
In 1844, when Robert was 83, he moved to Henry County, Missouri to be with some of his family there. Taken from, "The History of Kalamazoo Michigan," by Everts & Abbot of Philadelphia - 1880, "Robert FRAKES of Gourdneck Prairie, devoted much of his time to fast horses, and at the age of eighty-three years moved west to Missouri, because this country was getting to thickly settled.
26 Dec 1847 Robert died at Henry County, Missouri. Robert's estate was probated in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, but he was probably buried in Missouri. He may have been as old as 87 years.
Some of his children:
Nathan Frakes born 1791, married Susannah Rush, lived in Hancock, Ohio. Died 1835.
Eleanor Frakes born 1804, married William Hunt, and moved to Henry, Missouri
Elizabeth Frakes born 1805, married William Robinson and moved to Henry, Missouri
Mary Frakes born 1794, married Willian Bridges, and moved to Missouri, died 1878.
Joseph Frakes born 1799, married Oscilla Downs, and stayed in Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan, died 1880.
Oliver Perry Frakes, Civil War Veteran, born about 1824, died at the soldier's home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1886. Buried at the Wood National Cemetery there: 2907475.
Born about 1762-64; his son Joseph said he was born in Maryland. He married twice and had 14 or 15 children, according to his son.
He was born into a brawling group of frontiersmen, these early Frakes men were driven into new, largely unexplored, unpopulated, areas in their quest for a better life. He was a fighter and drinker and hunter and horse racer and frontiersman. There are many interesting stories told about him. He was a capitol judge of a horse; he was able to win most horse races. He was a breeder of racehorses and hunting dogs. Mr. Frakes was a genuine specimen of a borderer, both in his manners and dress; the latter consisted in part of a blue blanket Kentucky hunting-shirt, with red tasseled belt. His strength, even in his age, was proverbial, and his will not calculated to brook control. He was a true friend and always held the confidence of those who knew him.
First records of Robert his brothers, father and Uncles, were in 1780 Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties, Pennsylvania, petitions to the government. His father Nathan Frakes participated in the Revolutionary War, scouting and protecting the frontier.
In 1788, Robert FRAKES was in Bourbon County, Kentucky, with his brothers and father Nathan Frakes. He married Ellen "Nellie" Griffiths, before 1791 probably in Bourbon County, Kentucky.
By 1799, Robert FRAKES moved with his brother, William FRAKES, to Bracken County, Kentucky, which bordered the Ohio River.
By Dec 25, 1799 Robert FRAKES had moved to Greene County, Ohio, said his son Joseph. According to the "History of Greene County, Ohio," Robert settled near the village of Fairfield. About 1802 his wife died.
Robert was in the 1810 Ohio Census, Greene County, Ohio.
He married a young woman, Margaret Orr, in 1805, in Bath Township, Greene County, Ohio.
In 1810, Robert FRAKES moved to Monroe Township, Logan County, Ohio--3 miles west and north of West Liberty.
War of 1812 service record: Robert Frakes Company: 1 COMPANY SPIES (WOOD'S), OHIO. Rank - Induction: PRIVATE Rank - Discharge: PRIVATE .
In 1820, the census shows Robert FREAKS living in Logan County, Ohio: 2 males and 1 female under age 10; 1 male and 2 females age 10-15; 1 male 16-18; 1 male 19-25; 1 female age 26-44; 1 male 45 and older. He was listed next to Robert's brother Nathan FREAKS.
In 1828, Robert moved from Ohio to Young's Prairie, Michigan, then, according to some sources, took over a claim that had been staked out by Colonel Abiel FELLOWS, who had gone to Prairie Ronde and staked off a claim on Gourdneck Prairie, Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The Colonel then went back east to send for his sons and when he returned, the Frakes' had already taken over his claim.
Robert was a overseer of slaves in Kentucky, and came to Michigan in 1830. He took up land from the Government and settled on the banks of Rawsen Lake, then called Frakes Lake. He was a great huntsman, and has killed many a wild cat, deer, bear and fox on horseback. [Portrait and Biographical Record of Kalamazoo, Allegan and Van Buren Counties, 1892. p. 533-34]
In 1830, the census shows Robert FRAKES living in St. Joseph County, Michigan Territory. 1 male under 5; 1 male 5-9; 1 male 10-14; 3 males 15-19; 1 male 60-69; 1 female 15-19 ; 1 female 40-49.
He settled in Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan in 1831. He had visited the country before then and directed the extended family to head for there.
After a time, the village of Schoolcraft became the point of rendezvous for the "characters" of the new settlement, and they gathered every Saturday from near and far. On that day the ‘Big Island Hotel' was a place of much business, and over its bar were dispensed the various liquid decoctions common to the day and place, while horse-races, fights, and other amusements were progressing outside. The Messrs. Frakes, McElvain, Stevens, Hoyt, Harrison and others were there, each with his retinue of companions and ‘backers'. One old settler said: "I must not forget old ‘Uncle Robert Frakes' who He lived on Gourd Neck Prairie, and any sporting man who ever put up his money in a race with ‘Uncle Bob's' was sure to look upon an empty wallet after the race was over."
In Oct 1832, the first County Court was held in the City of Kalamazoo. It was held in a log cabin; the court records don't show his Roberts connection with the case. There is a 1857 painting, recently restored, of this event (including Robert Frakes and his hunting dog) and it may be seen at: www.michbar.org/journal/pdf/pdf4article1234.pdf
He entered some land, 40 acres on Dec 2, 1833 at the land office, and paid $1.25 per acre. He located in Schoolcraft Township, Range 4, Township 11 west, section 22.
In 1834 he was living in Brady Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. In 1837, Robert was in Brady Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was taxed on 18 head of stock, probably horses
1 Feb 1843, Robert purchased land in Kalamazoo County from the government land office. Section 11, Township 4South, Range 11west.
On Jan 4, 1844, Robert and his wife Margaret sold some of their land to the Schoolcraft Township for Gourdneck Prairie Cemetery and a school.
In 1844, when Robert was 83, he moved to Henry County, Missouri to be with some of his family there. Taken from, "The History of Kalamazoo Michigan," by Everts & Abbot of Philadelphia - 1880, "Robert FRAKES of Gourdneck Prairie, devoted much of his time to fast horses, and at the age of eighty-three years moved west to Missouri, because this country was getting to thickly settled.
26 Dec 1847 Robert died at Henry County, Missouri. Robert's estate was probated in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, but he was probably buried in Missouri. He may have been as old as 87 years.
Some of his children:
Nathan Frakes born 1791, married Susannah Rush, lived in Hancock, Ohio. Died 1835.
Eleanor Frakes born 1804, married William Hunt, and moved to Henry, Missouri
Elizabeth Frakes born 1805, married William Robinson and moved to Henry, Missouri
Mary Frakes born 1794, married Willian Bridges, and moved to Missouri, died 1878.
Joseph Frakes born 1799, married Oscilla Downs, and stayed in Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan, died 1880.
Oliver Perry Frakes, Civil War Veteran, born about 1824, died at the soldier's home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1886. Buried at the Wood National Cemetery there: 2907475.
He was born into a brawling group of frontiersmen, these early Frakes men were driven into new, largely unexplored, unpopulated, areas in their quest for a better life. He was a fighter and drinker and hunter and horse racer and frontiersman. There are many interesting stories told about him. He was a capitol judge of a horse; he was able to win most horse races. He was a breeder of racehorses and hunting dogs. Mr. Frakes was a genuine specimen of a borderer, both in his manners and dress; the latter consisted in part of a blue blanket Kentucky hunting-shirt, with red tasseled belt. His strength, even in his age, was proverbial, and his will not calculated to brook control. He was a true friend and always held the confidence of those who knew him.
First records of Robert his brothers, father and Uncles, were in 1780 Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties, Pennsylvania, petitions to the government. His father Nathan Frakes participated in the Revolutionary War, scouting and protecting the frontier.
In 1788, Robert FRAKES was in Bourbon County, Kentucky, with his brothers and father Nathan Frakes. He married Ellen "Nellie" Griffiths, before 1791 probably in Bourbon County, Kentucky.
By 1799, Robert FRAKES moved with his brother, William FRAKES, to Bracken County, Kentucky, which bordered the Ohio River.
By Dec 25, 1799 Robert FRAKES had moved to Greene County, Ohio, said his son Joseph. According to the "History of Greene County, Ohio," Robert settled near the village of Fairfield. About 1802 his wife died.
Robert was in the 1810 Ohio Census, Greene County, Ohio.
He married a young woman, Margaret Orr, in 1805, in Bath Township, Greene County, Ohio.
In 1810, Robert FRAKES moved to Monroe Township, Logan County, Ohio--3 miles west and north of West Liberty.
War of 1812 service record: Robert Frakes Company: 1 COMPANY SPIES (WOOD'S), OHIO. Rank - Induction: PRIVATE Rank - Discharge: PRIVATE .
In 1820, the census shows Robert FREAKS living in Logan County, Ohio: 2 males and 1 female under age 10; 1 male and 2 females age 10-15; 1 male 16-18; 1 male 19-25; 1 female age 26-44; 1 male 45 and older. He was listed next to Robert's brother Nathan FREAKS.
In 1828, Robert moved from Ohio to Young's Prairie, Michigan, then, according to some sources, took over a claim that had been staked out by Colonel Abiel FELLOWS, who had gone to Prairie Ronde and staked off a claim on Gourdneck Prairie, Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. The Colonel then went back east to send for his sons and when he returned, the Frakes' had already taken over his claim.
Robert was a overseer of slaves in Kentucky, and came to Michigan in 1830. He took up land from the Government and settled on the banks of Rawsen Lake, then called Frakes Lake. He was a great huntsman, and has killed many a wild cat, deer, bear and fox on horseback. [Portrait and Biographical Record of Kalamazoo, Allegan and Van Buren Counties, 1892. p. 533-34]
In 1830, the census shows Robert FRAKES living in St. Joseph County, Michigan Territory. 1 male under 5; 1 male 5-9; 1 male 10-14; 3 males 15-19; 1 male 60-69; 1 female 15-19 ; 1 female 40-49.
He settled in Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan in 1831. He had visited the country before then and directed the extended family to head for there.
After a time, the village of Schoolcraft became the point of rendezvous for the "characters" of the new settlement, and they gathered every Saturday from near and far. On that day the ‘Big Island Hotel' was a place of much business, and over its bar were dispensed the various liquid decoctions common to the day and place, while horse-races, fights, and other amusements were progressing outside. The Messrs. Frakes, McElvain, Stevens, Hoyt, Harrison and others were there, each with his retinue of companions and ‘backers'. One old settler said: "I must not forget old ‘Uncle Robert Frakes' who He lived on Gourd Neck Prairie, and any sporting man who ever put up his money in a race with ‘Uncle Bob's' was sure to look upon an empty wallet after the race was over."
In Oct 1832, the first County Court was held in the City of Kalamazoo. It was held in a log cabin; the court records don't show his Roberts connection with the case. There is a 1857 painting, recently restored, of this event (including Robert Frakes and his hunting dog) and it may be seen at: www.michbar.org/journal/pdf/pdf4article1234.pdf
He entered some land, 40 acres on Dec 2, 1833 at the land office, and paid $1.25 per acre. He located in Schoolcraft Township, Range 4, Township 11 west, section 22.
In 1834 he was living in Brady Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. In 1837, Robert was in Brady Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was taxed on 18 head of stock, probably horses
1 Feb 1843, Robert purchased land in Kalamazoo County from the government land office. Section 11, Township 4South, Range 11west.
On Jan 4, 1844, Robert and his wife Margaret sold some of their land to the Schoolcraft Township for Gourdneck Prairie Cemetery and a school.
In 1844, when Robert was 83, he moved to Henry County, Missouri to be with some of his family there. Taken from, "The History of Kalamazoo Michigan," by Everts & Abbot of Philadelphia - 1880, "Robert FRAKES of Gourdneck Prairie, devoted much of his time to fast horses, and at the age of eighty-three years moved west to Missouri, because this country was getting to thickly settled.
26 Dec 1847 Robert died at Henry County, Missouri. Robert's estate was probated in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, but he was probably buried in Missouri. He may have been as old as 87 years.
Some of his children:
Nathan Frakes born 1791, married Susannah Rush, lived in Hancock, Ohio. Died 1835.
Eleanor Frakes born 1804, married William Hunt, and moved to Henry, Missouri
Elizabeth Frakes born 1805, married William Robinson and moved to Henry, Missouri
Mary Frakes born 1794, married Willian Bridges, and moved to Missouri, died 1878.
Joseph Frakes born 1799, married Oscilla Downs, and stayed in Schoolcraft Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan, died 1880.
Oliver Perry Frakes, Civil War Veteran, born about 1824, died at the soldier's home, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1886. Buried at the Wood National Cemetery there: 2907475.
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