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THOMAS FLETCHER OAKES, railroad president, bom in Boston, July i6,
1843, came from old New England stock, his father, Francis Garaux Oakes, being a
shipmaster, and his grandfather, Daniel Oakes, a soldier of the American Revolution.
Educated in Boston, and well trained for an active career, he secured a position as
clerk to the contractors engaged in the construction of The Kansas Pacific Railroad,
and in June, 1863, entered the service of this corporation as purchasing agent in St.
Louis. Having won the confidence of the officers of the road by conspicuous energy
and ability, they advanced him through the positions of assistant treasurer, general
freight agent and vice president to that of general superintendent. During this period,
his home was in St. Louis and Kansas City. In April, 1879, he became general
superintendent of The Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf and The Kansas City, Lawrence
& Southern Railroads, but was called in May, 1880, to the responsible post of vice-presi¬
dent and general manager of The Oregon Railway & Navigation Co., with head¬
quarters in Portland, Ore. A year later, he identified himself with The Northern Paci¬
fic Railroad, was elected vice-president, and in November, 1883, general manager in
addition. In 1888, Mr. Oakes became president of The Northern Pacific Railroad, and
continued as such until October, 1893, when having been made one of the receivers of
the corporation, he retired from the presidency. His executive ability has been
of great service to this important system. Mr. Oakes is a hard worker and a thoroughly
trained and competent railroad man. He is a trustee of The Manhattan Life Insur¬
ance Co. of this city. In 1864, he married Abby R., daughter of Henry Haskell, and
their children are Grace, Zillah, Georgiana and Prescott Oakes. Mr. Oakes resides at
Mamaroneck, but is a member of the Metropolitan, Union League, New York Yacht
and Riding clubs, and a life member of The American Geographical Society.

JOHN O'BRIEN, banker, now, in 1895, seventy-nine years old, is a native of New
York city and a son of William O'Brien, insurance adjuster, who, born in Dublin, was
a direct descendant of the Earl of Inchiquin, known in history as a lieutenant in the
Irish Rebellion, his estate being confiscated in consequence of his services and ^100
offered for his head. John O'Brien being placed at the outset of his career in The
Manhattan Co's Bank, as a clerk, rose through intermediate grades to be assistant
cashier. In 1844, he purchased a seat in the Stock Exchange and after that, with his
brother, William O'Brien, was exceedingly successful in a brokerage and investment
business. The brothers conducted their business affairs with the same affectionate
unity which always characterized their other relations, and were long known in
Wall street as " The Twins." After the death of William in 1885, John continued the
business under the old name of W. & J. O'Brien. For many years, the inseparable
brothers lived together on the north side of Madison Square in New York, their house
being their only club, but after the death of William, John O'Brien married and now
spends most of his time in Newport at his villa, Inchiquin, named after the family
estate. He has been treasurer of The Second Avenue Railroad and has always taken
an active interest in charitable undertakings. He was one of the founders of the New
York Catholic Protectory in Westchester and is treasurer of the Foundling and St.
Vincent Hospitals.