Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Oakman, John
OAKMAN, JOHN (1748?–1793), engraver and author, was born at Hendon in Middlesex about 1748. He was at first apprenticed to the map-engraver, Emanuel Bowen [see under Bowen, Thomas], but left him in consequence of an intrigue with his daughter, whom he afterwards married. Oakman next kept a shop for the sale of caricatures and similar prints, and, having some literary facility, made money by writing several worthless and disreputable novels, such as ‘The Life and Adventures of Benjamin Brass,’ London, 1765, 12mo; ‘The History of Sir Edward Haunch,’ &c. A book called ‘The Adventures of William Williams, an African Prince,’ whom Oakman met in Liverpool gaol, had some success through its attack on slavery as an institution. Oakman had a considerable gift for song-writing, and wrote many popular songs for Vauxhall, Bermondsey Spa, &c. He also wrote burlettas for the performances at Astley's Theatre and elsewhere. Besides these occupations, he engraved on wood illustrations for children's books and cheap literature. After a somewhat vagrant life, Oakman died in distress at his sister's house in King Street, Westminster, in October 1793.
[Gent. Mag. 1793, ii. 1080; Redgrave's Dict. of Artists.]