Just 'cause you asked for suggestions - That whole tree would be in my firewood pile, unless I needed a 12 x 12 to put under a bridge somewhere. I can't believe a mill offered you 250.00 for a 12' log from that, you should take the $$$$ and run before they see the log they bought. You said "it's clean to 24 ft " Where? That log has nothing but defects, knots, etc - There isn't a clear face in your pic. Best way to buck it? 18" lengths.
I showed one of the mill's pictures, one mill came out to look at it and said it was something they'd buy.
Around where I am trees this size are valued as more than firewood, as a slab the twisted grain and knots all make it have more character, that's what people pay for, just a plain Jane slab of white oak isn't interesting.
It's clean as in no rot or ants or cracks from felling, not clean as in "defect" free.
I have plenty of lesser wood to use as firewood, this will be slabs.
Thanks for the opinion though