Joseph Flack (1792-1868)

From an article in - History of Bucks County, Pennsylvania by William H Davis
Transcribed June 2002 as part of the Bucks Co., Pa., Early Family Project,
@ www.rootsweb.com/~pabucks/bucksindex.html

Joseph Flack, Sr. was a resident of Bucks county and followed the occupation of farming. In his political views he was a Whig and served as justice of the peace for many years, proving a most capable officer, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. In his religious faith he was a Presbyterian. His family numbered eleven children: Ann, who became Mrs. George Opdvke; Samuel, a carpenter; Joseph, a farmer; Spencer, a farmer; Mary, the wife of J. Jamison; Elizabeth, the wife of J. Roberts; Isaac, a farmer; Abigail, who became Mrs. Jamison and after the death of her first husband became Mrs. Holbert; Sarah, the wife of Isaac Walton; Everett, a farmer; and Evan. With the exception of the last named, who died in childhood, all reached advanced age.

Joseph Flack, Jr., was born in Bucks county, reared upon the old home farm and educated in the public schools. He afterward engaged in teaching for a number of years, being one of the capable representatives of the profession in his native county. At a later date he gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits, successfully carrying on general farming and also attending the Philadelphia market, where he found a ready sale for his products. His political views were in harmony with the principles of the Whig party and he afterward endorsed the principles of the Republican party. He kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day, never failing to support his political ideas by his ballot, and he also filled various township offices, discharging his duties in a capable manner. He held membership in the Presbyterian church, and was widely known and highly respected for his integrity and honor in all life?s relations. He married Miss Jane Yonkers, also a native of Bucks county, and a daughter of William Yonkers, a prominent farmer of Philadelphia county, who lived a quiet, unassuming, but useful life. In his family were the following named children: Caroline, who died in childhood; Mary, the wife of John Worthington; Sarah, the wife of N. Holbert; Thomas, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Jane, who became Mrs. Flack; and Eveline. Joseph Flack, Jr., died July 14, 1898, at the advanced age of eighty years while his wife passed away in 1857. They were the parents of a daughter and son, Eva and Roland, and the former finds a good home with her brother on the old family homestead.

Roland Flack, representing one of the early families of Pennsylvania was born September 11, 1857, upon the old homestead farm a mile and a half east of Jamison, where he still resides. The Flack family is of Irish lineage and was established in Pennsylvania in colonial days. Most of its representatives have been tillers of the soil, and they have been leading and worthy citizens of their respective communities.

Roland Flack was reared to agricultural pursuits and has carried on the work which his father inaugurated in the development and improvement of what is known as the old Flack homestead. His attention has been given to agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life, and his work is now carried on along progressive business lines. He has yet found time to devote to public interests, is a stanch advocate of Republican principles, and has filled various township offices. He has been a member of the township central committee and his loyalty and capability would well qualify him for any political office to which he might be called. He has demonstrated his friendship for the cause of public education by his active service in behalf of the schools while acting on the school board. He has likewise served on the election board. He was elected by a good majority to the state assembly, representing Middle Bucks county.

In 1885 Mr. Flack was married to Miss Sallie Walter, who was born in Bucks county, and is a daughter of George and May (Young) Walter, also natives of this county. Her father is a plasterer by trade, and has always been content to follow the pursuits of a quiet business life without political aspirations. He yet resides in Doylestown. His children are: Sallie, now Mrs. Flack; Catherine, the wife of J. N. Doan; Augustus, a machinist; and Alice, at home. The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church, to which Mrs. Flack also belongs. Mr. Flack is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Unto him and his wife have been born two sons, Howard W., born in 1888; and Joseph, born in 1894.