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.
Joseph Flack, Sr., the grandfather, 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., father of Roland Flack, 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 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 tow sons, Howard W., born in 1888; and Joseph, born
in 1894.