Jacob N. Flanders, an influential citizen of West Concord, N.H., was born on the estate which is now his home, March 25, 1825, son of Jacob and Huldah (Abbott) Flanders. His great-grandfather, Richard Flanders, was a large landed proprietor of Millville and owner of all the Concord in the latter part of his life, and divided his land among his sons. His wife was a Fowler. Richard’s son, Richard, Jr., was a mill hand and a farmer, and helped in clearing the land now owned by his grandson. The first crops had to be stacked in the open air without shelter; but later on he built a barn, and his sons afterward added to it. He lived to be ninety years old. His brother was one of the patriot soldiers who fought for freedom in the Revolutionary War. Richard Flanders, Jr., married Mary Chandler West, and they had ten children.
Their son, Jacob, father of Jacob N., was educated in the old district school located near the pond; and after he left school he began farming. His life of fifty-one years was spent at the family homestead. He was a fife major in the old State militia. He was musical, had a fine strong voice, and taught singing-school here for several years. His wife, Huldah, was a daughter of Samuel and Mary Story Abbott, of Hopkinton, N.H. She became the mother of five children; namely, Richard M., Lucy Ann, Jacob N., Samuel A., and William H.
Jacob N. is the only one of these children now living. He passed his boyhood and youth on his father’s farm, and, like many another who has made his mark in the world, was educated in the district schools. Mr. Flanders has a farm of one hundred and forty-five acres, and does a prosperous business in agricultural lines. He married Almira B., daughter of Jonathan C. and Mary (Dimond) Runnels. A daughter Mary, one of the two children born to them, died in infancy. The surviving child is a daughter named Lucie Ann.
Mr. Flanders has given much time to the study of public questions and to the affairs of his town. He is well informed on all matters of general interest, and his native qualifications for public service were early recognized. He has been chosen to serve as Selectman for two years, as Assessor for three years, and as a member of the Common Council for two years. He has been a Highway Surveyor for five years, and Clerk of the School District for thirty-five years. Here he has made a record not only for long and faithful service, but for great efficiency. Mr. Flanders is a member of the North Congregational Church of Concord. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, his first vote for President having been cast for Zachary Taylor, the Whig candidate, in 1848.