Josiah Flagg

Background

Josiah Flagg was born on May 28, 1737, in Woburn, Massachusetts, the son of Martha and Gershom Flagg.

Career

Flagg organized and drilled the first regular militia band of Boston (most probably the first group of that nature in America).

On June 29, 1769, he presented its first concert, and on October 28, 1773, he gave a "final Grand Concert" at Faneuil Hall with about 50 players. Subsequently he settled in Providence and served there as lieutenant colonel during the Revolution. Little is known of his other activities.

Flagg published A Collection of the best Psalm Tunes in 2, 3 and 4 parts…To which is added some Hymns and Anthems, the Greater part of them never before printed in America (1764; introduced the anthem to the English colonies; engraved by Paul Revere) and Sixteen Anthems…To which is added a few Psalm Tunes (1766). Flagg was the first in America to establish a connection between sacred and secular music. That he was an educated practical musician and was acquainted with European music is evidenced by the type of programs he conducted.

Josiah Flagg died on May 28, 1737, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Achievements

• Josiah Flagg was a musician, who became famous for organizing the first militia band, publishing music (engraved by Paul Revere), and organizing concerts in Boston, the first public performances in America to present music of European composers.

Personality

Josiah Flagg has been described as a man of energy and enthusiasm, and for some time the most important local musician.

Connections

On April 7, 1760, in Boston, Massachusetts, Josiah Flagg married Elizabeth Hawkes. They had eight children.

Father:

Gershom Flagg

Mother:

Martha Flagg

Wife:

Elizabeth Flagg (Hawkes)

Daughter:

Grace Speare Willis Man (Flag)

Son:

Josiah Flagg, II

References

• Life and Letters of Washington Allston - 1892 by Jared B. Flagg (2006) Paperback
• Family Records of the Descendants of Gershom Flagg of Lancaster, Massachusetts
• Genealogical Notes on the Founding of New England