Son of John Meckes and Elizabeth Greenzweig; Joseph Meckes was baptised 15 Apr 1827 at Salem Church, Gilbert, Northampton (now Monroe) Co., PA. The sponsors at the baptism of Joseph Meckes were Joseph Meckes and Sarah. Joseph was a farmer in Polk Twp., Monroe Co.

He married Mary Ann Schafer and they were blessed with twelve children:
1. Sarah Jane Meckes b. 1856
2. Joseph Mackes Jr b. 1857
3. Franklin Meckes b. 1859
4. Catherine Meckes b. 1861
5. Paul Meckes b. 1863
6. John Meckes b. 1864
7. Maryetta Meckes b. 1866
8. James Meckes b. 1868
9. Henry Meckes b. 1872
10. Annetta Meckes b. 1872
11. Emma Jane Meckes b. 1874
12. Nathan Meckes b. 1877

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In 1860 Joseph "Mackes", age 33 a laborer, was living in Polk Twp. in Monroe Co., PA, with his wife, Mary Ann Mackes age 20, and three children; Sarah J. Mackes age 4, Joseph Mackes age 2, and Franklin Mackes age 1. Also living in their household were Joseph's widowed mother, Elizabeth Mackes age 55, and Daniel Mackes age 9. Joseph owned no real estate and had a personal estate of only $50. (1860 census, Monroe Co., PA, Polk Twp., pg. 670, house #915, family #971)

In 1870 Joseph Meckes, age 41 a laborer, was living in Penn Forest Twp. in Carbon Co., PA, with his wife, Mary Meckes age 32, and seven children; Sarah Meckes age 14, Joseph Meckes age 13, Frank Meckes age 11, Catharine Meckes age 9, Paul Meckes age 7, John Meckes age 6, and Henryetta (Maryetta) Meckes age 4. They were living next door to Joseph's brother, Samuel Meckes. (1870 census, Carbon Co., PA, Penn Forest Twp., pg. 351, house #77, family #70)

In 1880 Joseph Meckes, age 52 a laborer, was living in Polk Twp., Monroe Co., PA, with his wife, Mary Ann Meckes age 42, and four children; daughter Catharine Meckes age 19, daughter Mary Etta Meckes age 15, daughter Emma Jane Meckes age 5, and son Nathan Meckes age 3. Also living in their household was Joseph's grandson, James Kleintop age 6. (1880 census, National Archives Film T9-1157, Page 334B)