In the summer of 2024, the echoes of a centuries-old legend reverberated through the American state of Pennsylvania. A remarkable discovery was made, culminating a 35-year pursuit of a dream that began in childhood. This is the story of Clint Flack, a dedicated amateur archaeologist who finally found the hideout of the infamous 18th-century outlaw, Moses Doan, beneath the city of Buckingham.
A Childhood Obsession with Local History
Clint Flack’s fascination with the history of Bucks County was sparked at a young age. Growing up amidst the rich historical tapestry of the area, he was particularly drawn to the tales of Moses Doan, a notorious bandit and spy for the British during the American Revolution. This interest was kindled by a school librarian who shared an old newspaper clipping from 1859. The article, written by local author Joseph Fell, recounted how his son and friends had discovered an inscription “1775 M” carved into a stone in a cave beneath Buckingham, believed to be a hideout of Moses Doan and his band.
“My mother read me books about the history of Bucks County. I was a boy who loved pirates and dinosaurs, and suddenly I heard about loyalist criminals who stole a lot of money. There were treasures and caves. For an eight-year-old child, it was just incredible because it happened right here,” Flack recalled in an interview with the Bucks County Courier Times.
The Elusive Cave and a Gruff Landowner
Flack’s obsession with finding the cave and the mysterious inscription led him to the doorstep of the property owner in the late 1980s. Describing the owner as an “unpleasant character,” Flack’s request to explore the caves was brusquely denied. The landowner even claimed to have filled the cave with concrete, a statement that Flack would later discover to be false.
The dream seemed to slip further away when, two years later, Flack learned that the property was up for sale. Once again, he approached the landowner, only to be met with outright hostility and deceit. “He just lied to a 10-year-old kid. He shattered his dream,” Flack reflected.
The Rediscovery: A Modern-Day Treasure Hunt
Fast forward three decades, and Flack’s dream was unexpectedly revived. In 2019, while working at an antique shop, he encountered Frank Lamitina, a man who had recently purchased the very estate where the cave was believed to be. Lamitina shared Flack’s passion for local history and the legend of the Doan gang. Together, they embarked on a five-year journey, meticulously exploring the caves beneath the property.
“We established that this territory belonged to an enemy of the Doans during the colonial era, and they even stole a horse from here in 1783. It meant they were familiar with the area and had been here many times,” Flack explained in an interview with WHYY-FM.
Their collaboration paid off in July 2024 when they uncovered a stone inscribed with “1775 M” in one of the cave galleries. This discovery, along with an 18th-century bottle found nearby, suggested that the legend of the Doan hideout was based on more than just myth.
The Doan Gang: Loyalist Outlaws of the Revolution
The Doan gang, comprising Moses Doan, his four brothers, and their cousin, was a unique phenomenon during the American Revolution. The Doans were staunch loyalists, believing in the future of the colonies only within the British Empire. Moses Doan, a fervent opponent of the burgeoning rebellion, formed his band in 1774, a year before the war officially began.
In July 1775, Moses offered his services as a spy to British General William Howe. His intelligence on the movements of George Washington’s army proved crucial, helping the British win the Battle of Long Island. Despite their valuable contributions, the Doans were not content with espionage alone; they turned to large-scale robbery and horse theft.
The gang’s most notorious heist occurred in 1781 when they stole £1,300 from the Bucks County treasury, a sum equivalent to around $350,000 today. The treasure was never recovered, fuelling enduring rumours of hidden loot. Their audacity peaked in 1783 with the theft of 200 horses, which they sold to British forces.
Tragic Ends and Lingering Legends
Moses Doan met a violent end in 1783, allegedly killed by Captain Robert Gibson, a former friend turned fierce adversary. His brothers fared little better; Abraham and Levi were captured and hanged for their loyalist activities, while Joseph and Aaron fled to Canada. Mahlon escaped from prison and vanished, his fate unknown.
Despite their ignominious end, the Doan gang’s legend persisted, particularly the tales of hidden riches. The image of Moses Doan as a ‘noble bandit’ also endures, although evidence of them sharing their spoils with the poor is scant.
The Final Chapter: Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream
For Clint Flack, the discovery of the “1775 M” inscription was a moment of profound personal triumph. “The legend I’ve been obsessed with since childhood is real. This stone is proof that Moses Doan was here,” Flack stated with a sense of fulfilment.
The journey, however, is not over. Authenticating the inscription and uncovering more evidence of the Doan gang’s presence remains a task for the future. But for now, Flack is content knowing that the legend that captivated him as a boy has tangible roots in the history he has dedicated his life to uncovering.
The Legacy of the Doan Gang
The story of the Doan gang is a testament to the complex loyalties and turbulent times of the American Revolution. It underscores how local legends can shape community identity and inspire generations. The rediscovery of the cave and its inscription is not just a historical footnote; it is a vivid reminder of the enduring human fascination with mystery, adventure, and the quest for hidden truths.
In a world where history often seems confined to textbooks, Clint Flack’s journey brings it to life, reminding us that the past is not just a record of what has been but a tapestry of stories waiting to be retold and rediscovered. The cave beneath Buckingham, with its enigmatic inscription, is a portal to an era of intrigue, loyalty, and rebellion, inviting us to explore the depths of our shared heritage.
A Living History
As Flack continues his research, the story of the Doan gang will undoubtedly evolve. Each new discovery adds a layer of richness to our understanding of this unique chapter in American history. The legend of Moses Doan and his band of loyalist outlaws, once confined to the annals of local folklore, now stands as a testament to the enduring power of history to captivate and inspire.
For Clint Flack, the journey that began with a childhood dream has become a lifelong mission. His dedication and perseverance have not only uncovered a hidden piece of history but have also reminded us all of the timeless allure of a good mystery. The caves of Buckingham, with their silent stones and buried secrets, continue to whisper the stories of the past, inviting future generations to listen and discover.
The tale of the Doan gang, revived through the efforts of Clint Flack, serves as a poignant reminder of how history is woven into the very fabric of our lives. It is a narrative of discovery, passion, and the unyielding pursuit of truth, echoing through the ages and inspiring us to look beyond the surface, to the hidden stories that shape our world.
