Manson - Mahlon Dickerson - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

He died at Frankfort Monday evening. He had been to Monticello with Col. W. F. Bush, Crawfordsville, and when at noon Monday they boarded the Monon south-bound train the General told his companion that he felt drowsy. Two seats were turned together and the General made a pillow of his overcoat and fell into what was thought to be a gentle sleep. It was the sleep of death. The feet of the great old man had entered the dark waters and when the train reached Frankfort it was impossible to arouse him. He was carried from the train to the hotel where he died in a few hours.

God bless the memory of General Manson. He was one of those rough sturdy patriots whose sympathy and devotion was the salvation of the Union a third of a century ago. With him patriotism was a passion. He was strong and brave and true and his strength and bravery and truth and goodness, he offered to his country and to his country's flag in the hour of need. Left fatherless when an infant, his education was secured from the book of stern necessity. His was a struggle for existence: He faced the world and want, and won. No man ever lived who placed a higher value on our republican institutions and was prouder of our national glory. He embraced the first opportunity to enlist in the war with Mexico and was in the Mexican capital when the American flag was first unfurled over that city the signal of its capture.

Although the champion of Douglass, he offered his services to Lincoln when Sumpter fell and never once flinched in his felty to the cause of the Union and the constitution. He never shirked a duty or responsibility either as a soldier or a citizen. He was a plain, blunt honest, patriotic man. He hated form and conventionality. He despised fawners and hypocrites. He never wore borrowed livery. The old hero loved children. I have seen him a score of times stop on the streets of Crawfordsville to shake the hands of little boys and girls. His heart was as tender as his courage was unflinching. He was universally beloved and honored. Again I say God bless the memory of General Manson.

=================

Source: Weekly Argus News Saturday, Feb 9, 1895 - taken from Tuesdays Daily

While enroute home from Monticello yesterday, Gen. Manson suffered a paralytic stroke. He was taken from the trail at Frankfort and removed to the Coulter house where he died. Gen. Manson in company with his attorney, W.T. Brush, were in Monticello yesterday on business and started home at noon. Soon after getting on the train he fell asleep, as Mr. Brush supposed, and slept till Frankfort was reached where they were to change cars for Crawfordsville. There it was discovered the General was sick. He was taken to the hotel and a physician summoned, who pronounced it a paralytic stroke.

Owing to his advanced age grave fears were entertained for his recover and his family was notified. Mrs. Manson and son arrived at 7 o'clock. He recognized them as soon as they entered the room and spoke in a whisper to Mrs. Manson. The friends soon saw that he was sinking rapidly and about 8 o'clock he attempted to rise. It ws the last rally of a dying man. He fell back in the arms of his aged and sorrowing wife and passed peacefully away without uttering a word. Those present at the end were Mrs. Manson and son, Mr. Brush and Joseph Dunlap, an old army comrade.

Mrs. Manson is prostrate with grief. Shortly before she arrived the general inquired if she was coming and said that he felt that he would not live. From that time on he seemed waiting for the summons, although the watchers did not realize it at that time. Below is a sketch of the old hero's life which will be read with interest. It is taken from a biography recently written. We only add to it a few words. It expresses well the sentiments of sadness we all feel at the death of one of our most noted and beloved of men. He was everybodys friend and everybody will feel a keen personal loss in his death. While it has been daily expected for some time still it is a great shock to all.

A year ago Gen. Manson joined the Methodist Church and died in that faith. A large delegation of citizens received the remains at the Vandalia Station on their arrival this morning and escorted them to the home of the General on West Market Street. The remains were taken charge of by the Masonic Order of which he was an old and honored member. As the procession passed through the city the bells of the court house and city hall were tolled. Judge Harney adjourned court for an half hour out of respect for the memory of the deceased. The funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1:30 o'clock at the residence, conducted by Dr. Tucker and Dr. Hickman, of Terre Haute. Interment at Oak Hill.

The life and character of the gentleman whose well known name opens this article may be studied with profit by the young, contemplated with satisfaction by the patriotic and referred to with pride by his kindred and friends. His name is honorably mentioned on many pages of the history of the late war and in the political life of the state of Indiana he has taken a prominent part. In private life he has sustained an unsullied reputation and has deserved the confidence and good will of his fellow men. Gen. Manson was born near Piqua, Miami County, Ohio February 18, 1818.

His Christian name was given him as a mark of regard for Gov. Mahlon Dickerson, of New Jersey, who was Decreatry of War under Gen. Jackson. The father of our subject died when he was but 3 years old and he early became the support of his mother. After some years of his boyhood had been spent in mechanical pursuits, he became a druggists's clerk and soon after set up for himself in that business. In October 1842, he removed to Indiana and taught school in Montgomery County.

He studied medicine and attended a course of lectures at Ohio Medical College at Cincinnatti (sic) and a partial second course in New Orleans. However he did not practice medicine in Crawfordsville, but continued as a druggist. Upon the commencement of the war with Mexico, Gen. Manson entered the service as Captain of Company I, Fifth Indiana Regiment, Col. James H. Lane commanding, with which he participated in the campaign with Gen. Scott from Vera Cruz to the capital.

Upon his return to Crawfordsville at the close of the war he resumed his business as a druggist and in 1851 was elected Representative from Montgomery County to the General Assembly. He served during the important sessions of 1851-52, in which the laws of the state were revised, and which adopted the new constitution. In 1856 he was delegate of the National Democratic Convention which nominated Buchanan & Breckridge. In 1860 he was an ardent supporter of Stephen A. Douglas, and when the war broke out he placed himself in the ranks of the Union and took an active part in the recruiting of the first company raised in Montgomery County, under Gen. Lew Wallace.

Two days afterward, in five hours he raised a company with which he marched to Indianapolis. From the men he brought into camp, two companies of the Tenth Indiana Regiment were formed and Company G elected Mr. Manson Captain. Upon the organization of the regiment, Mr. Manson was commissioned Major, and within ten days afterward was promoted to Colonel. Early in June his regiment was ordered to West Virginia and participated in the battle of Rich Mountain. His regiment was place in advance with Gen. Rosecrans and on the 19th of January 1862, Col. Manson and his brigade participated in the battle of Mill Spring After that battle the Union forces returned to Louisville, and the ladies of that city presented the Tenth Indiana with a beautiful flag, which was received by Col. Manson in behalf of his regiment. March 24, 1862, Col. Manson was appointed Brigadier General by President Lincoln, and this promotion was valued, as it came to him without solicitation. To give the war record of this brave general would include the most brilliant and effective portion of the army's movements during those years. On the 14th of May, 1864, the army corps with which Gen. Manson was connected moved upon the Confederate works at Resaca, and it was at this place that this brave officer made one of those displays of courage which make patriots' hearts glow with pride. To show Gen. Haskett how he might best avoid the enemy's fire, Gen. Manson sprang upon the works, when he was struck by a piece of shell upon that right shoulder, and his arm was thereby disabled forever Although he was carried off the field insensible, in a few days, he resumed command, but he was finally obliged to enter the hospital at Nashville. He was there at the time of the battle of Franklin, but was later removed to Louisville, where he remained for 85 days, and here, after having an operation performed, he became satisfied that he would not be able to again take his command and so December 21, 1864, he resigned.

During his career Gen. Manson was never known to complain of any duty assigned him, and he was distinguished for accuracy of judgment and promptness in action, and was respected by his equals and loved by his men. Gen. Manson was nominated by the Democratic party in 1864 as their candidate for Lt. Governor on a ticket headed by the late Joseph E. McDonald, but while he ran ahead of his ticket, he was defeated. In 1866 he was nominated for Secretary of State, but was defeated and in 1868 he was nominated as a candidate for Congress in the Ninth District but the district was largely Republican and he was defeated. In 1870 he was again the Democratic candidate for Congress and was elected over Gen. Lew Wallace and served in the 42nd Congress. Gen. Manson was a member of the Committee on Invalid Pensions and performed a great amount of labor, rendering great service to his disabled companions. In 1873 he was appointed and served as a member of the Democratic State Central Committee and in 1875 he was made its Chairman in which capacity he served during the memorable campaign of 1876; he represented the state at large in the convention at St. Louis, and supported the candidacy of Thomas A. Hendricks for the nomination for President. He was one of the number who went to New Orleans after the election in 1876 to represent Mr. Tilden and in that year he was elected to be Auditor of the State with a plurality of votes amounting to 14,000.

In 1884 he was elected Lt. Gov, but resigned to accept the office of Collector of Internal Revenue in the Terre Haute District. In 1886 President Cleveland appointed Thomas Hanlon of College of Internal Revenue, but as he was not confirmed, Gen. Manson received the appointment the same year. Our distinguished subject is a member of the commission in charge of building the Soldiers & Sailors' Monument at Indianapolis, and by the organization of the Mexican War Veterans of Indiana was unanimously selected to represent the period of the Mexican War on the monument. He has long been a prominent member of the Grand Army, and became a member of the Masonic Fraternity in 1841, in which he has taken all of the degrees, including the 32ndand has filled the offices in the subordinate as well as Grand Lodge of the State. He was Deputy Grand Master for two years. Gen. Manson was united in marriage on the 24th of May, 1850, with Miss Caroline Mitchell, a daughter of Joseph Mitchell of Crawfordsville, Ind. Mrs. Manson was born at Camden, Preble County, Ohio. Gen. and Mrs. Manson have had born to them six children, three sons and three daughters, the eldest child and daughter being now deceased. Mrs. Manson for many years has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Gen. Manson is a man of commanding presence, and, until disabled by his wound, a man of strong constitution.

His manner is frank and engaging, and he has an invaluable faculty, springing from the kindness and his heart and goodness of motive, of making men feel at home when in his presence. An eloquent orator, he commands the attention, convinces the reason, arouses the enthusiasm, and awakens the zeal of his hearers. A brave and gallant soldier, a prudent and conscientious statesman, a public-spirited citizen, a faithful friend, an honest man in business, and a true man in all the relations of life, it is not surprising that he holds a high position in the esteem and affection of the people of the sate. He rose from poverty to justly deserved eminence, and true bright light which beats upon his life discovers no flaw in his character.

Not by accident or aid of others, but by earnest toil, constant perseverance, through smoke and blood of battle, he has attained success in life, military glory, political and social popularity and the love and honor of his fellow citizens. Such men as he make all men their debtors." In its account of Gen. Manson's death the Frankfort Times of this morning says: While on his way to his home in Crawfordsville from Monticello, he was attacked with exhaustion resulting from nervous prostration and when the Monon train reached here, he was removed from the car in an unconscious condition. He was taken in a cab to the Coulter House. As soon as he had been taken to the Coulter House, Dr. Knapp was called and all done to revive that medical skill could do. Under the treatment of the physician he rallied and regained consciousness between 4 and 5 o'clock. His family were notified by telegraph and Mrs. Manson and her son Frederick arrived on the Vandalia at 7:08. They were driven at once to the hotel. When they arrived the General was conscious and recognized them. He said he was feeling bad and suffering much pain in the side of his stomach. He expressed a desire to be given a dose of paregoric. He was reminded by Mr. Brush that he had just taken a dose of medicine to relive this pain, but if he did not get relief in a very few minutes paregoric would be sent for. Unassisted he turned over with his face toward the rear of the bed, indicating that he was satisfied by the simple statement, 'Very well."

These, so far as known, were his last words of the grand old hero. The anxious ones by his side watched in silence for a few minutes, when Mrs. Manson passed around to the side of the bed where she could see him in the face. He seemed to be sleeping and for a few minutes more there was nothing to mar the silence except the sick man's apparently regular breathing. Suddenly there was a labored breathing that all too well understood. Peacefully the dying warrior faced the Conqueror, tearfully his wife of his bosom, his son and his faithful attorney waited for the end which came in a few more breaths and all was over, and one of Indiana's noblest citizens, the Hero of Two Wars, the pure statesman and soldier, had answered the long roll. There seems to have been a premonition of death with the General as frequently, lately to his wife, he had expressed the opinion that he would not live through the year. This was probably brought about by the fact that he had suffered from two strokes of paralysis - typed by kbz

======

Letters and Telegrams ... Gov. Matthews and other prominent men of Indiana will be here tomorrow to attend the funeral of Gen. Manson. Below are some of the letters and telegrams received so far Indianapolis, Feb 5 - Mrs. Gen. MD Manson, Dear Madam: Although the death of your husband, Gen. M.D. Manson, is not unexpected, yet when it comes it seems like a bow and it is hard to realize that he is to meet with us no more. Ever considerate of others, ever faithful to his duties and to his country, he belonged to that class of citizens that easily be spared. The members of our board had a warm affection for him and the greatest respect for his opinion and course. We feel and deplore his loss with you, and in their behalf, I tender you their warmest sympathy. Mos truly yours, G.J. Langsdale, President Soldiers & Sailors Monument Commission. Indianapolis, Feb 5 - Mrs. M. D. Manson: I respectfully tender you my heartfelt sympathy in the great bereavement which has befallen you and your family as well as the country generally by the death of your lamented husband. I knew Gen. Manson intimately for nearly a half century and during all that time we were intimate friends. There is nothing good that could be said of any man that might not truthfully be said of him, I mourn him as my very dear old friend. Wm. H. English Washington, DC - Mrs. Gen. M.D. Manson: in your great and irreparable loss you have our deep and heart felt sympathies. In the death of Gen. Manson, Indiana loses a great soldier, a distinguished civilian and an honest man. He leaves behind him no braver or more patriotic comrade in arms, and no purer or more upright citizen in all the walks of public and private life. His name and fame live and will be cherished in American history as long as the flag is honored, and true American manhood continues to be held in grateful memory. D.W. Voorhees; EV Brookshire; John T. Britz; W.D. Bynum; A.N. Martin; Thos. Hammond; CG Conn; David Turpie; Wm. T, M'Magny; Arthur H. Taylor; Geo. W. Cooper; Jason B. Brown; W.S. Holman Columbia City, Ind: The family of Gen. Manson: My grand 'od comrade and friend has passed away. Accept my sincere sympathy.. A.B. McDowell Plainfield, Ind - Mrs. Gen. Manson: Accept my heart felt sympathy. Gen. Manson was a patriot whom all admired.. T.J. Charlton Lansing, Mich. Family of Gen. Manson: Please accept my sympathy with regrets at the death of my old comrade. C.D. Sheldon, Aid de Camp, etc. Bloomington, Ind - Mrs. M.D. Manson: Accept my sympathy in your great bereavement. J.B. Mucky Chicago, Ill. - The family of Gen. M.D. Manson - accept my condolence in your bereavement over the death of your loving father. Very Rev. Joh R. Dinnen, Lafayette Indianapolis, Ind - Mrs. M.D. Manson: Accept my sincere sympathy in your sad bereavement. Gen. Manson's distinguished services to the state and nation will ever render his memory most hallowed. AC Daily, Auditor of State Indianapolis, Ind - Mrs. M.D. Manson: I send you my sympathy and regrets on the death of the General. We have been warm personal friends since I was a boy. No prominent democrat in Indiana had the confidence and respect of republicans more than he. Albert W. Wishard Ft. Wayne, Ind. Mrs. Gen. M.D. Manson: The Wayne Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution offer their sympathy and condolence to the family of the distinguished of our state society. O. B. Fitch, Sec.

==============

General Mahlon D. Manson Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke and Fountain Count y, Indiana P 117 Source: Weekly Argus News Saturday, Feb 9, 1895 - taken from Tuesdays DailyWhile enroute home from Monticello yesterday, Gen. Manson suffered a paralytic stroke. He was taken from the trail at Frankfort and removed to the Coulter house where he died. Gen. Manson in company with his attorney, W.T. Brush, were in Monticello yesterday on business and started home at noon. Soon after getting on the train he fell asleep, as Mr. Brush supposed, and slept till Frankfort was reached where they were to change cars for Crawfordsville. There it was discovered the General was sick. He was taken to the hotel and a physician summoned, who pronounced it a paralytic stroke. Owing to his advanced age grave fears were entertained for his recover and his family was notified. Mrs. Manson and son arrived at 7 o'clock. He recognized them as soon as they entered the room and spoke in a whisper to Mrs. Manson. The friends soon saw that he was sinking rapidly and about 8 o'clock he attempted to rise. It ws the last rally of a dying man. He fell back in the arms of his aged and sorrowing wife and passed peacefully away without uttering a word. Those present at the end were Mrs. Manson and son, Mr. Brush and Joseph Dunlap, an old army comrade.Mrs. Manson is prostrate with grief. Shortly before she arrived the general inquired if she was coming and said that he felt that he would not live. From that time on he seemed waiting for the summons, although the watchers did not realize it at that time.Below is a sketch of the old hero's life which will be read with interest. It is taken from a biography recently written. We only add to it a few words. It expresses well the sentiments of sadness we all feel at the death of one of our most noted and beloved of men. He was everybodys friend and everybody will feel a keen personal loss in his death. While it has been daily expected for some time still it is a great shock to all. A year ago Gen. Manson joined the Methodist Church and died in that faith.A large delegation of citizens received the remains at the Vandalia Station on their arrival this morning and escorted them to the home of the General on West Market Street. The remains were taken charge of by the Masonic Order of which he was an old and honored member. As the procession passed through the city the bells of the court house and city hall were tolled. Judge Harney adjourned court for an half hour out of respect for the memory of the deceased. The funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1:30 o'clock at the residence, conducted by Dr. Tucker and Dr. Hickman, of Terre Haute. Interment at Oak Hill.The life and character of the gentleman whose well known name opens this article may be studied with profit by the young, contemplated with satisfaction by the patriotic and referred to with pride by his kindred and friends. His name is honorably mentioned on many pages of the history of the late war and in the political life of the state of Indiana he has taken a prominent part. In private life he has sustained an unsullied reputation and has deserved the confidence and good will of his fellow men.Gen. Manson was born near Piqua, Miami County, Ohio February 18, 1818. His Christian name was given him as a mark of regard for Gov. Mahlon Dickerson, of New Jersey, who was Decreatry of War under Gen. Jackson. The father of our subject died when he was but 3 years old and he early became the support of his mother. After some years of his boyhood had been spent in mechanical pursuits, he became a druggists's clerk and soon after set up for himself in that business. In October 1842, he removed to Indiana and taught school in Montgomery County. He studied medicine and attended a course of lectures at Ohio Medical College at Cincinnatti (sic) and a partial second course in New Orleans. However he did not practice medicine in Crawfordsville, but continued as a druggist.Upon the commencement of the war with Mexico, Gen. Manson entered the service as Captain of Company I, Fifth Indiana Regiment, Col. James H. Lane commanding, with which he participated in the campaign with Gen. Scott from Vera Cruz to the capital. Upon his return to Crawfordsville at the close of the war he resumed his business as a druggist and in 1851 was elected Representative from Montgomery County to the General Assembly. He served during the important sessions of 1851-52, in which the laws of the state were revised, and which adopted the new constitution. In 1856 he was delegate of the National Democratic Convention which nominated Buchanan & Breckridge. In 1860 he was an ardent supporter of Stephen A. Douglas, and when the war broke out he placed himself in the ranks of the Union and took an active part in the recruiting of the first company raised in Montgomery County, under Gen. Lew Wallace. Two days afterward, in five hours he raised a company with which he marched to Indianapolis. From the men he brought into camp, two companies of the Tenth Indiana Regiment were formed and Company G elected Mr. Manson Captain.Upon the organization of the regiment, Mr. Manson was commissioned Major, and within ten days afterward was promoted to Colonel. Early in June his regiment was ordered to West Virginia and participated in the battle of Rich Mountain. His regiment was place in advance with Gen. Rosecrans and on the 19th of January 1862, Col. Manson and his brigade participated in the battle of Mill Spring After that battle the Union forces returned to Louisville, and the ladies of that city presented the Tenth Indiana with a beautiful flag, which was received by Col. Manson in behalf of his regiment. March 24, 1862, Col. Manson was appointed Brigadier General by President Lincoln, and this promotion was valued, as it came to him without solicitation. To give the war record of this brave general would include the most brilliant and effective portion of the army's movements during those years.On the 14th of May, 1864, the army corps with which Gen. Manson was connected moved upon the Confederate works at Resaca, and it was at this place that this brave officer made one of those displays of courage which make patriots' hearts glow with pride. To show Gen. Haskett how he might best avoid the enemy's fire, Gen. Manson sprang upon the works, when he was struck by a piece of shell upon that right shoulder, and his arm was thereby disabled forever Although he was carried off the field insensible, in a few days, he resumed command, but he was finally obliged to enter the hospital at Nashville. He was there at the time of the battle of Franklin, but was later removed to Louisville, where he remained for 85 days, and here, after having an operation performed, he became satisfied that he would not be able to again take his command and so December 21, 1864, he resigned.During his career Gen. Manson was never known to complain of any duty assigned him, and he was distinguished for accuracy of judgment and promptness in action, and was respected by his equals and loved by his men. Gen. Manson was nominated by the Democratic party in 1864 as their candidate for Lt. Governor on a ticket headed by the late Joseph E. McDonald, but while he ran ahead of his ticket, he was defeated. In 1866 he was nominated for Secretary of State, but was defeated and in 1868 he was nominated as a candidate for Congress in the Ninth District but the district was largely Republican and he was defeated. In 1870 he was again the Democratic candidate for Congress and was elected over Gen. Lew Wallace and served in the 42nd Congress.Gen. Manson was a member of the Committee on Invalid Pensions and performed a great amount of labor, rendering great service to his disabled companions. In 1873 he was appointed and served as a member of the Democratic State Central Committee and in 1875 he was made its Chairman in which capacity he served during the memorable campaign of 1876; he represented the state at large in the convention at St. Louis, and supported the candidacy of Thomas A. Hendricks for the nomination for President. He was one of the number who went to New Orleans after the election in 1876 to represent Mr. Tilden and in that year he was elected to be Auditor of the State with a plurality of votes amounting to 14,000. In 1884 he was elected Lt. Gov, but resigned to accept the office of Collector of Internal Revenue in the Terre Haute District. In 1886 President Cleveland appointed Thomas Hanlon of College of Internal Revenue, but as he was not confirmed, Gen. Manson received the appointment the same year.Our distinguished subject is a member of the commission in charge of building the Soldiers & Sailors' Monument at Indianapolis, and by the organization of the Mexican War Veterans of Indiana was unanimously selected to represent the period of the Mexican War on the monument. He has long been a prominent member of the Grand Army, and became a member of the Masonic Fraternity in 1841, in which he has taken all of the degrees, including the 32ndand has filled the offices in the subordinate as well as Grand Lodge of the State. He was Deputy Grand Master for two years.

Gen. Manson was united in marriage on the 24th of May, 1850, with Miss Caroline Mitchell, a daughter of Joseph Mitchell of Crawfordsville, Ind. Mrs. Manson was born at Camden, Preble County, Ohio. Gen. and Mrs. Manson have had born to them six children, three sons and three daughters, the eldest child and daughter being now deceased. Mrs. Manson for many years has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Gen. Manson is a man of commanding presence, and, until disabled by his wound, a man of strong constitution. His manner is frank and engaging, and he has an invaluable faculty, springing from the kindness and his heart and goodness of motive, of making men feel at home when in his presence. An eloquent orator, he commands the attention, convinces the reason, arouses the enthusiasm, and awakens the zeal of his hearers. A brave and gallant soldier, a prudent and conscientious statesman, a public-spirited citizen, a faithful friend, an honest man in business, and a true man in all the relations of life, it is not surprising that he holds a high position in the esteem and affection of the people of the sate. He rose from poverty to justly deserved eminence, and true bright light which beats upon his life discovers no flaw in his character. Not by accident or aid of others, but by earnest toil, constant perseverance, through smoke and blood of battle, he has attained success in life, military glory, political and social popularity and the love and honor of his fellow citizens.

Such men as he make all men their debtors."In its account of Gen. Manson's death the Frankfort Times of this morning says:While on his way to his home in Crawfordsville from Monticello, he was attacked with exhaustion resulting from nervous prostration and when the Monon train reached here, he was removed from the car in an unconscious condition. He was taken in a cab to the Coulter House.As soon as he had been taken to the Coulter House, Dr. Knapp was called and all done to revive that medical skill could do.

Under the treatment of the physician he rallied and regained consciousness between 4 and 5 o'clock. His family were notified by telegraph and Mrs. Manson and her son Frederick arrived on the Vandalia at 7:08. They were driven at once to the hotel. When they arrived the General was conscious and recognized them. He said he was feeling bad and suffering much pain in the side of his stomach. He expressed a desire to be given a dose of paregoric. He was reminded by Mr. Brush that he had just taken a dose of medicine to relive this pain, but if he did not get relief in a very few minutes paregoric would be sent for. Unassisted he turned over with his face toward the rear of the bed, indicating that he was satisfied by the simple statement, 'Very well."

These, so far as known, were his last words of the grand old hero. The anxious ones by his side watched in silence for a few minutes, when Mrs. Manson passed around to the side of the bed where she could see him in the face. He seemed to be sleeping and for a few minutes more there was nothing to mar the silence except the sick man's apparently regular breathing. Suddenly there was a labored breathing that all too well understood.

Peacefully the dying warrior faced the Conqueror, tearfully his wife of his bosom, his son and his faithful attorney waited for the end which came in a few more breaths and all was over, and one of Indiana's noblest citizens, the Hero of Two Wars, the pure statesman and soldier, had answered the long roll.There seems to have been a premonition of death with the General as frequently, lately to his wife, he had expressed the opinion that he would not live through the year. This was probably brought about by the fact that he had suffered from two strokes of paralysis - typed by kbz

======

Letters and Telegrams ...Gov. Matthews and other prominent men of Indiana will be here tomorrow to attend the funeral of Gen. Manson. Below are some of the letters and telegrams received so far

Indianapolis, Feb 5 - Mrs. Gen. MD Manson, Dear Madam: Although the death of your husband, Gen. M.D. Manson, is not unexpected, yet when it comes it seems like a bow and it is hard to realize that he is to meet with us no more. Ever considerate of others, ever faithful to his duties and to his country, he belonged to that class of citizens that easily be spared. The members of our board had a warm affection for him and the greatest respect for his opinion and course. We feel and deplore his loss with you, and in their behalf, I tender you their warmest sympathy. Most truly yours, G.J. Langsdale, President Soldiers & Sailors Monument Commission.

Indianapolis, Feb 5 - Mrs. M. D. Manson: I respectfully tender you my heartfelt sympathy in the great bereavement which has befallen you and your family as well as the country generally by the death of your lamented husband. I knew Gen. Manson intimately for nearly a half century and during all that time we were intimate friends. There is nothing good that could be said of any man that might not truthfully be said of him, I mourn him as my very dear old friend. Wm. H. English

Washington, DC - Mrs. Gen. M.D. Manson: in your great and irreparable loss you have our deep and heart felt sympathies. In the death of Gen. Manson, Indiana loses a great soldier, a distinguished civilian and an honest man. He leaves behind him no braver or more patriotic comrade in arms, and no purer or more upright citizen in all the walks of public and private life. His name and fame live and will be cherished in American history as long as the flag is honored, and true American manhood continues to be held in grateful memory. D.W. Voorhees; EV Brookshire; John T. Britz; W.D. Bynum; A.N. Martin; Thos. Hammond; CG Conn; David Turpie; Wm. T, M'Magny; Arthur H. Taylor; Geo. W. Cooper; Jason B. Brown; W.S. HolmanColumbia City, Ind: The family of Gen. Manson: My grand 'od comrade and friend has passed away. Accept my sincere sympathy..

A.B. McDowell Plainfield, Ind - Mrs. Gen. Manson: Accept my heart felt sympathy. Gen. Manson was a patriot whom all admired.. T.J. CharltonLansing, Mich. Family of Gen. Manson: Please accept my sympathy with regrets at the death of my old comrade. C.D. Sheldon, Aid de Camp, etc.

Bloomington, Ind - Mrs. M.D. Manson: Accept my sympathy in your great bereavement. J.B. MuckyChicago, Ill. - The family of Gen. M.D. Manson - accept my condolence in your bereavement over the death of your loving father. Very Rev. Joh R. Dinnen, LafayetteIndianapolis, Ind - Mrs. M.D. Manson: Accept my sincere sympathy in your sad bereavement. Gen. Manson's distinguished services to the state and nation will ever render his memory most hallowed. AC Daily, Auditor of StateIndianapolis, Ind - Mrs. M.D. Manson: I send you my sympathy and regrets on the death of the General. We have been warm personal friends since I was a boy. No prominent democrat in Indiana had the confidence and respect of republicans more than he. Albert W. WishardFt. Wayne, Ind. Mrs. Gen. M.D. Manson: The Wayne Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution offer their sympathy and condolence to the family of the distinguished of our state society. O. B. Fitch, Sec.

============

==============ell known name opens this article may be studied with profit by the youn g, contemplated with satisfaction by the patriotic and referred to with pide by his kindred and friends. His name is honorably mentioned on many p ages of the history of the late war and in the political life of the State of Indiana he has taken a prominent part. In private life he has sustained an unsullied reputation, and has deserved the confidence and good will of his fellow men. General Manson was born near Piqua, Miami County, Ohio Feb 18, 1818. His Christian name was given him as a mark of regard f or Governor Mahlon Dickerson of NJ, who was Secretary of War under General Jackson. The father of our subject died when he was but 3 years old and he early became the support of his mother. After some years of his boy hood had been spent in mechanical pursuits, he became a druggist's clerk and soon after set up for himself in that business. In October, 184 2, he removed to Indiana and taught school in Montgomery County. He studied medicine and attended a course of lectures in Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, and a partial second course in New Orleans. However, he did not practice medicine in Crawfordsville, but continued as a druggist. Upon t he commencement of the war with Mexico, General Manson entered the service as Captain, Co I 5th Indiana regiment, Col. James H. Lane commanding with which he participated in the campaign with General Scott from Vera Cruz to the Capital.

Upon his return to Crawfordsville at the close of t he war he resumed his business as a druggist, and in 1851 was elected Representative from Montgomery County to the General Assembly. He served during the important sessions of 1851-52, in which the laws of the state we re revised and which adopted the new constitution. In 1856 he was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention which nominated Buchanan and Breckenridge. In 1860 he was an ardent supporter of Stephen A. Douglas, and when the war broke out he placed himself in the ranks of the union and took an active part in the recruiting of the first company raised in Montgomery County under General Lew Wallace. Two days afterward, in five hours he raised a company, with which he marched to Indianapolis. From t he men he brought into camp, two companies of the 10th Indiana Regiment we re formed, and Co. G elected Mr. Manson captain. Upon the organization of the regiment Mr. Manson was commissioned Major and within 10 days afterward was promoted to Colonel. Early in June his regiment was order ed to W. Va, and participated in the battle of Rich Mountain. His regiment was placed in advance with General Rosecrans and on the 19th of Jan 186 2, Col. Manson and his brigade participated in the battle of Mill Spring. After that battle the Union forces returned to Louisville and the ladies of that city presented the 10th Indiana with a beautiful flag, which was received by Col. Manson in behalf of his regiment. March 24, 186 2, Col. Manson was appointed Brigadier General by President Lincoln and this promotion was valued, as it came to him without solicitation. To give the war record of this brave general would include the most brilliant and effective portion of the army's movements during those years. On the 14 th of May 1864, the army corps with General Manson was connected moved up on the Confederate works at Resaca and it was at this place that this brave officer made one of those displays of courage which make patriots' hear ts glow with pride. To show Gen. Haskell how he might best avoid the enemy's fire, General Manson sprang upon the works, when he was struck by a piece of shell upon the right shoulder and his arm was thereby disabled forever. Although he was carried off the field insensible, in a few days he resumed command, but he was finally obliged to enter the hospital at Nashville. He was there at the time of the battle of Franklin, but was later removed to Louisville, where he remained for 85 days and here, after having an operation performed, he became satisfied that he would not be able to again take his command and so Dec 21, 1864, he resigned. During h is career Gen. Manson was never known to complain of any duty assign ed to him, and he was distinguished for accuracy of judgment and promptness in action and was respected by his equals and loved by his men. Gen. Manson was nominated by the Democratic party in 1864 as their candidate f or Lt. Governor, on a ticket headed by the late Joseph E. McDonald but while he ran ahead of his ticket, he was defeated. In 1866 he was nominated for Sec. Of State but was defeated and in 1868 he was nominated as a Candidate for Congress in the 9th District but the district was largely Republican and he was defeated. In 1870 he was again the Democratic candidate for Congress, and was elected over General Lew Wallace, and served in ! the 42nd congress. General Manson was a member of the Committee on Invalid Pensions and performed a great amount of labor, rendering gr eat service to his disabled companions. In 1873 he was appointed and served as a member of the Democratic State Central Committee and in 1875 made its Chairman, in which capacity he served during the memorable campaign of 1876; he represented the state at large in the convention at St. Lou is and supported the candidacy of Thomas A. Hendricks for the nomination f or President. He was one of the number who went to New Orleans after t he election in 1876 to represent Mr. Tilden and in that year he was elect ed to Auditor of the state with a plurality of votes amounting to 14,000.

In 1884 he was elected Lt. Gov, but resigned to accept the office of Collector of Internal Revenue in TH District. In 1886 Pres. Cleveland appointed Thomas Hanlon Collector of Internal Revenue, but as he was not confirmed, Gen. Manson received the appointment the same year. Our distinguished subject is a member of the commission in charge of building the Soldiers & Sailors' Monument at Indianapolis and by organization of the Mexican War Veterans of Indiana was unanimously selected to represent the period of the Mexican War on the monument. He has long been a prominent member of the Grand Army and became a member of the Masonic fraternity in 184 1, in which he has taken all of the degrees, including the 32 and has fill ed the offices in the subordinate as well as the Grand Lodge of the State. He was Deputy Grand Master for 2 years.

Gen. Manson was united in marriage on the 24th of May 1850 with Miss Caroline Mitchell, a daughter of Joseph Mitchell of Crawfordsville. Mrs. Manson was born at Camden, Preble County, Ohio. Gen. And Mrs. Manson have had born to them 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters, the eldest child and daughter being now decease d. Mrs. Manson for many years has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. General Manson is a man of commanding presence, and until disabled by his wound, a man of strong constitution. His manner is frank and engaging, and he has an invaluable faculty, springing from the kindness of his heart and goodness of motive of making men feel at home when in his presence. An eloquent orator, he commands the attention, convinces the reason, arouses the enthusiasm and awakens the zeal of his hearer s. A brave and gallant soldier, a prudent and conscientious statesman, a public spirited citizen, a faithful friend, an honest man in business, and a true man in all the relations of life, it is not surprising that he holds a high position in the esteem and affection of the people of t he State. He rose from poverty to justly deserved eminence and the brig ht light which beats upon his life discovers no flaw in his character. Not by accident or aid of others, but by earnest toil, constant perseverance, through smoke and blood of battle, he has attained success in life, military, glory, political and social popularity and the love and honor of h is fellow-citizens. Such men as he make all men their debtors.

=====

“The Loiterer. What he hears about the streets.” Source: Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana Weekly Argus News Jan 5, 1894 p3 Gen. Manson: “I was born in 1818 just 3 years after the battle of New Orleans and I first saw the hero Old Hickory in 1837 in Cincinnati just after his term as president had expired. He was a tall, slim man, very determined looking and the pictures of him all over the country are good. Yes I shall attend the Jackson banquet at Indianapolis and it will be a big meeting too.” Bige Bayless: “I am just back from Tennessee where I have been buying Jersy cattle; got two car loads and sold them in Illinois. I saw the big pine forests down there and like the people but I don’t like the rocky country. I’ll tell you another thing. The people down there have more manners than they have up here too.” James Work, sr. Yountsville: “There should be a law abolishing football. My boy is laid up with a broken leg which he got while playing football during the noon hour, he being employed in the Young woolen mill last week. As played now toe game is simple brutal!” Source: Indianapolis News, Indianapolis, Marion County 5 February 1895 p1 Frankfort, Ind – February 5 – The dispatch to the Indianapolis News yesterday afternoon conveyed the information that General Mahlon D. Manson had been stricken with paralysis while on the train en route from Monticello to his home at Crawfordsville. He was accompanied by WT Brush, of Crawfordsville. General Manson fell asleep soon after entering the train and his condition was not discovered until the train reached here. He was removed to a hotel, and his wife and son were notified. They arrived about 7 o’clock and he recognized his family. His death occurred at 8 p.m.

The remains were taken to Crawfordsville this morning. General Manson was a native of Miami County, Ohio. He was born in February 1820. His grandfather was an Irish emigrant and veteran of the Revolutionary War. David Manson, his father served in the war of 1812 and was present at the surrender of Howe at Detroit. The deceased moved to Indiana in 1842, since which time he remained a resident of Montgomery County. He taught school and studied medicine, and eventually established himself as druggist at Crawfordsville. During the Mexican War he entered the service as Capt. Of Company I, Fifth Indiana volunteers. In 1851 he represented Montgomery County in the Legislature and he also served in the session of 1851-52, when the laws of the State were revised and adapted to the new constitution. When the Civil War broke out he assisted in organizing a company, which marched to Indianapolis under command of General Wallace, and five days later he organized a second company, which was assigned to the 10th Indiana of which he was commissioned captain. When the regiment organized he was commissioned major; soon after he was colonel. After three months service in West Virginia the regiment was reorganized for the three years’ campaign, and he was assigned to duty in Kentucky. He commanded a brigade in the battle of Mill Springs and in the siege and investment of Corinth, and he was commissioned Brigadier-General of volunteers, in March 1862. He served under General Nelson in the Army of the Ohio, participating in many important campaigns. During the battle of Resaca he was wounded so badly as to be compelled to ask relief from command, and for three months he lay at Louisville in a critical condition. In December 1864, he resigned his commission, closing his military career. General Manson was noted for his fidelity to Democratic interests. He belonged to what was known as the McDonald wing of the Democracy of Indiana. In 1864 he was nominated as a candidate for Lt. Governor on the ticket headed by Joseph E. McDonald, and was defeated with the remainder of his fellow candidates. In 1866 he was the Democratic nominee for Secretary of State, and in 1868 he was a candidate for Congress in the 9th District, and was beaten by Godlove S. Orth of Lafayette. Two years later, he was renominated and this time he was successful, defeating Gen. Lew Wallace the Republican nominee. In 1872 he was renominated but was defeated by Judge Casou. In 1875-76 he served as chairman of the Democratic State central committee and in 1878 he was elected Auditor of State. IN 1875 (sic) he was nominated for Lt-Gov on the ticked headed by Isaac P. Gray, and was elected.

The following year he was appointed collector of internal revenue in the Terre Haute District by President Cleveland, during Mr. Cleveland’s first administration and he resigned the office of Lt. Gov. His last public service was a member of the State Soldiers’ Monument Commission. The deceased was married in 1850 to Miss Caroline Mitchell, of Crawfordsville who survives him. Six children resulted from the reunion. He was a member of the GAR and Masons. – Remains at Crawfordsville – Crawfordsville, Ind February 5 – The remains of General Manson arrived here this morning from Frankfort, and were met at the station by a large number of Masons and GAR members, who escorted the body to the Manson home. The bells were tolled, and general demonstrations of sorrow were evidenced. The funeral will probably occur Thursday afternoon from the ME Church with which General Manson united two years ago. The services will be under the auspices of GAR and Masons. – transcribed by kbz

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 8 February 1895