Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1876-12-30
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Personal Sketches OF the Members
OF the F0Ftieth General Assembly
of tennessee.
JOSEPH A, MANSON (DEN },

Hon. joseph Augustus Manson, repre-.
sentative elect from HardssnNn county,
Tenn, was born in McDonough, Henry
county, Ga, July IS, ls49. His ances.
tors, on his fathers side. were English;
maternal ancestors, Scotch. His father,
the Rev. DR., F. E. Manson, represented
Henry county, Ga and also bis Senate,
rial district several times in the LegislR-
ture of that State, and wss noted for his
piesy and stern devotion to duty.
In early life Mr., j. A Manson gave
promise of unusual mental endoEments
and intellectual ability. He was rather
delicate, physically, but mentally be was
far in advance Of most youths Of his age,
snd WAS making rapid strides toward
distinction, and perhaps fame, when the
war came on.
he left Emory College at Oxford, Ga,
in the spring Of 1861 to enter the Con-
federate service in the infantry battalion
of ThOs Cobb's Georgia Legion, which,
on reaching Virginia, was assigned to
Howell Cobb's brigade, commanded at
the close of the war by General D. VI.
DuBose, was IN Kershaw's division,
Loagstreess corps, Army Of Northern
Virginia. Me-. Manson entered the army
IS q private, and remained in the SCI
vics till the close Of the war, st which
time he was irst lieutenant. acting edju-
tant Of his regiment
After the war be returned to college
at Oxford, Ga, aad received the degree
Of bachelor of arts in 1867. During the
same year he came to West Tennessee,
and was engaged in teaching for several
years afterward in Bolivar, LaGrange
aud Salisbury, always with eminent
success. In 1873 the degree of master
of arts was conferred upon him by the
college which he formerly attended. In
every community in which he has made
bis home Mr. Manson has always ranked
among the most honorable and irfasu-
tial cltizsas. He is quiet and unosten.
tatious aud i%sclined to be reserved, bit
his influence is fell; by all around him
and is Lever ezertsd in tie wrong direc
ton.
In the summer Of 1871 he vas married
to Miss Fannie Elliott, Of Salisbury,
Tenn. On account Of impaired health
ne quit teaching two or three years ego,
Aad has row turned bis attention 10
farming. Up TO this time be has had
little to do with politics. BE has, how.
ever, been q member to two or three
Congressional conventions. Since at.
tsiring his majority be has always voted
with the Democratic party. BE was
nominated By the Democratic county
convention. BE il san eloquent speaker
and made a strong canvass Of his entire
county, favoring liver taxes, q eompro
mise Of the State Debt, tie repeal Of the
present assessment Law, an enlargement
Of the Judicial circuits aud consequent
lessening of the number Of circuit
judges the doing away With al super
aaous courts, as the Bartlett in Shelby;
in short, Of every prudent rstrenchment
looking to the economical administra-
ton Of the State government In con.
e~lusion. Ar. Manson is a gentleman OF
6ne appearance, good address, and high
order Of intellect, With 3 liberal educa-
ton.
The vote or Hsrdeman county at the
Presidential election vas as follows;
For President-Tilden, 1894; Hayes,
l4l8 For GoYernor-Porter Dem J,
1884; Thomas lind. Dem J IT'S For
Congress. Tenth striet-Youn (Dsm }.
1897; Randolph rep }. 1869.