DAVID MANSON 

Though Mr. Manson had for some years immediately preceding his decease lived in Newmarket, N. H., more than one half of his long life was spent in Bradford, where one son still remains, and by some at least this worthy father will be long and respectfully remembered.  David Manson was a native of Kittery, Maine, near Portsmouth, N. H., born there May 30, 1782. In his youthful days he had some experience of the sailor's life; but his principal occupation during early manhood was that of a ship carpenter. At the age of twenty-eight years he emigrated with his family to Bradford, and settled down on a farm in a rather retired locality, industriously devoting himself there to agricultural pursuits.  He came in the Spring of 1810, and continued a resident of the town for forty-six years. Several of the last years of this period were spent, not on his farm, but in Bradford village.

The beloved wife of his youth and mother of his children, Sally Tarlton, died in 1835. He subsequently married a very estimable lady. Miss Sarah Tarlton, a niece of his first wife, who proved to be to him a great comfort and blessing during his declining years. With her he removed, 1856, to Newmarket, the place of her former residence; and finally died there as above stated, at the good old age of eighty-nine years, six months and fifteen days.

Though during the days of his youth and early man-hood, Mr. Manson, like too many others, lived in neglect of the great salvation, he became at length deeply impressed by religious considerations, obtained a comfortable hope of Divine forgiveness, and heartily consecrated himself to the Redeemer's service. He first united with the so called Christian church, but on coming to live in the village became a member of the Methodist church, and so remained.

During most of the last two or three years of his life there was a sad failure of his intellectual powers; his memory was almost gone; his mind was weak and wandering ; but he was to the last made as comfortable as conjugal and filial loving kindness, the most devoted, could possibly render him. What a satisfaction, too, it is to be assured that in such a state, or when still more deplorably bereft of reason, the life of the real christian is still secure, being " hid with Christ, in God." Before this calamity occurred Mr. Manson had presentiments of its coming, and did what he could to be in readiness for it. He set his secular affairs in due order, and aimed to be habitually prepared to meet his God.  In his last will and testament he, like Joseph of old, " gave commandment concerning his bones," that they should be conveyed to the place of his former abode, and laid to rest with their kindred dead, until called forth to life by the voice of the Son of God, in the morning of the general resurrection. He even gave directions in regard to the religious exercises at his funeral, so far at least as that "the aged Congregational minister in Bradford, Rev. Dr. McKeen, if living and able," should be requested to preach his funeral sermon. With him he had been long and pleasantly acquainted, while of any other minister who might be officiating in the place, he of course could have no knowledge. To all of which requests his widow and sons paid the most respectful attention.  Mr. Manson died at Newmarket, N. H., December 15, 1871, in the ninetieth year of his age.  His funeral was attended in the Congregational church on Wednesday, the 20th day of December, by a respectful gathering of old friends; and in the religious exercises the officiating pastors of the Methodist and Congregational churches rendered fraternal assistance. The precious remains, tastefully prepared for the occasion, and still remarkably retaining their natural and life like appearance, were gently laid down to their long repose by venerable men, former neighbors and friends of the deceased.  Beside his widow, Mr. Manson left two sons and a daughter ; Mr. George Manson, of Bradford, Mr. John T. Manson, of Boston, and Mrs. Ira Hiland, also of Boston ; who have families of their own.

1 George Manson was born at South Newmarket, N.  H., September 22, 1828. He was brought here by his parents on their removal to this place in the Spring of 1830, and has here remained a worthy inhabitant for some-what over forty-four years; being chiefly engaged in agricultural pursuits. On the 4th of July, 18-, he was married by Rev. S. McKeen with Miss Betsey Wilson, of this town. These parents had one daughter, Sarah Ann, who married John M. Warren, of Swanville, Maine, and had two sons. After the decease of his first wife Mr. G. Manson married Miss Mary Taplin, of Corinth, who lived but a few months after their marriage. He then married Miss Rebecca Heaton, of Hanover, N.H., who deceased, leaving two daughters and one son.  The eldest daughter married Gardner Gaffield, of Bradford. They have two sons and two daughters. Charles A. Manson married Evelyn Lund, of Piermont, N. H.  They have one son and one daughter. His sister, Abbie F., married Frank Chamberlin, of this town. They have one daughter. Mr. G. Manson married for his fourth wife the widow Bean, a worthy lady, then of Bradford, whose maiden name was Amanda Tibbets.

2 Martha, daughter of David Manson, a native of Bradford, married Ira Hiland, of this town, formerly ; but subsequently of Boston.   They have one daughter. 

3 John T. Manson, born in Bradford, married Mary Sawyer, of Litchfield, Maine. He is engaged in the market business in Boston.   They have two daughters. Biographie Index

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