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Mahlon Dickerson Manson
MDManson.jpg
Born (1820-02-20)February 20, 1820
Piqua, Ohio
Died February 4, 1895(1895-02-04) (aged 74)
Frankfort, Indiana
Place of burial
Oak Hill Cemetery, Crawfordsville, Indiana
Allegiance United States of America
Union
Service/branch United States Army
Union Army
Rank Union Army brigadier general rank insignia.svg Brigadier General
Battles/wars American Civil War
Other work Druggist
Indiana legislature
U.S. Congressman
Indiana Lieutenant Governor

Mahlon Dickerson Manson (born February 20, 1820 – died February 4, 1895) was an important person from Indiana. He worked as a pharmacist, was a politician in Indiana, and became a general for the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Early Life and Career

Mahlon Dickerson Manson was born in Piqua, Ohio. His parents were David Manson, Jr., and Sarah Cornwall. His family later moved to Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Manson had an interesting family history. He was a descendant of David Manson. This earlier David Manson was an aide to General George Washington during the American Revolutionary War.

Before his military and political career, Mahlon Manson worked as a school teacher in Montgomery County, Indiana. He also studied medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. He even taught about medicine in New Orleans. Later, he became a pharmacist in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He also served as a member of the Indiana Legislature.

Serving in the Military

Manson had military experience even before the Civil War. During the Mexican–American War, he served as a captain with the 5th Indiana Volunteers.

Civil War Service

When the American Civil War began, Mahlon Manson quickly joined the Union Army. He was first made a captain in the 10th Regiment Indiana Infantry. In less than a month, he was promoted to colonel.

Rising Through the Ranks

Manson showed great leadership early in the war. He commanded a group of soldiers, called a brigade, in the Army of the Ohio. This was during the Battle of Mill Springs in 1862. Because of his brave actions there, he was promoted to brigadier general on March 24, 1862.

Later, General Manson was wounded in his leg and captured by Confederate soldiers. This happened at the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky. However, he was released just two months later. After his release, he helped fight against Morgan's Raid in Ohio.

Manson continued to advance quickly in the army. In just two months, he went from leading a brigade to leading a larger group called a division. Then, he took command of the XXIII Corps. He led this corps during the Knoxville campaign. During this campaign, his troops fought in battles like Campbell's Station and Knoxville.

Later in the war, General Manson returned to commanding a brigade. This was still within the Army of the Ohio. He fought during the Atlanta Campaign. He was seriously wounded again at the Battle of Resaca, Georgia.

After the War

After the Civil War ended, Mahlon Manson continued his public service. He became a politician for the Democratic Party.

He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1871 to 1873. This meant he represented Indiana in the U.S. Congress. He also worked as the state auditor for Indiana. This job involves checking the state's finances.

From 1885 to 1886, he served as the 20th Lieutenant Governor of Indiana. This is a high-ranking position in the state government.

Manson passed away in Frankfort, Indiana. He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Crawfordsville.

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