Henry County, GA Obituaries - Rev. Dr. Francis E. Manson

HENRY COUNTY, GA OBITUARIES - Rev. Dr. Francis E. Manson


Submitted by:
Karl Plenge 
kmplenge@atlantic.net

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Rev. Dr. Francis E. Manson was born in Dinwiddie County, Va., March 19, 1800; 
and died in McDonough, Henry county, Ga., August 9, 1874.

In 1822 young Manson graduated in the University of Maryland, and subesquently 
attended lectures in the Pennsylvania University.  In 1825 he emigrated to Georgia, 
and settled in Jasper County, remaining there until 1828, when he removed to McDonough, Ga., 
where he engaged in a lucrative practice for near thirty years, and where he remained 
until his death.  Of decided character, intense conception, quick discernment, ever 
respectful, but of firm and undeviating purpose, wherever a question of morals, religion, 
or duty, was presented, no one who knew him expected aught but a bold espousal of the 
truth and fearless advocacy for the right.  There was nothing sycophantic or time serving 
in his nature.  Being a man of ability and unquestionable integrity, his fellow citizens 
more than once called him to responsible positions; and it is worthy of remark that political 
preferment with him, never left its damaging touch upon heard or heart--never caused a flower 
of affection to wither, nor left a stain upon his bright escutcheon.  He was a delegate from 
Henry in the memorable convention of 1861, has represented her in the State Legislature, and 
served one term in the senate.  As a legislature, he was astute, practical, constitutional, 
conservative.  As a citizen, pious, philanthropic, and patriotic, he was ever fully abreast 
with every movement that tended to the amelioration of the condition of man, or the extension 
of the Master’s kingdom.  He was a bright and exemplary Mason, loved the Order, and was honored 
by the Craft.  For many years, he has been Master, High Priest, and also an officer in the Grand 
Chapter of Georgia.  But like all good men, it was in the sacred precincts of home--in the endearing 
relation of the domestic and social circles, and as a neighbor and friend, that the loveliest 
traits of his character appeared.  Time will never unfold the good that this humble man of God 
has been instrumental in accomplishing, and still accomplishes--for the influence of his bright 
and spotless life still lives as a joyous remembrance.  He was powerfully convicted of sin at a 
camp-meeting near McDonough, Ga., in 1829, and about its close, received the most satisfying 
assurance of pardon and acceptance.  In a brief record made by himself he says: “I joined the 
Church at once.  Was licensed to preach April 23rd, at Ebenezer Church, Yellow River Circuit, 
Rev. W. J. Parks, P. E.  Was ordained deacon by Bishop J. O. Andrew, in Macon, Ga., Jan. 17th, 1836, 
and ordained elder by Bishop Waugh, in Milledgeville, Ga., Jan. 9th, 1842.”  At times he preached 
with remarkable liberty and power.  He was usually deliberate, and his efforts methodical, 
didactic--propositions clearly defined and points well taken.  But whenever he touched his 
favorite theme--the love and mercy of God--he was earnest, pathetic, impassioned.  He has been 
a great inestimable blessing to us.  But it was the man’s life that was so grand, simple, pure, 
sublime.  Every day he gravitated heavenward.  Every day his lamp was filled, the wick well trimmed, 
and brightly burning.  “A living epistle” was he—a constant exemplification of the religion of Jesus.  
He was confined to his house for months with some disease of the liver.  There was no impatience, 
no complaining; he was always pleasant, resigned.  En route to the Griffin District Meeting, I 
called in to see him.  Said I: “Doctor, have you any message for your ministerial or lay brethren?  
They will miss you.”  He replied: “No message to any particular one.  Give my love to all.  Tell 
them I am lying here in considerable pain at times, but God wonderfully sustains me.  I am ready to 
go or stay.  Sometimes I fear I am a little too anxious to go.  Tell them to remember that, and to 
hold fast to Jesus.  They may trust him fully.”  On Thursday night, before he died on Sunday, the 
physician said he might pass away before morning, and taking his hand in mind I said, “Doctor, you 
have professed and preached the religion of Jesus for nearly fifty years.  As you approach the dark 
valley, tell me, what of it now?”  He replied with emphasis: “I have been wonderfully preserved--I 
am fully sustained.  The religion of Jesus is a grand reality!  O, yes, a grand reality.” I asked: 
“God, then, loves even us?  The Bible, the plan of salvation, the resurrection, heaven, eternal 
happiness, are all true?”  He answered: “yes, yes--all true--a glorious, GLORIOUS TRUTH.”  On 
Saturday morning his son-in-law, J. S. Crockett, Esq., sent us word that the Doctor was dying.  
The room was soon filled with his family and friends.  He had a kind word and benediction for 
each one.  He said that there was “no cloud--everything was bright and happy.”  He asked for his 
little girl--kissed her and her little brother.  His motherless children piteously weeping around 
him, could any man, though I, with a father’s heart, keep from looking, reaching back?  But faith 
grandly, promptly sustained him, and he whispered, “God will take care of you, my children.”  He 
then asked the writer to engage in prayer, but not until a faithful old colored servant was called 
in and blessed by the dying master.  Through the prayer, and at its close, the Doctor warmly responded.  
He said: “I am so happy.  Everything is so bright--no clouds.  Bright winged angels are here.  God is here.”  
Throughout the day, his exhortations and benedictions among departing friends, were indeed syllabic sermons.  
We all rejoiced that he lived to greet and bless his son, Z. W., and his eldest daughter, Mrs. V. R. Tommey, 
of Decatur, Ga.  Most of the time in this happy state of mind, he lived until Sunday evening, ever an anon 
assuring us that everything was “all right.”  A few minutes before he died, he said, “George, all is right,
” then folded his arms on his breast, composed his limbs, and as quietly and sweetly as a child, fell asleep 
in Jesus.”

								GEO. M. NOLAN