Joseph Manson, teacher, homesteader, and Union soldier, was living in Canada when he decided to go to the United States, homestead, and participate in the Civil War. He secured legal admittance to enter the army by accepting three hundred dollars ($300.00) from a wealthy family to go in place of their son. Manson began his service about January 1, 1864. He was a member of the 27th Iowa Infantry Regiment until July 17, 1865 when he became a member of the 12th Iowa Infantry Regiment. Joseph Manson and his wife, Martha, whom he had married, apparently in 1848, were the parents of a son, James J. Manson, and a younger daughter, Jannetta [?], whose nickname was "Birdie."
From the description of Joseph Manson letters, 1864-1866 [microform]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 79832109
