Description
Manuel Dobson, Well Known Town Character, Dead - Aged Colored Man Passes Away After an Illness of Five Years - Born in Slaver, Fought for Union - - Manuel Dobson, one of best known old time colored men of Leavenworth, died at his home at 309 Cheyenne street at 4 o’clock yester day afternoon. Paralysis, of which he suffered three strokes, caused his death.
Manuel, as nearly everyone knew him, had been in bad health for 5 years. After the first stroke he was seldom able to get down town to meet and talk with old friends.
He was 75 years old (born ~1841) and was born in Missouri. He was born a slave and ran away from his master and joined a colored regiment in the Union Army in the Civil War. He was badly wounded in battle and one arm was helpless from a gunshot wound for more than 50 years before he died.
LIVED OFF HIS PENSION.
Manuel received a pension of $30 a month and in addition an allowance of $50 a year for an arm, supposedly to replace the one that was permanently crippled. He lived off his pension and seemed to fully appreciate the kindness of the government in taking care of him.
Manuel was a town character in his way. He was not quarrelsome, but had a way of talking very plainly to the young people of his race, when he thought they did not act as they should. However, in spite of this he was liked and respected by all of them.
Manuel was an ardent Republican. To question his Republicanism was an insult to him. He believed, very properly, that it was through the Re publican party that his race was set free from slavery and that pensions were granted Union soldiers.
Manuel is survived by his faithful old wife, Betty Dobson, who nursed and took care of him in the 5 long years of illness. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Maggie Williams. The date for the funeral has not been determined on yet.
(Researcher's note: Manuel Dobson enlisted at Leavenworth, Kansas on August 27, 1862, and was mustered as a Private into the 79th USCT Infantry, Company F.
On November 3, 1866, Edward M. Dobson of Platte County, Missouri, signed claim for compensation #54 for enlisted slave Manuel Dobson and swore an oath of allegiance before Platte County Circuit Court Clerk George W. Belt.
Edward Dobson claimed he had acquired title by “…the mother of said Manuel Dobson belonged to the claimant and the said Manuel Dobson, for whom compensation is claimed, was born the property of said Edward M. Dobson.”Date(s) of Creation
5/19/1916
