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North Carolina's Governors
Charles Manly (1795-1871) presided over the decline and fall of the Whig Party in North Carolina. Born at "Oak Mont," the family home near Pittsboro, Manly received his early education from black educator John Chavis and at Pittsboro Academy run by William Bingham. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1814. In 1824 Manly was appointed assistant clerk to the House of Commons, an office he held until 1830 when he was made the principal clerk. He tended to that duty for the next seventeen years except for the 1842-1843 session. Manly joined the Whig Party at its formation and was the choice to succeed Governor William A. Graham in 1848. He narrowly defeated David S. Reid in the general election. Manly's administration was not particularly notable since most of the Whig initiatives had been started under the three previous administrations. He maintained support for internal improvements and public education while also calling for a statewide geological survey. His message to the General Assembly in 1850 foreshadowed the dilemma facing many Whigs in North Carolina. He warned of dangers in the separation of the South from the Union and urged state leaders to avoid secession. Charles Manly's election in 1848 was the last victory for the Whig Party. His bid for re-election in 1850 failed as Democrat David S. Reid won by almost 3,000 votes. With his political career over, Manly returned to a successful law practice in Raleigh. In retirement Manly lived on his "Ingleside" plantation, comprising 1,060 acres, east of Raleigh. In April 1865 troops under command of Gen. William T. Sherman pillaged his home and storehouses. After a long illness, one that left him blind, Manly died at his mansion in 1871. He was buried in the City Cemetery with only his name and life dates inscribed on a simple tombstone.
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