Universalist preacher and debater.

Erasmus Manford, born 1815, activist for women's rights and against slavery, editor-publisher "Manford's Monthly Magazine" 1841–1884 (originally named "Christian Teacher" 1841, became "Western Universalist & Christian Teacher" 1844, "Missionary" 1846, "Western Olive Branch" 1849, "Golden Era" 1850, "Western Universalist" 1854, and finally "Manford's Monthly Magazine" 1857-1884; ordained Universalist 1836. A powerhouse in the denomination. R.I.P.- Gwen Foss

Autobiography: Twenty-Five Years in the West by Erasmus Manford. Chicago: E. Manford, 1867. Web publication: Google Books

List of debates by Tommy Thrasher:
_ Campbell (Methodist Church); Independence, IN; c 1840
Harper Hanna (Methodist Church); Burlington, IN; c 1841
_ Jeffries (Protest Methodist Church); Lafayette, IN; c 1841; 4 days
_ Smith (Presbyterian Church); c 1842; Dayton, IN
_ Smith (Presbyterian Church); c 1842; Rossville, IN; 2 days
_ Coon (Scotch Presbyterian Church); Jefferson, IN; c 1842; 4 days
_ Dickerson (Scotch Presbyterian Church); c 1842; _, IN
_ (Baptist Church); Chambersburg, Fountain County, IN; c 1842; 2 days
_ (Episcopal Church); 1843; 2 days; Fort Wayne, IN
_Tichner (Church of Christ); Charleston, IL; c 1843; 4 days. Proposition 1: "Immortal blessedness is conditional.!" (Tichner affirmed; Manford denied). Proposition 2: "Will all mankind enjoy immortal blessedness?" (Manford affirmed; Tichner denied).
James Mathes (Church of Christ); Green Castle, IN; c 1844
_ Scott (Methodist Church) & _ (?); Martinsville, IN; c 1844; 4 days
E. Kingsbury (Presbyterian Church); c 1844; Oakland, IL; 4 days
E. Kingsbury (Presbyterian Church); written; c 1844. Periodical publication: Christian Teacher, Terre Haute, IN
Jacob Wright (Church of Christ); Columbus, IN; June 27, 1843
L. Edmonds (?); Franklin, IN; c 1845; 4 days
_ (Presbyterian Church); c 1845; New Philadelphia, IN; 2 days
_Lewis (Methodist Church); c 1846; Springfield, IL; 4 days
Henry R. Pritchard (Church of Christ); Liberty, IN; December 1846; 4 days
Benjamin Franklin (Church of Christ); Milton, IN; October 26-28, 1847; future judgment, endless punishment. Proposition 3: "Do the Scriptures Teach that those who die in disobedience to the gospel will suffer endless punishment?" Book publication: Oral Debate on the Coming of the Son of Man, Endless Punishment and Universal Salvation.
_: Abel Thompkins, 1860. Book publication: Endless Punishment, being the Third Proposition of an Oral Debate held in Milton, Indiana, October 26-28, 1847 between Benjamin Franklin, editor of the Western Reformer and Erasmus Manford, editor of the Western Universalist.
_: F. L. Rowe, 1902.
_ French (Baptist Church); Covington, IN; 4 days; c 1847
_ Russell (Church of Christ); Park County, IN; c 1848
_ Russell (Church of Christ); Dayton, IN; c 1848; 4 days
_ Stafford (Presbyterian Church); Carlyle, IL; 2 days; c 1849
_ Lewis (Methodist Church); c 1850; written. Periodical publication: Golden Era.
_ Mahan (Methodist Church); written; c 1950. Periodical publication: Golden Era.
_ (Methodist Church); Quincy, IL; 4 days; c 1855
_ Brooks (?); Pontiac, IL; c 1864; endless misery, universal salvation
John S. Sweeney (Church of Christ); Milford, OH; c 1865; 4 days
John S. Sweeney (Church of Christ); Manchester, IL; January 1868; universalism; 4 days
R. B. Roberts (Church of Christ); Farmer City, IL; 1870
John S. Sweeney (Church of Christ); Kirksville, MO; 1870; universal salvation, future punishment. Book publication: A Discussion of Universal Salvation and Future Punishment. Chicago, IL: Rand, McNally & Co., 1870.