In the Federal Census of 1850, Nathaniel and Ruth, ages 27 & 30, are living at New Bedford,MA, with his mother, Anna age 74. He is a sailor. They are living next to James & Mary Tripp; Mary is Nathaniel's sister.
In 1860 Nathaniel D. & Ruth Manchester are still at New Bedford; he is 38 and she is 40.
Nathaniel's death record at New Bedford has his middle initial as "D" and identifies his parents as Perry Manchester and Annie Bennett. He was a stevedore; cause of death was Bright's disease. Birthplace: Tiverton, RI; residence and place of death are given as New Beford/Dartmouth.