Val Maninger arrived in central Illinois in the summer of 1854. He was age 18. He probably stayed with a local family until he could arrange a place to live.
Let’s look at where Val lived. Then we’ll meet his future wife’s family.
Valentine Maninger left Germany in 1854, at age 18. We know details about his passage from Germany to Le Havre, and his Atlantic crossing aboard the Mercury. We have the passenger list showing his arrival at Castle Garden in New York City.
He was in America. Where would he go? What would he do?
What would you have done?
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Valentine Maninger made the decision to emigrate by the time he was age 18.
That decision likely meant he wouldn’t see his parents or siblings or neighbors or Dittwar again.
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My mother had many eclectic interests, like books, cooking, gardening, sports, English language, and Italy. She also liked history and antiques. She had an eye for interesting and unique objects.
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Family Nibbles 