The Maningers were moving to Kansas. This wasn’t a case of poor pioneers in a covered wagon with no money and no belongings.
296 – To Kansas By Rail
McLean
295 – Kansas Fever
The 1880s dawned clear and bright for Val and Lena Maninger. Things seemed to be going their way. But there was a fever in the air. Kansas fever.
294 – Waldo 1870s
Val and Lena Maninger were settled in. They owned a boot and shoe business in Gridley. They had a growing family.
293 – Apostolic Christian Church
People in Slabtown and Gridley and Tazewell were leaving their Amish and Mennonite churches to follow a “New Amish” way, one that was more conservative, yet more dynamic and emotional.
These new congregations met in houses and barns until they could build a church.
Val and Lena Maninger would convert too.
Continue reading292 – Gridley 1860s
By late 1864, Val was back in Woodford County, home from the war. But Val didn’t stay in Farnisville and Woodford County. Why?
288 – Meet the Smiths
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.
287 – Why Illinois?
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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Family Nibbles 