The Maningers arrived in Kansas in January 1885. They brought with them furniture and beds, kitchen, tools, farm implements, and livestock. Awaiting them was a quarter-section farm with a house a mile south of Harper.
297 – We’re in Harper
Smith
296 – To Kansas By Rail
The Maningers were moving to Kansas. This wasn’t a case of poor pioneers in a covered wagon with no money and no belongings.
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?
289 – Boots and Shoes
Val bought a building and lot from Christian Farni and set up a boot and shoe business.
Continue reading288 – 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.
Family Nibbles 