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Martha Jane Graham - James Duncan Manning
James Duncan Manning, my grandfather, was born on October 22, 1825
in Green County, Georgia. He moved to Texas and settled at Eliga, a small community near
Killeen, now a part of the Fort Hood reservation. There he met and married Martha Jane
Graham on January 21, 1856. To this union were born Victoria, George (my Dad), twins, Mary and Martha, Robert, William, Fannie, Cordelia, Sally. Lucy,
James and twins, Bell and Bunyon.
George Washington Manning was born December 24, 1858 at Eliga. In May of 1877 he was
joined in matrimony with Susan Elizabeth Davis by Elder Jesse
Graham. They rented land and farmed until enough money had been saved to buy a 128
acre place near Pearl from L.D. Childers at a cost of $1500.00.
The move to their new home, a 4-room plank house, was made in two wagons, Papa driving one
and Mama the other, along with the three small children. Three larger children drove the
cattle on foot and horseback, their route being mostly over open land between forty and
fifty miles to their destination. There was no electricity or running water, only a
windmill and ever-flowing spring not far from the house. The only means of heating was a
small fireplace. Cooking was done on a wood stove or the fire place. Refrigeration
consisted of a "cooler", metal shelves with a pan above and below to feed water
through a cloth draped around the shelves Telephon service did not come to Pearl until the
early 1900's.
Most families had a baby every two years and the Mannings were no exception. Mama and Papa
had nine girls and two boys to live to adulthood: Luther, Hattie, Iva, Alzie, Sue, Effie,
Essie, Dessie, Robert, Mordie and Bee. Two died in infancy and Lottie died at age two in
1893. She was the first person buried in Pearl and her grave in the Methodist church yard.
In 1897 Papa decided to build his family a new house which was quite a task in those days
as the lumber had to be hauled from Waco by wagon and team.
Effie Laudermilk heired the old homestead and in 1971 sold it to a grandson, R.C. (Bobby)
Manning and family who have restored and improved the place and are making it their home,
much to the gratification of the Manning family.
-- Essie Manning Bynum
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