Genealogy and History Fan

In the 1860’s Henry and Catherine Wineinger Fallen were living in the hills of Tennessee trying to survive on poor farm land. As their family increased, Catherine felt the need to move to a new area where the soil was good and enough crops could be grown to feed them all. Word came of rich soil and of the homesteading opportunities in the Kansas Territory. Catherine decided that their only chance for a better life was in Kansas. But Henry didn’t want to leave his beloved hills, woods and streams. Henry also said he was afraid they might get killed by Indians or starve to death on the trail. However Catherine was not deterred by her husband‘s negative attitude. So with her mind made up, she began preparations for the covered wagon trip to Kansas. Catherine was sure Henry loved her and their children too much to let them go without him. At the last minute Henry climbed into the back of the wagon with his gun and his dog.

They had many problems and delays during their journey. They were traveling during the Civil War. One day they had to make a sudden stop in a corn field with earshot of an Arkansas battle. (There were 17 battles fought In Arkansas during the Civil War.) The reason they needed to stop was for Catherine to give birth to a baby girl!

Eventually they arrived in Kansas where they obtained 160 acres of good farm land. Henry and Catherine raised crops and 11 children on their Kansas homestead.

Never underestimate the power of a good and determined woman! Hats off to Catherine and all the great women (and men) who have gone before us. Catherine is one of my many Wineinger cousins.