This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: allezzam1974 Surnames: Johnson Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.scotland.general/21568/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The Annual Reunion of the Maria Johnson family of Mariadahl, Kansas is always held on the third Sunday in August. Maria and her children, David, Gustaf, Victor, Christina, Charlotta, Clara and Emma, arrived in Kansas in 1859. Her two oldest sons, Nils Peter and John, had come to America seven years earlier and, after a stop in Illinois, settled in Pottawatomie County, Kansas. They emigrated from Sweden. They first lived in Östergötland län, and then Kalmar län. Maria's name in Sweden was Maria Axelsdotter and she was married to Johan Nilsson. The children's surnames were Johansson and Johansdotter Mariadahl, Kansas, meaning Maria's valley, was named after Maria. Members of each of these branches get together for a reunion each year and in August 2008, celebrated the 91st Annual Reunion. We share a potluck lunch, memorabilia, and stories. Someone usually has old photographs to show. We meet in different locations each year. If you are a member of this family, or would like to know if you are, please contact me, the Family Statistician. Join us next August for the 92nd Reunion. Linda Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.