Billy, Try different surnames spellings. Before most people could read and write, the census takers put what they thought it sounded like down. My family has many spellings of Maness in the early lines.

Manus, Manes, Manas, Manis, Manesse, Maness. I have found info for my ggggg grandfather under all those names.

The earliest of my family came from Scotland. If you descend from that area, please contact me directly for info on those early generations.

Good luck in your search!