Sometimes before the entire family arrived in a new country, one or two family members (usually men and usually single, but not always) would immigrate first, get established, and then send back for the rest of the family.
If you’ve found the “family’s passenger list entry,” consider searching for a brother or other male relative who might have immigrated first. Peter Freund and Peter Hornung immigrated in 1853, followed by Freund’s siblings and extended family along with Hornung’s wife or sister a few years later. 
———————
Genealogy Tip of the Day is sponsored by GenealogyBank—search for your ancestors.
One response
The oldest son arrived from Germany in Jan 1855 and in July his widowed mother and 5 siblings arrived.
They were not poor. Mother was settling things before she left Germany. Family lore is that they migrated so the sons wouldn’t have to serve in the military. Their father died of wounds received in the military.
Since the oldest was probably nearest to getting conscripted he was probably sent ahead.
They went to Cleveland, Ohio.