Laura Ingalls Wilder was an American author best known for her series of children's books about her childhood on the American frontier, known as the Little House books.
The books were published between 1932 and 1943, and they became popular classics. The books tell the story of Laura's life on the prairie, and they offer a glimpse into the challenges and joys of pioneer life.
Laura Ingalls was born on February 7, 1867, in Pepin County, Wisconsin. She was the second of five children. The Ingalls family moved several times during Laura's childhood following Charles Ingalls's search for land to farm. They lived in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and Missouri.
Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote a total of nine books in the Little House series. The first book, Little House in the Big Woods, was published in 1932.
The last book, These Happy Golden Years, was published in 1943. The books were based on Laura's own experiences, and they were told in a simple and straightforward style.
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The Little House books were a critical and commercial success. They have been translated into over 40 languages and have sold over 60 million copies worldwide. The books have been adapted into several television shows and movies, including the popular television series Little House on the Prairie.
Laura Ingalls Wilder died on February 10, 1957, in Mansfield, Missouri. She was 90 years old.
Family Overview
Her family story is written in her infamous book series.
She came from a loving family that endured their own trials just like everyone else. Her father was a strong provider, and her mother was a homemaker who did many things for them.
She was close to her siblings and eventually married and had her own daughter.
She had one biological daughter and also became a primary caretaker to two others.
Family Tree Chart
Parents:
Charles Ingalls (1836-1902) - He was a farmer and a carpenter. He was born in Cuba, New York, and he moved to the American Midwest with his family when he was a child. He was a stern but loving father, and he taught his children the importance of hard work and self-reliance.
Caroline Lake Quiner (1839-1924) - She was a homemaker and a teacher. She was born in Wisconsin, and she met Charles Ingalls when they were both students at the Paeonian Grove Academy. She was a kind and patient mother, and she encouraged her children to be curious and independent.
Spouse:
Almanzo James Wilder (1857-1949) - He was a farmer and a businessman and was born in Malone, New York; he moved to Missouri with his family when he was a child. He was a kind and patient man, and he supported Laura's writing career.
Children:
Rose Wilder Lane (1886-1968) - She was born in De Smet, South Dakota, and she grew up on the Wilder's farm in Mansfield, Missouri. She was a strong and independent woman, and she followed in her mother's footsteps as a writer. She wrote several books, including "The Discovery of Freedom" and "The Road Less Traveled."
Siblings:
Mary Amelia Ingalls (1865-1928) - She was born in Pepin County, Wisconsin, and she was blind from birth. She was a gifted student and a talented musician. She taught school for many years and was a strong advocate for the education of blind children.
Caroline Celestia "Carrie" Ingalls Swanzey (1870-1946) - She was Laura's younger sister. She was born in Pepin County, Wisconsin, and she was a talented artist and writer. She married David Swanzey in 1900 and had one son, Roger.
Charles Frederick "Freddie" Ingalls (1875-1876) - He was Laura's younger brother. He was born in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, and he died of indeterminate causes at the age of nine months.
Grace Pearl Ingalls Dow (1877-1941) - She was Laura's youngest sister. She was born in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, and she was a talented musician and writer. She married Nathan Dow in 1902 and had two children, Louise and Roger.