The Real-Life Family of ‘Little House on the Prairie’: Charles, Laura Ingalls—Plus Why Mary Went Blind
Learn everything there is to know about the real-life Ingalls family, the inspiration for Laura Ingalls Wilder’s novels
You likely know of the Ingalls family from the hit Western series, Little House on the Prairie, based on the books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. With a cast led by Melissa Gilbert and Michael Landon, the series was a massive success, running for nine years from 1974 until 1983.
But while you’ve learned about the characters from the series, you might not know much about the actual Ingalls family. From Charles and Caroline to the Ingalls sisters, learn everything there is to know about the real-life family behind Little House on the Prairie.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
As the voice behind the famous stories of Little House on the Prairie, Laura Ingalls Wilder tells the amazing tale of her childhood and adulthood. In real life, Laura was the second daughter to Charles and Caroline Ingalls, born on February 7, 1867, in Pepin County, Wisconsin.
Laura grew up to become a bestselling author, journalist, teacher and businesswoman. She wrote a total of nine Little House books during her lifetime, with eight published between 1932 and 1943 and the ninth released posthumously in 1971. Her books were eventually turned into the hit series in 1974 and she was portrayed by actress Melissa Gilbert
In 1885, Laura married Almanzo Wilder, and they welcomed a daughter, Rose Wilder, on December 5, 1886. At age 90, Laura died of complications from undiagnosed diabetes in 1957.
Charles Ingalls
Charles Ingalls, the father of Laura, was an American pioneer and farmer. Born in 1836 as one of 10 siblings to Landsford Whiting and Laura Louise Colby Ingalls, Charles came from a long line of farmers who often relocated. He later followed in his family’s footsteps, moving his own family a number of times, often in search of better financial opportunities.
In 1860, Charles married Caroline Ingalls and the couple had five children together: daughters Mary, Laura, Carrie, Grace and son Charles, who died as a newborn. At age 66 in 1902, Charles died of cardiovascular disease.
The real-life “Pa” was portrayed by actor Michael Landon in the Western series.
Caroline Ingalls
Born in 1839, Caroline Ingalls, formerly Caroline Quiner, was a schoolteacher and wife of Charles Ingalls. She was also the mother of Mary, Laura, Carrie, Grace and Charles. The real-life Caroline was portrayed by actress Karen Grassle in the Little House series. In 1924, Caroline died at age 84 following a long illness.
Mary Ingalls
Portrayed by Melissa Sue Anderson on the Little House series, the real-life Mary Ingalls was the firstborn in 1865 to Charles and Caroline Ingalls. At age 14, Mary became blind after becoming ill with what was thought to be scarlet fever in 1879, though some recent medical historians suggest viral meningoencephalitis may have been the true cause.
In 1881, she began attending the Iowa Braille & Sight Saving School until 1889. Although her character married on the show, Mary never got married in real life and she never had any children. After her parents passed, Mary was taken care of by her sister Carrie. In 1928 at age 63, Mary died of pneumonia.
Carrie Ingalls
Born as the third child of Charles and Caroline in 1870, Carrie went on to work for a newspaper later in life. She married David Swanzey in 1912 and though they never had children together, she did help raise Swanzey’s two children from a previous marriage. In 1946, at age 75, Carrie died of complications from diabetes. Her character was portrayed by Sidney and Lindsay Greenbush.
Grace Ingalls
As the youngest child of the Ingalls family, Grace was born in 1877. Born 10 years after Laura, she wasn’t a main character in the Little House series, though she was portrayed by Brenda and Wendi Turnbaugh. The real Grace became a teacher and married farmer Nat Dow. In 1941, Grace died of complications of diabetes like her older sisters Carrie and Laura.
Almanzo Wilder
As the husband of Laura Ingalls, Almanzo (portrayed by Dean Butler) had a significant role in Little House and in the real-life Ingalls family. Almanzo was born in 1857 and was a farmer. In 1885, he married Laura and they welcomed Rose a year later. In 1949, Almanzo died of a heart attack.
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