### Charles Phillip Ingalls or “Pa” (1836-1902)
Charles Phillip Ingalls, known as “Pa,” had a restless spirit throughout his life. His family were long-time farmers, often moving in search of better opportunities, a pattern Charles continued after marrying Caroline Quiner. His relentless pursuit of financial stability, particularly through successful wheat farming, led to numerous relocations. Despite many attempts, Charles eventually secured his homestead but retired from farming soon after due to health issues. He and Caroline finally settled in De Smet, South Dakota, in what Laura circles call the Third Street House, where they spent the rest of their lives.
The “Little House” books streamline Charles’s life, omitting events like his quick resale of a tree claim in Walnut Grove and the family’s financial struggles. The books also leave out the aid they received from Minnesota’s state government during a grasshopper plague and the Dakota territorial government for Mary’s college tuition for the blind.
On the NBC TV show, the Ingalls family, particularly Charles, became a permanent fixture in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. Michael Landon, who played Charles without his famous beard, became the quintessential image of Pa for many viewers worldwide.
### Caroline Lake Quiner Ingalls or “Ma” (1839-1924)
Caroline Lake Quiner Ingalls, known as “Ma,” was raised in a blended family after her father perished in a shipwreck on the Great Lakes. Her mother remarried, and life was tough, fostering Caroline’s desire for stability. After marrying Charles, Caroline was often on the move due to his constant quest for a better life. She was a strong pioneer woman, dedicated to her family’s survival and education, and maintained a sense of fashion despite the hardships.
The “Little House” books present Caroline in a more traditional Victorian light, contrasting sharply with Charles’s adventurous spirit. While book Caroline is portrayed as horrified by Laura’s work in the fields, the real Caroline often joined in. Despite the constraints in the books, her creativity and neighborliness shine through.
On the TV show, Karen Grassle portrayed a calm, soft-spoken Ma with a hidden fiery streak. Her rivalry with Mrs. Oleson was a regular feature, but Grassle’s portrayal reassured viewers of their place in the Ingalls family.
Mary Amelia Ingalls (1865-1928)
Mary, the eldest Ingalls child, was studious and artistic. Her life dramatically changed when she lost her sight at 14, impacting the entire family. They sacrificed to send her to the Iowa School for the Blind, which restored much of her self-confidence. After graduating, she returned to live with her parents in De Smet. Following her father’s death, Mary stayed with her mother until she passed away, eventually living with her sister Carrie until her own death.
In the “Little House” books, Mary’s character highlights the contrast between Pa/Laura and Ma/Mary. Real-life actions and words attributed to Mary were often reassigned to Laura in the books to emphasize this dynamic.
Melissa Sue Anderson played Mary on the TV show, where her blindness and its impact were depicted differently. The show introduced fictional elements like her marriage to Adam Kendall and various dramatic storylines.
Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957)
Laura Ingalls Wilder, both a pioneer and an author, helped her family create a homestead, worked as a seamstress, and taught school before marrying Almanzo James Wilder. Together, they faced many challenges before settling in Mansfield, Missouri, where they built a successful farm. Laura’s writing career began with articles for the Missouri Ruralist and culminated in the beloved “Little House” books, which fictionalized her childhood.
Laura’s books often modified events for storytelling purposes, such as combining characters and altering timelines. Despite these changes, they remain the story of her life.
On the TV show, Melissa Gilbert’s Laura was adventurous, experiencing many dramatic events beyond the books and real life. The show balanced focus between Pa and other town families, but Laura remained central to the narrative.
Caroline Celestia Ingalls Swanzey (1870–1946)
Carrie Ingalls found her niche in newspapering, working for a syndicate in Dakota Territory before marrying David Swanzey and settling in Keystone, South Dakota.
In the “Little House” books, Carrie evolves from a background character to Laura’s partner in adventures. However, she fades into the background as Laura’s attention shifts.
On the TV show, Carrie, played by twins Lindsay and Sidney Greenbush, is best known for her opening credits tumble and a few Carrie-centric episodes.
Grace Pearl Ingalls Dow (1877–1941)
Grace, born ten years after Laura, spent her early years under her siblings’ shadow. She graduated from normal school, taught, and married local farmer Nat Dow, moving to Manchester, South Dakota.
In the books, Grace is known as Baby Grace, with few memorable turns. She arrives later in the TV series, played by Wendi and Brenda Turnbaugh, mostly as an infant or toddler.
Almanzo James Wilder or “Manly” (1857-1949)
Almanzo, the son of a prosperous farmer, sought to build his own successful farm. After marrying Laura, their early attempts were thwarted until they found success in Mansfield, Missouri. His stories inspired Laura’s books.
“Farmer Boy,” Almanzo’s story, presents a different world of a thriving farm in New York. The books simplified their age difference and altered events for narrative purposes.
Dean Butler portrayed Almanzo on TV, keeping a more realistic age gap and navigating dramatic storylines based on real-life tragedies and fictional elements.
Explore this site to learn more about the fascinating lives of the Ingalls family across different versions.
