This Tuesday marks the 150th birthday of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I thought you would enjoy The Inspirational Faith of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
The Inspirational Faith of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Throughout the month of February, all over the world, there are celebrations being planned in her honor.
All of the individuals or organizations planning such events would each probably give you a very different reason as to why they want to acknowledge and celebrate her life.
A common theme tends to be how Laura, despite facing many difficult obstacles in her life, chose to persevere. It is this perseverance, as well as her everlasting hope and faith, that has inspired millions.
Laura’s Early Life
It amazing to think that just one baby born in a log cabin in the big woods of Wisconsin on February 7th, 1867 could inspire such celebrations. There are no photos of Laura as an infant or small child to document her birth. The first glimpse of Laura is around the age of fifteen.
She was pictured alongside her sisters, Carrie and Mary, around 1882. By the time this photo was taken the family had moved numerous times, lost their home in Kansas, been bankrupt, baby brother Freddie had passed away in 1876 at age 9 months and Mary had lost her sight in 1879 due to illness. They had moved to the town of De Smet in Dakota Territory in 1880 hoping to make a fresh start. Their first year there was marked by hunger and bitter cold from unrelenting blizzards. Laura would earn her teaching degree the same year this photo was taken. Most of her earnings would be given to help support her family.
Laura As A Teacher
We next see Laura in 1884 at the age of 17. During the week she lived 12 miles away from her family in order to teach school. Almanzo Wilder, a bachelor 10 years older, began to court Laura in earnest and would make the long horse and buggy journey to bring Laura back home on the weekends.
Laura As A Bride
Laura and Almanzo would marry soon after Laura turned eighteen in 1885. Their daughter, Rose, would be born the following year in 1886.
The three years after that would be filled with disaster and heartbreak. Almanzo fell ill from diphtheria and became partially paralyzed. Laura would give birth to a son in August of 1889 and he would pass away at just two weeks old. A few weeks later their home would burn to the ground and all of the crops would be lost to drought. This resulted in the family moving to Spring Valley, Minnesota to live with Almanzo’s family.
Laura would return to take a photo with her family in 1891.
From left to right: Caroline, Carrie, Laura, Charles, Grace, and Mary.
She also posed for a single portrait during this same session.
Shortly after she, Almanzo and Rose moved from Minnesota to Florida in October. They were hopeful that the warmer climate would restore Almanzo’s health and lead to better farming opportunities. The move was another failure. They would return to De Smet, South Dakota in August of 1892.
Rocky Ridge Farm Life
In July of 1894, the family would travel over 600 miles, by horse and buggy, to Mansfield, Missouri. Laura hid all of their money in a lap desk and never let it out of her sight the entire journey. The $100 went towards a down payment to buy 40 acres of rocky land that Laura would name “Rocky Ridge Farm”.
They could not afford to build a home so Almanzo’s parents first rented, then bought them, a small home in town. Almanzo quickly planted 400 apple trees on their farm, however it would be seven years before the trees would begin to bear fruit. The family survived by Laura taking in boarders and Almanzo selling firewood and hauling wagon loads for others.
Laura was 33 when this photo was taken of her at Rocky Ridge in 1900. By then the farm was fairly prosperous.
Laura In Kansas City
In 1906 Laura would travel to Kansas City to see her daughter Rose who was swiftly becoming an esteemed author in her own right. While there Laura struck a jaunty pose.
By 1918, Laura aged 51, had been writing for the “Missouri Ruralist” for seven years. She ultimately became an editor.
In 1929 the Stock Market Crash led the Wilders to financial ruin. Rose, who was now the highest paid female reporter of the time, encouraged her mother to write down some of her childhood memories. Laura had already been writing the basis of what would become “Pioneer Girl”. However Rose and her publisher suggested a happier story. Laura then wrote “Little House in the Big Woods”. It was published in 1932.
Despite the Depression, the book became a huge success.
Laura in 1937.
The Rock House
The Wilder’s lived for a few years in the “Rock House” that their daughter had built for them. It featured all of the most modern conveniences and luxuries of the day.
But in 1936 they opted to return to the simple life offered at their beloved Rocky Ridge Farm.
Laura The Writer
Laura continued to write down the memories of her childhood.
There were a total of eight “Little House” books in the series.
While carloads of fans would often show up at the farm to visit, Laura and Almanzo continued to live very simply.
Almanzo passed away at the age of 92 in 1949.
Laura continued to live on the farm with her friends often looking in on her. She would pass away at the age of 90 on February 10th, 1957.
Laura’s Faith
Despite a life full of hardship and adversity Laura never lost her faith. This is what inspires me most about her.
Laura regularly read and wrote in her bible. You can find her written references HERE.
Laura in 1953.
The reference sheet of verses was found in Laura’s King James Bible placed next to her rocker.
This week Decor To Adore will be celebrating Laura’s birthday in a variety of ways. Come back tomorrow for a TOWN party inspired by Nellie Oleson.
Happy Sunday,
Laura
Please enjoy all of the other posts in the “Little House” series.
Little House Christmas Tree and Decor
Laura’s Red Mitten Garland
Little House Holiday Breakfast
Becoming Laura Costume Challenge
The Homes of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura, this is a wonderful post. I always loved the Little House book but knew little of Laura until the Laura I know started to tell her story. The photos are terrific and I'm looking forward to a week of celebrations! (Sharing this one on FB!)
Thank you so much for this post – I want to look up all the verses today and write them down for myself. Also, I've been ordering biographies of women of faith in history – do you know of a good biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder to add to my collection? Thanks again! Mary S.
Thank you for this post. I'm an author and I visit homes of famous writers on my travels across the USA in my motor home. I'll put Laura on my 'must visit' list.
I love your blogs, and I wish you oceans of blessings, Sharon Leaf
Laura, this is fascinating! Seeing her throughout the years is amazing. She indeed endured many tests of faith in her lifetime and that is inspiring. Thank you for summing up her life on today's post. Ann
Wonderful post.
I love this post! I've read all the Little House books, but seeing so many photos in this timeline is amazing! Her life and her faith are truly inspirational. I can't wait to see what else you have planned for this week! I hope you are enjoying a peaceful Sunday. Mary
Totally enjoyed reading and seeing pictures of Laura. I read all of her books to my children long ago.
Laura has such a sweet face, all through her life. I love the photo of her and Almanzo where she is wearing the flowered dress with the bow at the raised waist. So cute. I've long admired Laura's writings, not just the Little House books, but some of her other things as well.
You have a wonderful heritage.
My heart jumped a beat at the post!
I'm going to celebrate on Tuesday, Laura's birthday, with my grand daughter.
Thank you for all the history and family treasures.
Hi Laura, Beautiful post for Laura's birthday. I really enjoyed reading the history and timeline of her life. Thank you for sharing. Blessed Sunday xo
This was a really interesting post, Laura. So many of us, and our daughters, grew up on the Litttle House books (and tv series.) I hadn't realized just how much adversity she faced. It really puts things into perspective, doesn't it?
Laura, this is a wonderful post. As a child of the 50s, her books were a part of my childhood, and as an elementary teacher, her books were always a part of my classroom. Thank you for sharing all these details about her life. Wonderful photos.
A fabulous informative post and photos. I have all of the Little House books and a book on Laura Ingalls Wilder. I still pull out my books and enjoy them. Nice to remember her birthday!
Her books were some of my favorites in Elementary school. Looking forward to seeing your celebration posts. What a wonderful legacy.
Oooooo, goodie, goodie! I'm SO excited! Thanks for inviting me to this splendid party, Laura Ingalls Gunn!
*hugs*
Kelley~
Laura, This is such an interesting post and how proud you must be of your ancestor. It's wonderful how you have so many family photos. Thanks for sharing the story of Laura Ingalls. Joan-My Cookie Clinic
oh wow what a beautiful party..
and such an amazing history.. thank you for sharing
I was catching up on some reading this morning with my cup of tea and came across an article in my Victoria magazine on LIW. I immediately thought of you. 🙂
Love the photos and info you have written about her. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
This post is amazing to me. I didn't know anything about Laura's personal life. What a blessing her books have been to many. Thank you for researching and sharing pictures and facts with us.