Past:
After leaving their home in Pepin, Wisconsin, in late 1868 or early 1869, the Ingalls family lived in Chariton County, Missouri, for several months to a year. They then moved to Montgomery County, Kansas, about 13 miles southwest of Independence. The family made their home on the Osage Diminished Reserve after receiving word from Washington that the land would soon be open for settlement.Though Laura was only 2-3 years old when the family lived here, she wrote of the family's experiences here in Little House on the Prairie based on Pa's, Ma's, and Mary's memories. It was here that Mr. Edwards, their bachelor neighbor, crossed the flooded creek to bring Christmas presents to the girls. Laura also mentions her neighbors, the Scotts, and Dr. Tann, who brought the family through a bout with malaria. In addition, the Ingalls family had Osage neighbors, including the French speaking chief, Soldat du Chene. Though not mentioned in the book, Laura's sister Carrie was born while the family was living here.
