Caroline's family had moved to Wisconsin from Massachusetts in the 1830's. Caroline was born in Wisconsin in 1839. After Caroline's father died in 1844, her mother remarried. The children of each of the families attended the same school. Romance between the two families blossomed, Aunt Polly married Uncle Henry in 1859. Then, Charles and Caroline tied the knot in 1860.
As the Civil War began, the new couples both moved to Pepin, Wisconsin. Charles and Caroline built a cabin in the woods. Charles farmed and hunted as they began their life together.
The Lord blessed their marriage with four daughers and a son, who died less than a year old. It was a great loss to Caroline. But, being of strong character, she went on.
Charles and his family moved around the new frontier, pioneering as they went. They were happily married for 42 years, till Charles died. Most of what we know of their family life comes from what their daughter, Laura, wrote in her "Little House" book series. After Laura's death, the books were made into the TV series, "Little House on the Prairie". Millions of viewers and readers of the books have come to think of the Ingalls family as part of their own family.
Charles and Caroline have served as role models for countless generations now. Thanks, Charles & Caroline! Happy 151st Anniversary!
This was a blessed union, indeed: it produced Laura!
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