Special Sub-Topic: Caroline "Ma" Ingalls Click Here To Play: Caroline "Ma" Ingalls

What was Caroline's full name?

Caroline Lake Quiner. There were 7 children in the family. Caroline was the third.

Caroline's father died when she was young. What tragedy caused his death?

disappeared in a shipwreck. Indians fed the family through the winter. Which is odd that later in life, Caroline hated Indians.

What was Caroline's heritage?

Scottish. She was from Dutch nobility and had roots in New England.

Caroline worked before she married Charles.

t. She taught two terms of school when she was only 16 years old.

On what date did Caroline and Charles get married?

February 1, 1860. They were married in Concord, Wisconsin.

How many children did Caroline have?

5. Mary, Laura, Carrie, Charles Frederick and Grace. Her only son, Charles, died at the age of 9 months.

Caroline had one prized possession that followed them in all their travels. What was it?

a china shepherdess. It wasn't declared "home" until Ma put her china sheperdess on a shelf.

The Ingalls family often had encounters with Indians. During a particularly difficult time, Caroline did something courageous. What was it?

gave the chief bread. Charles was ready to fight, but Caroline took bread out to the chief, hoping to please him. There were white scalps hanging at his waist. Her bravery made her family safe, and among the few families left unharmed.

Caroline could play the organ.

t. In DeSmet, the Ingalls were active in the Congregational Church. Both Caroline and Mary served as organists.

When did Caroline die?

April 20, 1924. She died on Easter Sunday. Neighbors came to the Ingalls home to pay their respects to one of DeSmet's first citizens...a lady who had lived through many demanding circumstances but never let them affect her refinement and gentle manners. Caroline Ingalls was in every respect, a true pioneer and homemaker through her long and sometimes trying life.