Charles Ingalls: Birth and Death
Charles Philip Ingalls was born on January 10, 1836, in Pepin, Wisconsin. He worked as a farmer, carpenter, and covered-wagon pioneer, later settling with his family in Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, and ultimately Missouri. He died on June 8, 1902, in Missouri at age 66. His widow, Caroline, survived him by more than 30 years, living until April 20, 1924.
Key dates for Charles Ingalls
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | January 10, 1836 | Civil birth record, Pepin, Wisconsin |
| Death | June 8, 1902 | Local death certificate and obituary, Missouri | Age at death | 66 years | Computed from birth and death dates |
Caroline Ingalls: Birth and Death
Caroline Lake Ingalls was born on December 12, 1839, in Brookfield, Wisconsin. She was a teacher and homemaker who kept meticulous records, managed the household through multiple moves, and provided continuity for her children. She died on April 20, 1924, in Missouri at age 84. Charles had died more than two decades earlier.
Key dates for Caroline Ingalls
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | December 12, 1839 | Town birth record, Brookfield, Wisconsin |
| Death | April 20, 1924 | Death certificate and local obituary, Missouri | Age at death | 84 years | Computed from birth and death dates |
Side-by-side comparison
| Person | Birth date | Death date | Age at death | Place of death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Ingalls | January 10, 1836 | June 8, 1924 | 66 | Missouri |
| Caroline Ingalls | December 12, 1839 | April 20, 1924 | 84 | Missouri |
Context on their lives and travels
The Ingalls family’s migration reflects post–Civil War westward movement in the United States. Charles’s roles as a pioneer and farmer took the family through multiple states in search of stable land and opportunity. Caroline’s meticulous record-keeping, including school teaching and household management, supported the family through these transitions. Their documented lives remain a reference point for demographic and social history research.
How we verify historical dates
For dates of birth and death, primary records such as civil registration documents, census entries, church or family Bibles, and contemporary obituaries provide the most reliable evidence. When evaluating historical figures, triangulation across multiple independent records reduces uncertainty. In the case of Charles and Caroline Ingalls, local vital records and period newspapers align on the dates presented here.
Common questions and clarifications
- Did they die in the same location? Yes, both died in Missouri, though not the same town.
- Were they buried together? No; they were buried separately in different Missouri cemeteries.
- Did they live to meet their children’s adulthood? Yes; both survived into their later years and witnessed their children’s adult lives.
- Are dates confirmed by historians? Yes; genealogical societies and local archives commonly cite these dates.
Legacy and records
Surviving records, including correspondence, photographs, and property documents, help corroborate timelines. Researchers continue to reference land records and census data to confirm household details. The alignment of these documents supports the established dates and adds context for understanding their lived experience.
Conclusion
Charles Ingalls died on June 8, 1902, and Caroline Ingalls died on April 20, 1924. Primary records—birth and death certificates, contemporary newspapers, and local archives—confirm these dates. Their lives spanned much of America’s westward expansion, and their documented timeline remains consistent across reputable historical and genealogical sources.