Before Laura Ingalls Wilder became a celebrated author of the Little House on the Prairie series, she held a number of jobs that reflected her resilience, independence, and deep connection to rural life. Many of her early occupations were typical of women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially those living on the frontier, and several of these experiences directly influenced the stories she later told in her books.
Here’s a look at the various jobs Laura held before becoming a published author, many of which laid the groundwork for her success as a writer.
Schoolteacher
Laura began teaching school at just 15 years old, in small rural communities near De Smet, South Dakota. Her early teaching career is detailed in These Happy Golden Years, where she teaches at the Brewster School (known in real life as the Bouchie School).
Teaching school was not only a way for Laura to earn income—it was also how she helped support her family, particularly in raising funds to send her sister Mary to a school for the blind.
Seamstress and Dressmaker
Laura also worked as a seamstress and dressmaker, sewing garments for neighbors and community members. She took on sewing jobs during her teenage years and early adulthood, especially during the time between teaching contracts.
Her work as a seamstress is vividly described in Little Town on the Prairie and These Happy Golden Years, where she helps with dressmaking in town and uses her income to buy small luxuries and necessities for her family.
Homesteader and Farmer
Together with her husband, Almanzo Wilder, Laura lived and worked as a homesteader—first in South Dakota, and later at Rocky Ridge Farm in Mansfield, Missouri. Life on the farm was physically demanding and involved everything from crop cultivation and livestock care to managing household chores and preserving food.
Her firsthand experience as a farmer’s wife provided the rich detail and authenticity that shines through in her Little House books.
Newspaper Columnist
One of Laura’s most important early writing jobs was as a columnist for the Missouri Ruralist, a widely read agricultural publication. Beginning in 1911, Laura wrote essays, articles, and advice columns on farm life, homemaking, child-rearing, gardening, and rural values.
This work helped Laura develop her distinctive voice and writing style, and laid the foundation for her later success as an author. She was respected for her clarity, practical wisdom, and insight into rural American life.
Public Speaker
Laura also became a public speaker, addressing local groups, clubs, and agricultural associations. She often spoke about topics such as:
Pioneer living
Homesteading and self-reliance
Poultry farming and food preservation
The changes she had witnessed over her lifetime
Her talks were often based on her lived experiences and were well-received in the Missouri region, especially as she gained recognition later in life.
Farm Loan Association Agent
Laura worked for the Farm Loan Association in Mansfield, Missouri, helping manage small loans to struggling local farmers. In this role, she reviewed loan applications, provided financial advice, and ensured borrowers met repayment guidelines.
It was a unique and influential job for a woman of her time, and it demonstrated her strong business sense and dedication to community support. This role further deepened her understanding of the challenges rural families faced, which she later reflected on in her writing.
