A Wilder in the West: The Story of Eliza Jane Wilder

by William Anderson (Editor)

Book by

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History

44 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1985

About the author

William Anderson is an American author, historian and lecturer. He is a specialist in the subject of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her times.

His interest in American frontier began after reading Little House on the Prairie. He is a director of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, Missouri, and he lives and works as a teacher in Michigan.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[H.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autographed copy that I purchased in the gift shop at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homestead in Mansfield, Missouri. Fans of "Little House on the Prairie" will probably recall Eliza Jane as Laura's teacher and future sister-in-law.

This is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you have an interest the books or TV series. Also Rose Wilder (Laura and Alfonzo's daughter) made quiet a name for herself. In fact, Rose encouraged to Laura to write! At the Mansfield home you can see the desk where Laura wrote the "Little House" books.

The book is a great insight into Eliza Jane and the family we have come to know through books and television - although a much different version! E.J. as she liked to be called was a rather determined woman and had a very interesting life - from being a single pioneer woman/farmer to being a "Government Gal" in Washington D.C.

Some photos of where I purchased the book can be found at my travel blog: https://hscooper.wordpress.com/photos...

[Jodi Ralston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for those seeking to learn more about other characters in the Little House series.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is out of print. I was able to find a second-hand copy from 1993, with a cheesy cover. It's quite short, not even 50 pages, but it is incredibly interesting to anyone interested in the Little House universe.

It gives a brief account of Eliza Jane Wilder's life, but the most important aspect of this book is the publication of her own manuscript of her experience as a single woman homesteader in 1880s Dakota. Eliza Jane was Almanzo Wilder's sister and Laura Ingalls Wilder's sister-in-law. She is famous in the Little House series for teaching in DeSmet when Laura herself was at school, and she isn't the most likable character.

Through Wilder in the West, we see a totally different Eliza Jane - Eliza Jane and Laura purportedly didn't get on too well, and the Little House books are romanticised memories. Eliza Jane was a bit of a badass woman, if you'll excuse my language. So, even if one isn't necessarily a Laura fan, it would still be an interesting read for anyone wanting to learn more about strong women.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having only known the person of Eliza Jane Wilder as "lazy, lousy, Liza Jane" in Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little Town on the Prairie" book, this was an interesting read. Seeing such a strong female character in a historical time frame where it was frowned upon for women to fit into that role was time well-spent reading.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book for people who are interesting in Laura Ingalls Wilder and learning more of the story behind the "Little House" books.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the Little House non-fiction collection with details about Eliza Jane's life from Malone to the southern states. An interesting pamphlet that any Little House lover will enjoy.

[Faith Younce · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a very small book. While it was interesting, I've never really been a fan of Eliza Jane and this just didn't really hold my attention well.

[Shannon Breen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tricky book to rate. It's a slim little volume, under 50 pages. I wouldn't say it's particularly well written (although not BAD either) and it definitely could use an editor or at the very least a proofreader. Considering the narrow topic, though, I found it an enjoyable read. Those familiar with the Little House books and Laura's marriage to Almanzo would likely enjoy this brief biography of the Wilder sister. While certainly not an in depth profile, it sheds a little light on what life as a single, female homesteader was like in the 19th century, as well as her rather challenging life afterwards. I would say it's 4 stars for those with an interest in LIW, more like a 3 for those interested in homesteading or life during the time period.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book contains the prose affidavit written by Wilder herself about her time as a homesteader in DeSmet, Dakota Territory, and her own writing is the best part of the book. The remainder of the book tells the rest of pre- and post-life as a homesteader, garnered from many sources. As with all of Anderson's books, the wealth of information is great but his writing would benefit from a good editor. That being said, it's a great glimpse into one of the "Little House" characters who is much more than the mean teacher perceived by the young student Laura. EJ Wilder lived a varied and interesting life involving many different careers, was a suffragist, and a mentor to the young Rose Wilder Lane, who adopted many of her views.

[Cat. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently, I'd read this before, but I reread it after purchasing at the Laura site in Mansfield, MO last month. Interesting. Still don't like her much, and can absolutely see why Laura herself wasn't thrilled with her. She was certainly a strong woman, however.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Eliza Jane's story of homesteading in De Smet, South Dakota."

Wow - for a single lady this gal was tough! Also a good bit of the family migrated to Louisiana -- who knew!

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good quick overview of another part of Ingalls and Wilder history.

[Cleokatra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's very short, but it's an interesting little book for people who are interesting in learning more of the story behind the "Little House" books.

[Lauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonder William Anderson book this time about the always interesting Eliza Jane.