Mr. Edwards

Mr. Edwards, is a fictional character or perhaps a composite character that appeared in the children's Little House series of books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. His character was later adapted for the NBC television show, Little House on the Prairie.

Mr. Edwards was the wildcat from Tennessee whom the Ingalls met during their stay near Independence, Kansas in Little House on the Prairie novel. They met for a short while also in By the Shores of Silver Lake and The Long Winter.

Historical influences

It remains unknown whether Mr. Edwards was a completely made-up person or if his story was based on some authentic events and people from Laura's life. Many researchers of the "Little House" books believe that Edwards was actually a person or persons whom Laura gave the traits and actions of people she knew who did kind deeds for the Ingalls throughout the years. Some believe the real Mr. Edwards was actually Mr. Edmund Mason. His grave may be found on the local Harrison Cemetery, near where the Ingalls were living in the book Little House on the Prairie, though certain key aspects of Mason's known life are at odds with the information about "Mr. Edwards" supplied by Laura.

In the media

Little House on the Prairie series

Little House on the Prairie mini-series

The character was played by Gregory Sporleder

External links & Sources

• Mr.Edwards profile at laurasprairiehouse.com
• Little House on the Prairie (1974-84) at the Internet Movie Database
• Little House on the Prairie (2005) at the Internet Movie Database