The first four years Author:Laura Ingalls Wilder The first four years begins where the book these happy golden years ends. It is the story of Laura and Almanzo Wilder and there first years together on a homestead and tree claim on South Dakota prairie. — Those years, 1885-1889 were years of companionship and happiness and also a time of struggle, while the young couple worked the land they hope... more »d to own someday. With the making of a home and the birth of their daughter, Rose, Came the joys and sorrows that every homesteader knew. Perhaps Laura and Manly encountered more than their share of sadeness and hardship.« less