Who is Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Mary, Aunt Carrie, and Aunt Grace from On the Way Home: The Diary of a Trip from South Dakota to Mansfield, Missouri, in 1894 and what is their importance?

The five enumerated relatives represent the natal family of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Rose Wilder Lane was raised for approximately one year by her grandparents and various aunts, so even at the age of seven departing was difficult. Little biographical data are offered for any of the individuals. Grandpa and Grandma are apparently well situated in De Smet and have somehow managed to survive the years of financial hardship and draught; a photograph of their house is included in the book. Mary is noted as having beautiful blue eyes, but is also blind. Lane notes that Mary knits well, however. The family writes letters to the Wilders and they are received in Fort Scott, Kansas.