The majority of the characters in the Little Colonel series of books were based on real people that lived in Pewee Valley, Kentucky and nearby areas during that era. Here is an introduction to some of the people who became models for the characters of the Little Colonel stories:
- The Little Colonel, aka Lloyd Sherman – Hattie Cochran
- Mrs. Sherman and Papa Jack – Hattie Cochran’s parents, Amelia & John Hoadley Cochran
- The Old Colonel (George Weissinger), Amanthis George Washington Weissinger, and Amelia Neville Pearce Weissinger
- Mom Beck – Rebecca Porter
- Aunt Cindy – Aunt Lucinda
- May Lily – May Lily
- Walker – Walker Hardin
- Unc’ Henry – Henry [last name unknown]
- Annie Fellows Johnston – author of “The Little Colonel” series of books
- The Two Little Knights of Kentucky – Craig and William Culbertson
- Uncle Sidney & Aunt Elise – parents of the Two Little Knights of Kentucky Sam & Louise Culbertson
- Grandmother McIntyre – Annie Craig
- Miss/Aunt Allison – Fannie Craig
- The Walton’s – The Lawton family
- General Walton – Maj. Gen. Henry Ware Lawton
- Mrs. Walton – Mamie Craig Lawton
- Allison – Frances Lawton
- Kitty – Catherine Lawton
- Elise – Louise Lawton
- Ranald Manly, “the Little Captain”
- The Moore’s – The Muir Family
- Judge Moore – Judge Peter Browne Muir
- Rob Moore – Muir Semple
- Anna Moore – Anna Burge Muir
- Betty – Elizabeth Matthews
- Mary Ware – Albion Fellows Bacon, Annie Fellows Johnston’s sister
- Joyce Ware – Mary G. Johnston, Annie Fellows Johnston’s daughter
- Jack Ware – John Johnston (JJ), Annie Fellows Johnston’s son
- Katherine Marks – Kate Matthews the photographer
- Gay Melville – Leal McAffee
- The Lee’s of Arizona – Sarah (mother), George & Hazel
- Johann Heinrich – The Old Naturalist in Two Little Knights of Kentucky
- Katie Mallard – Kate E. Malone
- Marietta Waring – Jennie Casseday
- Magnolia – The Knave of Hearts from “The Little Colonel At Boarding School”
- Mrs. Clelling and Mrs. Bisbee – Mrs. T.H. (Louise) Cleland
- George Madden Martin – Pewee Valley author and friend of Annie Fellows Johnston
- Their Final Resting Places