If I were to write a historical fiction novel, it would be about the life of my pioneer grandma (of many greats back), Sibyl McCord.
Her dramatic story is filled with tragedy, grit, and courage. I get teary-eyed thinking about her life, especially being a mama, myself, but I’m inspired by her fierce willpower to survive.
Some details of her story have been passed down through the generations and some have come to light from the extensive research of my Uncle Doug.
A True Pioneer Woman
Sibyl (Vradenburg) McCord was born on February 27, 1817 in New York. She came from a family of wealthy farmers and married Alexander McCord in 1834 when she was only 17 years old.
Sibyl and Alexander joined the early Mormon Church and traveled west in a wagon train in response to violent persecution and the murder of their religious leader, Joseph Smith. After a long, arduous journey they eventually ended up in the Winter Quarters in Council Bluffs, IA.
Not long after they arrived, Sibyl’s husband was conscripted into the Mormon Battalion during the Mexican-American War. He left Sibyl and several young children at the Winter Quarters to embark on a 2,000 mile journey (on foot!) from Council Bluffs to San Diego with hundreds of other Mormon men.
Despite assurances that Sibyl would be cared for in Alexander’s absence, she and many other wives in the Winter Quarters lived in impoverished, brutal conditions.
By the time he returned two years later, she had already endured the death of 4 of their children. Alexander then moved the remnants of his family to Gallands Grove, IA, where they settled down and started farming. Today, the name McCord is still prominent in the surrounding communities.
A Reflection
This afternoon, as I stand out on our front porch overlooking our own piece of the Iowa prairie, I watch stormclouds build over the grassy hills below. My skin pricks at the sound of thunder, and I hug my toddler close.
I imagine the many pioneer women who must have pulled their children inside their tents and sod houses at the sound of thunder–the dread of a tornado rushing their veins. It makes me incredibly thankful for our basement.
If I ever do write that historical fiction novel about Grandma Sibyl, I would want to get it right. I would write about her marriage to poor and orphaned Alexander McCord. I would write about how she must have loved him deeply–enough to leave her family behind her to follow him on the perilous journey west.
The focus of the story, however, would be on Grandma Sibyl’s inspiring character–her pioneer-woman grit, her perseverance, her loyalty, and her love for her children. What an inspiring woman.
Thanks for reading!
Christa
(Thank you, Uncle Doug, for taking the time to share this information with me! I greatly appreciate it.)
If you are ever in Omaha, NE you should visit the Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters. They have a phenomenal museum that tells the story of the Mormons’ journey west. (They even have a full-scale replica of a sod house!) You can find more info on their website here.
Sources:
- Alexander McCord
- Winter Quarter’s Museum in Omaha, NE
- FamilySearch
- Sod House Photo
- Winter Quarters Painting
Leave a Reply