ALEXANDER McCORD

ALEXANDER McCORD, a native of New York, born January 11, 1810,was left an orphan at a very early age, and was placed in an orphan asylum, where he remained until he was fourteen years old. He received his education in this institution, and when he reached the age of fourteen was apprenticed to learn the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for a number of years prior to his coming west. He went to Canada, and afterward removed to Randolph County, Missouri, where he remained one year, engaged in farming. He then spent one summer in Illinois, working on the first railroad entering Quincy, for which he received nothing. In the spring of 1846 he removed to the place where Council Bluffs now stands, then known as Traders' Point, which contained but three houses. He lived in a tent for almost one year. When he had been there about a month Mr. McCord entered the Mexican war, Company A, under Captain Hunt. Allen was First Lieutenant, and died shortly after, when Cook took command. The company was known as the Mormon Battalion. A part of this same company were the first to strike gold in California while digging a well race. Mr. McCord served two years, returning in the winter of 1848. He suffered death many times from hunger and thirst while in the service, and many other hardships incident to war in those days. After his return to Iowa he purchased some claims near Council Bluffs and engaged in farming. Here he remained until about 1849 or 1850, and then came to Shelby County, locating at Galland's Grove, Grove Township. He purchased 160 acres of wild land, which he improved and placed under good cultivation, remaining on it until 1882. In the meantime he had purchased 240 acres in Douglas Township, and added to it until he owns in one body 560 acres. It was all unimproved land, and by the united efforts of the family it has been placed under its present advanced state of cultivation. It is one of the finest farms in the county. The first residence erected is now used as a granary. In 1881 the present beautiful residence was built, being one of the finest in the county. The family also own 500 acres of improved land in Grove Township, 120 acres being timber land. The land in Douglas Township reverted by will to Bradley, the third son, who now occupies the same. Mr. McCord was always a true and public-spirited man, aiding in anything for the welfare of the county. He was generous, kind and good. He always followed agricultural pursuits. He was married November 25,1834, to Sybel Bradenburgh, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Williams) Bradenburgh. She was born in the State of New York, February 27, 1817. They are the parents of seven children - Elizabeth, wife of Milton Lynch, of Grove Township; Eunice (deceased); William, of Union Township; Hiram (deceased); Luther, residing in Grove Township; Bradley, residing in Douglas Township; and Ichabod, residing in Union Township. Mr. McCord was treasurer of Grove Township for a number of years. He died July 15, 1887. Bradley, the sixth child, was born in Grove Township December 27, 1852. He was reared in his native place, and received his education in the common schools. He owns 560 acres of as fine land as Shelby County affords, lying in sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, of Douglas Township. He settled on this farm in 1874, and has since made it his home, devoting himself to farming and stock-raising. He deals quite extensively, always shipping his own stock. He is an active worker in the Republican party. He was married November 27,1873, to Mary E., daughter of Jasper and Elizabeth (Hawkins) Scott. She was born in Columbia County, Indiana, September 7, 1849. They are the parents of seven children - Pearlie, at home; Almud (deceased); Clara, Arthur, Bradley, Daisy and Gracie, all at home. The family are active members of the Latter-Day Saints church. Alexander McCord was a minister in the church of the Latter-Day Saints, sent on two different times to preach to the citizens of Salt Lake City against polygamy. He held the office of elder, and was of the seventies, being ordained as such.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 557-558. Transcribed and submitted by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs