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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 on November 25, 1834, married Sibyl Bradenburg, who was born February 27, 1817 in Ulster County, New York, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Williams) Bradenburg. They moved to Randolph County, Missouri, where they remained one year, engaged in farming. They then spent one summer in Illinois, working on the first railroad entering Quincy, for which he received nothing. For a time they lived in Nauvoo. In 1846 they left Nauvoo with the migration for Utah, to the place where Council Bluffs now stands, then known as Traders' Point, which contained but three houses. They lived in a tent for almost one year. When he had been there about a month Alexander enlisted in the noted Mormon Battalion of 1847, serving in Company A under Captain Hunt. He later wrote that Brigham Young "solemnly promised" to see that his family would be taken care of if he would enlist. Parts of this same company were the first to strike gold in California while digging. Mr. McCord served two years, returning in the winter of 1848. He suffered many times from hunger and thirst while in the service and other hardships incident to war in those days. After he was mustered out in California, Alexander went to Salt Lake City, where he found that corrupt teachings and practices had been introduced into the church. He immediately separated from the group. With others he crossed the mountains and plains on horseback, between February and April of 1848, to Winter Quarters at Omaha, Nebraska, so as to prevent his wife and children from going on to Utah. He found that the only care the family had received during his absence was a "piece of sole-leather" and none of his pay. 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 Galland's Grove, Grove Township in Shelby County, where Alexander engaged in extensive farming. By his industry and good management he eventually built a good home for his family. He purchased 160 acres of wild land, which he improved and placed under good cultivation, remaining on it until 1882. He also purchased 240 acres in Douglas Township, and added to it until he owned 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 country. He was generous, kind and good. He always followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. McCord was also the treasurer of Grove Township for a number of years. Alexander joined the Reorganized Church in 1859, was ordained an elder in 1860, and to the office of seventy in 1861. In 1863 he accompanied Edmund Clarke Briggs on a mission to Utah and, in company with Jonas E. Chatburn and Samuel Wood, went there again in 1869-70, seeking to reclaim the misguided Saints. He also did considerable preaching in various localities throughout Iowa, serving the church faithfully until his death June 15, 1887, at his residence near Harlan in Shelby County. Sibyl died at Defiance, Iowa, November 29, 1900, survived by three of her children. Alexander and Sibyl 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.

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 LatterDay Saints church.

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