- "Father was right not to give up hope. I did not realize how deeply my feelings went until I heard this news. I realize that I have fallen in love with this land."
- —Isobel Scott[6]
Isobel Scott (March 23, 1803 – 1888) was a Scottish immigrant. She was the only daughter of Mrs. and William Scott, and sister of James and Robbie. Following her mother's death in 1815, the family journeyed to Rupert's Land where they hoped for a better life. They were met with many trials and tribulations.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Isobel was born on March 23, 1803[1][2] in the Scottish Highlands. She was the second child and only daughter born to Mrs. and William Scott. She had two brothers, James and Robbie. From a young age, Isobel and her siblings were taught many skills by their mother who grew up in the gentry. Their mother also spoke English at home, instead of just Gaelic.
Journey to Rupert's Land[]
In 1815, her father decided to accept a sponsorship from Lord Selkirk and immigrate to Rupert's Land where they would one day be granted their own land. After packing, her mother caught an infection and passed away. The family shortly left Scotland and traveled aboard the Prince of Wales. On board, Isobel met Kate McGilvery who became an almost constant annoyance. After a long journey, the settlers finally reached York Factory, where they stayed for several days.
From York Factory, they had a grueling time traveling to The Forks. The settlers, however, were forced to go south for the winter since the site was not ready for the newcomers and there was not enough food. During this time, Isobel and her family became close to a Cree woman named White Loon and her family. She felt betrayed when her father decided to marry White Loon in April 1816. Afterwards, the settlers were finally able to return to The Forks. The Scotts' house was quickly erected in the settlement.
Tensions in the area reached in a boiling point in late June, resulting in a deadly confrontation. Isobel and White Loon witnessed it from nearby, before seeking refuge in Fort Douglas. Kate's father was also killed in the incident, leading the Scotts' to adopt her. The settlers were later forced to leave. They made another long journey, believing that they would return to Scotland. They spent winter on the banks of the Jack River. The following spring, they were once again returned to The Forks with the help of Lord Selkirk.
Later life[]
Life for Isobel and the settlers of the Red River Colony remained hard for several years from battling nature and the two warring fur companies. In the meantime, Isobel became close to White Loon whom gave birth to three children within in five years. Isobel subsequently became busy helping with her younger siblings. She also became good friends with Kate, who married Isobel's brother James.
In 1826, a flood destroyed her Isobel's family's house. During this time, Isobel was pursued by a newly arrived Scotsman, named Robert. They married that Fall. He later built her a large home with money he inherited. Isobel gave birth to four boys and two girls. Their seventh child died during childbirth. In her later life, Isobel spent her time helping others and began many charities in Winnipeg. She passed away in 1883.
Personality and traits[]
Isobel's mother raised her with the idea of making her a proper lady. She taught her how to pour tea and walk straight and tall. Isobel was also taught English and Gaelic. Following her mother's passing, Isobel took over her role especially with her younger brother, whom she watched over closely. She eventually began to struggle with trying to be ladylike in Rupert's Land, where it was often difficult to be exactly proper. Additionally, her ladylike notions conflicted with the culture of the Cree that she gradually fell in love with. Isobel was able to strike a balance between the two cultures.
Family tree[]
| (1) Mrs. Scott (d. 1815) | William Scott | (2) White Loon (b. 1795) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kate McGilvery (b. 1804) | James Scott (b. 1800) | Isobel Scott (1803-1883) | Robert | Robbie Scott (b. 1805) | Wife | Three children | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| William Scott (d. 1825) | Three daughters | Four sons | Two daughters | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Behind the scenes[]
- Isobel is the main character of Carol Matas' Footsteps in the Snow.
- Matas revisits Isobel in "Shelter from the Cold" included in the anthology, A Season for Miracles.
Appearances[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Footsteps in the Snow, Carol Matas, page 86
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Footsteps in the Snow, Carol Matas, page 46
- ↑ Footsteps in the Snow, Carol Matas, Epilogue, pages 154-158
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Footsteps in the Snow, Carol Matas, page 16
- ↑ Footsteps in the Snow, Carol Matas, page 7
- ↑ Footsteps in the Snow, Carol Matas, page 152
See also[]