Rhoda Cosgrave Sivell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rhoda Cosgrave Sivell
Born	Rhoda Cosgrave 8 September 1874 Rogerston House estate, near Dublin, Ireland
Died	19 February 1962

Rhoda Cosgrave Sivell (born September 8, 1874 – died February 19, 1962) was a special person. She was born in Ireland but became a Canadian poet and rancher. Many people think she was the very first Canadian "cowboy poet." This means she wrote poems about life on a ranch, just like cowboys.

Rhoda's Early Life and Journey to Canada

Rhoda Cosgrave was born on a farm near Dublin, Ireland. Her parents were Francis and Augusta Cosgrave. In 1881, when Rhoda was about seven years old, her family left Ireland. They sailed across the ocean to Canada.

Settling in the Canadian Prairies

The Cosgrave family traveled a long way across Canada. They passed through places like Halifax, Nova Scotia, Brandon, Manitoba, and Regina, Saskatchewan. Finally, they found a new home near Whitewood, Saskatchewan. This was a big change from Ireland!

A Father's Role in History

Rhoda's father, Frank Cosgrave, played a small part in Canadian history. He was chosen to be on the jury for the trial of Louis Riel. This was a very important event in the history of Western Canada.

Life as a Rancher and Poet

In 1899, Rhoda Cosgrave married William Sivell. They first lived in Winnipeg. Later, they moved to a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta. This ranch became their home for most of their lives together. When they retired, they moved to a smaller cottage closer to Medicine Hat.

Rhoda, the Cowboy

Being a rancher was hard work. Rhoda Sivell even took on cowboy duties when her husband was sick. She helped manage the ranch and care for the animals. This experience gave her many stories and ideas for her poems.

Writing About Ranch Life

Rhoda Sivell loved to write poetry. Her poems were about her life on the ranch. They described the challenges and beauty of the open ranges. All her poems were collected and published in one book.

Success of Her Poetry

Rhoda's book of poems sold very well! She even used the money she earned to buy two special stallions for the ranch. Her book was so popular that it was printed again two more times during her lifetime.

Later Writings and Legacy

Rhoda started writing a book about her life on the ranch. It told about the difficulties she and her husband faced. However, she did not finish this autobiography before she passed away.

Rhoda's Final Years and Lasting Impact

Rhoda Sivell died in a hospital in Medicine Hat in 1962. She was buried in the city. After she died, her poetry was published again. Her unfinished autobiography was also finally released.

Rhoda's Poems Live On

Rhoda Sivell's poems are still enjoyed today. They have been included in other poetry books, like Cowgirl Poetry in 2001. Her words have even inspired music! In 2010, a musician named Almeda (Terry) Bradshaw used Rhoda's poems to create songs. Rhoda's stories of ranch life continue to inspire new generations.