Wednesday, November 20, 2024

The Captivity of Fanny Kelly: A Story of Faith and Resilience

Imagine that you're traveling across the American frontier, seeking a fresh start with your loved ones, when suddenly, everything changes in the blink of an eye. This was the reality for Fanny Kelly, a woman whose incredible story of survival and faith would become one of the most remarkable captivity narratives from the Old West.

In 1864, Fanny’s life took a drastic turn when she was captured by the Sioux, one of the most powerful tribes of the Great Plains. But instead of letting her circumstances defeat her, Fanny’s strength, perseverance, and faith in God carried her through months of hardship. Her story is one of tragedy, yes, but also of incredible courage, and it’s a reminder that no matter how bleak life may seem, God’s grace is always present—even in the darkest moments.

A New Life on the Frontier

Fanny Kelly was born in 1829 in Pennsylvania, and after marrying Samuel Kelly, she moved west with him to start a new life in Colorado. Like many settlers of the time, Fanny and Samuel were filled with hope for a better future as they journeyed westward. They were part of a wagon train that was making its way through southeastern Colorado. The year was 1864, and tensions between Native American tribes and settlers were running high as the U.S. government pushed westward, encroaching on the lands that many tribes had lived on for generations.
Library of Congress, Public domain





The Kellys, along with other travelers, were ambushed by a group of Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. It was early in the morning on August 20 when the attack began. The settlers were unprepared for the brutal assault, and many were killed, including Fanny’s husband, Samuel. In the chaos, Fanny became separated from the group and was taken captive by the Sioux.

Library of Congress, Public domain

Life in Captivity

Fanny’s life changed overnight. She went from being a settler woman with a family, a home, and a hopeful future to a prisoner, surrounded by strangers. At first, the Sioux kept her with several other captives, mostly women and children. The conditions were harsh. Fanny was terrified, and it wasn’t just the physical hardship that wore her down, but the emotional toll of losing her husband and the uncertainty of her future.

The Sioux were not quick to harm their captives, but they didn’t exactly show mercy either. Fanny was forced to endure a life for which she was unprepared—struggling to survive on little food and enduring extreme weather while separated from everything she knew. The customs and language of her captors were unfamiliar, and she had to learn how to live in this new world, even though she didn’t want to.

But what stands out most in Fanny’s captivity is her faith. She was a Christian woman, and though she was far from her home and her church, she clung to the belief that God had a purpose for her, even in the midst of trial. During her captivity, Fanny would often pray, and though her circumstances seemed hopeless, her heart remained steadfast. In her darkest moments, she believed that God was watching over her, even when it seemed like no one else cared.

The Escape and the Journey Home

Fanny Kelly, Public Domain
After four months of captivity, Fanny found a chance to escape. One evening, the Sioux camp became distracted. Historians don't know the reason for the disruption. Some speculate that the warriors were preoccupied with gathering food or preparing for travel. Even a simple conversation could have created a lapse in vigilance. Fanny seized the opportunity and slipped away into the night. Alone, scared, and surrounded by wilderness, she nonetheless determined to survive. Fanny traveled through the unforgiving Rocky Mountains, not knowing if she would make it out alive but trusting God to guide her steps.



Fanny wandered in the wilderness for weeks, facing starvation, exposure, and the constant fear of recapture. Through it all, Fanny's faith, courage, and will to survive kept her going. Eventually, Fanny came across a group of soldiers that rescued her.

Although physically weak by the time she made it back to civilization, Fanny felt spiritually strong. She wrote down her story, which was published as Narrative of my Captivity Among the Sioux Indians.The book tells a story of courage, survival, faith, and ultimately God's deliverance that struck a chord with readers of her time, and it continues to inspire many today.

A Legacy of Faith and Courage

Fanny Kelly’s story is more than just a tale of captivity—it’s a testament to the power of faith, hope, and resilience. In a world that often seems out of control, Fanny’s unwavering belief in God’s protection and purpose reminds us that we, too, can face our own struggles with strength and courage.

Her experience reflected many of the trials faced on the frontier. It reminds us that even in the midst of great suffering, God can provide the strength to persevere. Whether in the wilderness of the American Plains or in the wilderness of our own lives, Fanny’s story shows us that hope is always worth holding onto.

As you reflect on Fanny Kelly’s story, consider how her faith and resilience might inspire you in your own life. No matter what challenges you face, remember that God is always with you, and He can help you find a way through—even when it seems impossible.

About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre.

Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books and subscribe to her e-letter at http://janalynvoigt.com.


Cheyenne Sunrise


Many of the events in Cheyenne Sunrise (Montana Gold, book 2) are based on Fanny Kelly's account of her captivity. 

Bry, the heroine of Cheyenne Sunrise, travels West by wagon train to start a new life on her brother's ranch. When Sioux warriors capture her, she wonders if she will have the chance. The wagon train's half-Cheyenne trail guide rides after her, even though returning to his mother's tribe opens old wounds.

Cheyenne Sunrise and the six-book Montana Gold series is based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America. Each book in the Montana Gold series explores faith, love, and courage in the Wild West. Learn more.

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for telling Fanny's story. It reminds me that God is bigger than your tests and trials. We always need reminders of that!

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