Laura Ingersoll, Canadian Heroine of the War of 1812

Laura Ingersoll Secord

• BIRTH: 13 Sep 1775, Great Barrington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, USA
• DEATH: 17 Oct 1868 (aged 93), Chippawa, Niagara Regional Municipality, Ontario, Canada
• BURIAL: Drummond Hill Cemetery, Niagara Falls, Niagara Regional Municipality, Ontario, Canada Show Map
• MEMORIAL ID: 7275749 · View Source

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7275749/laura-secord#

Laura Ingersoll Secord was a Canadian heroine of the War of 1812. She is known for warning British forces of an impending American attack that led to the British victory at the Battle of Beaver Dams.

Her father, Thomas Ingersoll, who had fought on the side of the American revolutionaries during the War, had moved his family to the Niagara region of Upper Canada in 1795 after he had applied for and received a land grant. Shortly after, Laura married United Empire Loyalist James Secord, with whom she had seven children. The family lived in Queenston.

Becoming a Heroine

After the outbreak of the War of 1812, Secord's husband was seriously wounded at the Battle of Queenston Heights. He was still recovering in 1813, the Americans invaded the Niagara peninsula, including Queenston. Secord acquired information about a planned American attack, and stole away on the morning of June 23 to inform Lieutenant James FitzGibbon at DeCew House in the British-controlled territory.

In her own words, Secord

...left early in the morning, walked nineteen miles in the month of June, over a rough and difficult part of the country ... I cannot express the awful feeling it gave me; but I did not lose my presence of mind. I was determined to persevere. ... I returned home next day, exhausted and fatigued. I am now advanced in years, and when I look back I wonder how I could have gone through so much fatigue, with the fortitude to accomplish it.

The information helped the British and their Mohawk warrior allies win the Battle of Beaver Dams, keeping the invading Americans at bay. Her contribution to the war was forgotten until 1860, when future king Albert Edward, Prince of Wales awarded her with £100 for her service.

Legacy

The legend of Laura Secord has become of part of Canadian mythology, and many embellished versions of the tale have appeared over the years. She is the namesake of several schools and the Laura Secord chocolate company. She has been repeatedly honoured in her homeland, with several monuments, a museum, and a statue at the Valiants Memorial in the Canadian capital. She has been the subject of books, poetry and plays. A commemorative stamp was issued of her by Canada Post in 1992.

According to Lieutenant James FitzGibbon, the officer in charge at Beaver Dams:

Laura Secord typified pioneer women in her courage, endurance, and resolution in the face of adversity. [She was] of slender frame and delicate appearance, but underneath was a strong and persistent will.

Resources

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Secord
• http://www.warof1812.ca/laurasecord.htm
• Laura Secord Homestead -- open for visitors in Queenston
• Heritage Minute: Laura Secord -- a brief film about Laura Secord
• Friends of Laura Secord -- a volunteer organization to preserve her memory

  ---

GEDCOM Note

daughter of Thomas INGERSOLL and Elizabeth DEWEY

I've written previously about the importance of distinguishing between family history and family mythology. One recurring myth in Canadian genealogy is to claim descent from Laura Secord (1775-1868), the heroine of the War of 1812. As the 200th anniversary of the start of the war approaches, there is renewed interest in Laura Secord, and as result, claims of descent. While it is certainly possible to be one of the over 500 descendants of Laura, it is highly unlikely that your last name will be Secord. You would most likely be descended from her daughters, four of whom lived in Guelph, Ontario.

Laura and James had six daughters and one son. Charles Badeau SECORD (1809-1872) was three years old at the time of his mother's famous trek to warn the British of an American attack. Charles and his wife Margaret ROBBINS (1813-1872) had three children, two of whom had no issue. Laura's grandson, Charles Forsyth SECORD 1834-1899), had numerous children, however, he and his family emigrated to Nebraska. One of his sons became a missionary in Guatemala, and apparently, the only descendants of Laura to still carry the Secord name were born in that country.

Laura and James's oldest daughter, Mary Lawrence SECORD, was about 16 when her mother went for her twenty-mile walk in June of 1813. In 1816 she married William TRUMBLE, assistant surgeon of the 37th Regiment of Foot, and accompanied him when he was posted to Jamaica. A letter written by a descendant living in Norway describes that when William died in 1822, Mary returned to Canada with her two small daughters. A few years later her father-in-law died, and Mary took her family to Ireland in order to claim an inheritance. According to the letter's author, Mary had to fight off the advances of an amorous sea captain on this voyage. One of Mary's granddaughter's married a Norwegian Army officer, which explains the Norway connection.

The next oldest daughter, Charlotte, was two years younger than Mary. Charlotte never married, died in 1880, and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Guelph, Ontario. No grave marker survives.

Harriet Hopkins SECORD was ten years old in 1813. In 1824 she married David William SMITH and had two daughters and a son. David practiced law in St. Catharines and was a heavy drinker. When he died in 1842, Harriet and her daughters lived with her mother in Chippewa, Ontario. Her son went to live with his father's parents and eventually settled in Wisconsin. After her mother's death, Harriet and her daughters joined her sisters in Guelph. Harriet died in 1892 and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Guelph. Neither of her daughters married.

Appolonia SECORD was just a toddler when the War of 1812 began. Unfortunately, she contracted tuberculosis and died in Queenston at the age of 19.
Laura Ann SECORD was born eight months after the war ended. She married John POORE of Guelph in 1833 and had two sons, one who died in infancy and the other who settled in Manitoba. After John's death in 1842, Laura married Dr. William CLARKE (1810-1887), who was a magistrate, and later a member of Parliament and the Mayor of Guelph. They had three children: a son and daughter who died in infancy, and a daughter Laura Secord CLARKE who died unmarried in 1936. Laura Ann died in 1852 and is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, Guelph.

The youngest daughter of Laura SECORD was Hannah Cartwright SECORD (1817-1877). Hannah married twice and had children from both marriages. Hannah first married Howley WILLIAMS (1809-1844). She later married Edward CARTHEW (1808-1879). All three are buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Guelph. Unfortunately, Hannah's and Edward's gravestones are located underneath a lilac bush and are lying flat on the ground. When I photographed the gravestones several years ago it was necessary to cut back the lilac, and then dig away the grass and soil that had almost completely obscured Hannah's gravestone.

Unlike her sisters, Hannah had numerous children and grandchildren. Those claiming descent from Laura Secord in Canada are therefore more than likely to be Hannah's descendants.
Posted by William Cooke at 2:19 PM
http://stalkingdeadpeople.blogspot.com/2012/05/daughters-of-laura-s...

GEDCOM Note

Laura Ingersoll Secord is considered by many to be the heroine of the War of 1812. The ability of the Canadian forces to defeat the American troops at the battle of Beaverdams has been attributed to Laura Secord’s bravery and determination. e birth of their first child as the American Revolution waged nearby in Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill. Thomas faced enormous decisions about which side he would fight on. Like many local men in Massachusetts, he chose to fight for the colonies. He became a captain in the state army of Massachusetts. He earned the rank of Major when he helped to end Shays' Rebellion. Because of the time her father had spent away from home, Laura became very close to her mother. Laura’s entire life was changed dramatically when her mother died in 1783, leaving Laura the oldest of four girls. 84, Thomas Ingersoll remarried. Unfortunately for Laura, her stepmother passed away only four years later. Thomas immediately remarried. His third wife, Sarah provided Thomas with four sons and three daughters. The Ingersol family now had 11 children. Thomas, unhappy with the policies in America, relocated his family to Canada. The large family was given a plot of land near Queenston and it is here that Laura met the love of her life, James Secord. y 1800's. They were well off and financially comfortable. The happy couple had five children and life was good for them until the War of 1812. d James, because they were both born in the United States, had relatives in both countries. But Laura’s loyalty was to the British Crown. On October 13, 1812 American soldiers crossed the Niagara River and headed for Queenston. The Americans were able to make land before they were spotted. ents of Queenston awoke from their sleep to the horrific sounds of battle. Laura Secord quickly dressed her children and brought them to a relative’s home in the countryside where they would be safe. Fearing for the safety of her husband, Laura returned to Queenston. Laura reached town after the battles had subsided. d during the battle. Unable to locate him, Laura hurried to the battlefield. She was greeted with a horrifying sight. Many wounded soldiers still lay on the ground along with the dead. Laura managed to find James. He was gravely injured. He had both a wound in his shoulder and in his knee. Laura brought James back to their home so she could better tend to his injuries. The Secords were stunned to find that their home had been vandalized in their absence. When James had recovered enough to be moved they joined their children in St. Davids. The Secords returned to their own home in the spring, but James was still bedridden because of the musket ball that was lodged in his knee. d by Captain Gyrenius Chapin, were secretly planning an assault against Lt. James Fitzgibbon at Beaverdams. That evening, the soldiers drank too much and became boisterous and bragged of their plans to crush the British that remained in the area. Laura and her husband overheard their plans. With that position captured, the Americans could control the entire Niagara Peninsula. Upon hearing the plan, the Secords knew that Fitzgibbon must be warned. James was unable to walk because of his still healing wounds so he could not make the journey. Despite the danger and harsh country, Laura and James decided that she would have to go warn Fitzgibbon. ive. The Americans granted her request because she had been especially accommodating to the soldiers' needs. Her pass allowed Laura to be out after curfew. The next morning, June 22, 1813, Laura and her eldest daughter left their home at 4 am, taking only a basket of food. She stopped first at her half-brother’s house, who she discovered was indeed ill. After hearing of her mission, her sister-in-law Elizabeth offered to accompany her. Laura’s daughter remained behind to care for Elizabeth’s children. The two women followed the Twelve Mile Creek, following trails and cutting across fields, avoiding all the roads. The hot temperatures proved too much for Elizabeth and when they reached Shipman’s Corners she collapsed and could go no further. Laura was left to continue through the most dangerous portion of the journey all alone. In addition to the dangers posed by the native wildlife, wolves, wildcats and rattlesnakes were common, Laura feared being questioned by American troops. A woman alone near enemy lines risked being arrested or even being shot, as the traditional punishment for spies was death by firing squad. The temperatures were exceptionally hot, but Laura persevered and hiked through thick woods, across streams and through swampy grounds. Her journey, a 20-mile route, took her more than 18 hours. e allies of the British. The warriors took Laura to the deCew farm to warn Lt. James FitzGibbon. Two days later, the Canadian Militia and their Indian Allies met the American army. The Indian warriors won the day, and the Americans were defeated. Upon hearing her news, they brought her to the De Cew house where she was able to warn Fitzgibbon. He ordered the Indian regiment to meet the American forces at the edge of the escarpment. His troops proceeded directly up the road. The ever-creative Fitzgibbon instructed the Indian regiment to march back and forth to create an illusion of a greater armed presence. As a result, the forces ambushed the invading Americans and defeated them at the Battle of Beaverdams, June 24, 1813. Legend has it that Fitzgibbon personally credited Laura as being responsible for one of the most complete victories in the history of his army. day duties of a homemaker, wife and mother. Laura’s heroism was soon forgotten. It wasn’t until 1860 that Laura received recognition of her act during a visit by Edward, Prince of Wales. She died in 1868 at the age of 93 and is buried in Drummond Hill Cemetery. e American troops at the battle of Beaverdams has been attributed to Laura Secord’s bravery and determination. . Thomas and Elizabeth Ingersoll could not spend much time enjoying the birth of their first child as the American Revolution waged nearby in Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill. Thomas faced enormous decisions about which side he would fight on. Like many local men in Massachusetts, he chose to fight for the colonies. He became a captain in the state army of Massachusetts. He earned the rank of Major when he helped to end Shays' Rebellion. Because of the time her father had spent away from home, Laura became very close to her mother. Laura’s entire life was changed dramatically when her mother died in 1783, leaving Laura the oldest of four girls. emarried. His third wife, Sarah provided Thomas with four sons and three daughters. The Ingersol family now had 11 children. Thomas, unhappy with the policies in America, relocated his family to Canada. The large family was given a plot of land near Queenston and it is here that Laura met the love of her life, James Secord. . James and Laura were married in 1797 and moved to Queenston in the early 1800's. They were well off and financially comfortable. The happy couple had five children and life was good for them until the War of 1812. ish Crown. On October 13, 1812 American soldiers crossed the Niagara River and headed for Queenston. The Americans were able to make land before they were spotted. y James Dennis, opened fire on the encroaching American troops, the residents of Queenston awoke from their sleep to the horrific sounds of battle. Laura Secord quickly dressed her children and brought them to a relative’s home in the countryside where they would be safe. Fearing for the safety of her husband, Laura returned to Queenston. Laura reached town after the battles had subsided. ownsfolk related to Laura that they believed that James had been injured during the battle. Unable to locate him, Laura hurried to the battlefield. She was greeted with a horrifying sight. Many wounded soldiers still lay on the ground along with the dead. Laura managed to find James. He was gravely injured. He had both a wound in his shoulder and in his knee. Laura brought James back to their home so she could better tend to his injuries. The Secords were stunned to find that their home had been vandalized in their absence. When James had recovered enough to be moved they joined their children in St. Davids. The Secords returned to their own home in the spring, but James was still bedridden because of the musket ball that was lodged in his knee. dered to provide shelter to some American Soldiers. The soldiers, led by Captain Gyrenius Chapin, were secretly planning an assault against Lt. James Fitzgibbon at Beaverdams. That evening, the soldiers drank too much and became boisterous and bragged of their plans to crush the British that remained in the area. Laura and her husband overheard their plans. With that position captured, the Americans could control the entire Niagara Peninsula. Upon hearing the plan, the Secords knew that Fitzgibbon must be warned. James was unable to walk because of his still healing wounds so he could not make the journey. Despite the danger and harsh country, Laura and James decided that she would have to go warn Fitzgibbon. ut raising suspicions so she requested a pass to visit an ill relative. The Americans granted her request because she had been especially accommodating to the soldiers' needs. Her pass allowed Laura to be out after curfew. The next morning, June 22, 1813, Laura and her eldest daughter left their home at 4 am, taking only a basket of food. She stopped first at her half-brother’s house, who she discovered was indeed ill. After hearing of her mission, her sister-in-law Elizabeth offered to accompany her. Laura’s daughter remained behind to care for Elizabeth’s children. The two women followed the Twelve Mile Creek, following trails and cutting across fields, avoiding all the roads. The hot temperatures proved too much for Elizabeth and when they reached Shipman’s Corners she collapsed and could go no further. Laura was left to continue through the most dangerous portion of the journey all alone. In addition to the dangers posed by the native wildlife, wolves, wildcats and rattlesnakes were common, Laura feared being questioned by American troops. A woman alone near enemy lines risked being arrested or even being shot, as the traditional punishment for spies was death by firing squad. The temperatures were exceptionally hot, but Laura persevered and hiked through thick woods, across streams and through swampy grounds. Her journey, a 20-mile route, took her more than 18 hours. nd their Indian Allies met the American army. The Indian warriors won the day, and the Americans were defeated. Upon hearing her news, they brought her to the De Cew house where she was able to warn Fitzgibbon. He ordered the Indian regiment to meet the American forces at the edge of the escarpment. His troops proceeded directly up the road. The ever-creative Fitzgibbon instructed the Indian regiment to march back and forth to create an illusion of a greater armed presence. As a result, the forces ambushed the invading Americans and defeated them at the Battle of Beaverdams, June 24, 1813. Legend has it that Fitzgibbon personally credited Laura as being responsible for one of the most complete victories in the history of his army. elf as a heroine. She returned to her home and resumed her everyday duties of a homemaker, wife and mother. Laura’s heroism was soon forgotten. It wasn’t until 1860 that Laura received recognition of her act during a visit by Edward, Prince of Wales. She died in 1868 at the age of 93 and is buried in Drummond Hill Cemetery. f the War of 1812. The ability of the Canadian forces to defeat the American troops at the battle of Beaverdams has been attributed to Laura Secord’s bravery and determination.s born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts on September 13, 1775. Thomas and Elizabeth Ingersoll could not spend much time enjoying the birth of their first child as the American Revolution waged nearby in Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill. Thomas faced enormous decisions about which side he would fight on. Like many local men in Massachusetts, he chose to fight for the colonies. He became a captain in the state army of Massachusetts. He earned the rank of Major when he helped to end Shays' Rebellion. Because of the time her father had spent away from home, Laura became very close to her mother. Laura’s entire life was changed dramatically when her mother died in 1783, leaving Laura the oldest of four girls.assed away only four years later. Thomas immediately remarried. His third wife, Sarah provided Thomas with four sons and three daughters. The Ingersol family now had 11 children. Thomas, unhappy with the policies in America, relocated his family to Canada. The large family was given a plot of land near Queenston and it is here that Laura met the love of her life, James Secord.s merchant and a volunteer in the militia artillery. James and Laura were married in 1797 and moved to Queenston in the early 1800's. They were well off and financially comfortable. The happy couple had five children and life was good for them until the War of 1812.h countries. But Laura’s loyalty was to the British Crown. On October 13, 1812 American soldiers crossed the Niagara River and headed for Queenston. The Americans were able to make land before they were spotted.ecord quickly dressed her children and brought them to a relative’s home in the countryside where they would be safe. Fearing for the safety of her husband, Laura returned to Queenston. Laura reached town after the battles had subsided.reeted with a horrifying sight. Many wounded soldiers still lay on the ground along with the dead. Laura managed to find James. He was gravely injured. He had both a wound in his shoulder and in his knee. Laura brought James back to their home so she could better tend to his injuries. The Secords were stunned to find that their home had been vandalized in their absence. When James had recovered enough to be moved they joined their children in St. Davids. The Secords returned to their own home in the spring, but James was still bedridden because of the musket ball that was lodged in his knee.on at Beaverdams. That evening, the soldiers drank too much and became boisterous and bragged of their plans to crush the British that remained in the area. Laura and her husband overheard their plans. With that position captured, the Americans could control the entire Niagara Peninsula. Upon hearing the plan, the Secords knew that Fitzgibbon must be warned. James was unable to walk because of his still healing wounds so he could not make the journey. Despite the danger and harsh country, Laura and James decided that she would have to go warn Fitzgibbon.e the house for an extended period without raising suspicions so she requested a pass to visit an ill relative. The Americans granted her request because she had been especially accommodating to the soldiers' needs. Her pass allowed Laura to be out after curfew. The next morning, June 22, 1813, Laura and her eldest daughter left their home at 4 am, taking only a basket of food. She stopped first at her half-brother’s house, who she discovered was indeed ill. After hearing of her mission, her sister-in-law Elizabeth offered to accompany her. Laura’s daughter remained behind to care for Elizabeth’s children. The two women followed the Twelve Mile Creek, following trails and cutting across fields, avoiding all the roads. The hot temperatures proved too much for Elizabeth and when they reached Shipman’s Corners she collapsed and could go no further. Laura was left to continue through the most dangerous portion of the journey all alone. In addition to the dangers posed by the native wildlife, wolves, wildcats and rattlesnakes were common, Laura feared being questioned by American troops. A woman alone near enemy lines risked being arrested or even being shot, as the traditional punishment for spies was death by firing squad. The temperatures were exceptionally hot, but Laura persevered and hiked through thick woods, across streams and through swampy grounds. Her journey, a 20-mile route, took her more than 18 hours.o days later, the Canadian Militia and their Indian Allies met the American army. The Indian warriors won the day, and the Americans were defeated. Upon hearing her news, they brought her to the De Cew house where she was able to warn Fitzgibbon. He ordered the Indian regiment to meet the American forces at the edge of the escarpment. His troops proceeded directly up the road. The ever-creative Fitzgibbon instructed the Indian regiment to march back and forth to create an illusion of a greater armed presence. As a result, the forces ambushed the invading Americans and defeated them at the Battle of Beaverdams, June 24, 1813. Legend has it that Fitzgibbon personally credited Laura as being responsible for one of the most complete victories in the history of his army.e person and never looked upon herself as a heroine. She returned to her home and resumed her everyday duties of a homemaker, wife and mother. Laura’s heroism was soon forgotten. It wasn’t until 1860 that Laura received recognition of her act during a visit by Edward, Prince of Wales. She died in 1868 at the age of 93 and is buried in Drummond Hill Cemetery.