Laura Secord

I made it. (I made it.)

My Canadian hero's name is Laura Secord. She was born in Great Barrington on the 13th of September 1775. Her parents where called Thomas Ingersoll and Elizabeth Dewey. She was the eldest of 4 daughters. When Laura Secord was eight years old her mother died leaving her father to look after the 4 girls. After Elizabeth's death Thomas remarried twice and by his 3rd wife the family was quite large. In 1797 Laura married James Secord. Laura and James Secord were then to have one son and six daughters.

I made it (Idrew it)

Laura Secord's famous act of patriotism began on the evening of June 21, 1813. It started when several American officers forced their way into Laura Secord's home. They then ordered her to serve them dinner. During the dinner the officers grew boisterous, boasting about their plans to crush the remaining of the British resistance in the area. While Laura quietly washed the dishes she listened to the voices of the American officers. The American officers were planing a violent attack against Lt. James Fitzgibbon at Beaverdams. After hearing the plans the Secords knew that Lt. Fitzgibbon had to be warned. Since James Secord had recently been injured at the Battle of Queenston Heights the previous October, he could not go on the journey. Despite the danger, Laura Secord decided that she herself would go and warn Lt. Fitzgibbon. At dawn the next morning Laura began her journey. The journey took more than 18 hours to complete, it was 32 km (20 miles) long!! Laura tried to avoid the main roads in case she got caught by the Americans. Laura chose a very difficult route to the stone house where Fitzgibbon was stationed. There were so many dangers along the way, including wolves, wildcats and rattlesnakes. There were also a lot of unfriendly Native Forces. As Laura hiked her way through the thick woods and over streams without bridges her shoes crumbled away leaving her feet blistered and bleeding.

Laura Secord meets Lt. Fitzgibbon. (http://ccv.northwestcompany.com/secord.gif)

Laura Secord entered the most difficult part of her mission alone, the Dark Swamp!!

Determined to accomplish her dangerous pledge, Laura drove herself on knowing that she was doing the right thing. As darkness fell Laura neared the edge of the swamp, haunted by the feeling she was being watched. She climbed up the steep escarpment and began moving through the thick undergrowth. After a long and tiring journey Laura finally reached the clearing, finding herself surrounded by a group of Iroquois. Shivering with fear Laura managed to make the chief understand the urgency of her mission. The chief then ordered one of his men to escort Laura the rest of the way to Lt. Fitzgibbon's headquarters. One hour later Laura arrived at Lt. Fitzgibbon's headquarters, just in time to give the warning. Two days later Lt. Fiztgibbon was ready with 50 British soldiers and several hundred Mohawk warriors. They surrounded the Americans at the battle of Beaver Dam. They were finally safe. Under the command of John Norton and Dominique Ducharme the soldiers, warriors and native forces were able to defeat the invading Americans at the Battle of Beaver Dam on June 24th 1813.

Unfortunately, Laura Secord died at the age of 93 on October 17th 1868, it was very sad. Her home Queenston is now a museum. I really enjoyed learning about Laura Secord who was a very interesting person. I also hope you enjoyed this web page.