Tag Archives: laura secord

Project:1812 – Laura Secord

What do chocolate and the war of 1812 have in common; just one thing, a name, Laura Secord. Many people today hear the name Laura Secord and think of the Canadian confectionary company, but there was a hero behind that name. But unlike other heroes from the war whose names were praised right after their great victories, Laura lived in relative obscurity until decades after the war had ended. Born Laura Ingersoll on the 13th of September 1775 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, she was the eldest of four born to Thomas Ingersoll and Elizabeth Dewey. When she was eight her mother passed away, her father remarried twice, greatly expanding the family. After the American War of Independence the Ingersoll’s settled in Upper Canada. While they were living in Queenston, Laura met James Secord, a shopkeeper in the town, and in 1797 they were married, settling first in St. David’s but soon moved back to Queenston just before the start of the War of 1812. At the start of the conflict James served as a sergeant in the 1st Lincoln Militia where he saw action at the battle of Queenston Heights, and was forced to stay at home over the course of the next year.

The Secord home in Queenston, ON

By the summer of 1813 American forces had again overrun much of the Niagara Peninsula and on a June evening that year, several American officers were billeted at the Secord’s home. They spoke loudly of their plans to march on a British officer that had been leading raids against their forces from DeCew house and was being a thorn in their side since Stoney Creek. Both James and Laura overheard this conversation, but with James still recovering from his injuries it was Laura who took it upon herself to make the journey to warn the British. The direct route was twelve miles, but wanting to avoid American entanglements, Laura took a twenty mile journey instead. Leaving early, she went first to St. David’s and had her cousin Elizabeth Secord join her, but by Shipman’s Corners (modern day St. Catherines), Elizabeth was far too tired to carry on. Laura however pressed on, following the route of the Twelve Mile River, crossing the river at a fallen log, she stumbled into a Native Camp, she was by this point lost and scared. Explaining to the natives what she had heard, they took her to Lieutenant James FitzGibbon at DeCew House, the very officer the Americans were seeking to destroy. FitzGibbon used her information and was able to secure a victory against the Americans at what is known as the Battle of Beaverdams.

The DeCew house ruins where Laura Secord met James FitzGibbon.

But Laura’s name was never mentioned in the aftermath of the great victory, and she was lost to history. At the end of the war, her husband received a small pension from the government for his service and wound during the war. Even with the support of James FitzGibbon, requests for support from the colonial government at York fell on deaf ears. After James’ death in 1841, Laura was left with no financial support. But it was in 1860 during the visit of the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII) that Laura’s story came to the public eye. Upon his return to England he sent Laura a reward of one hundred pounds (7,330 pounds today). Laura Secord passed away three years later, her story now known. She is buried next to her husband at Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls.

A monument to Laura Secord at Lundy’s Lane (Drummond Hill). Laura and her Husband are burried there, however I was unable to locate their grave markers.

Laura’s story doesn’t stop there; her fame only grew after her death. Songs, poems, and dramatic interpretations were being produced about Laura Secord. She became a genuine folk hero. And like any hero legends about her journey soon began to circle. The legends stated that Laura brought a cow along as camouflage, or that she did the entire journey at night (she actually left early in the day on June 23rd), or that she did it all barefoot, all of which have been proven to be false. There were also detractors, stating that her journey was in vain, or completely unnecessary. But FitzGibbon’s letters of support of the Secord’s support requests in the 1820s secured Laura’s place in history as one of the hero’s of the Battle of Beaverdams. Memorials to her sprang up in the early 20th century both at Lundy’s Lane (Drummond Hill Cemetery), and Queenston Heights. The chocolate company that bears her name was established in 1913, and was instrumental in rebuilding and restoring the Secord home in Queenston in 1971. Queenston is also home to Laura Secord Public School, which is to become an additional space for Willowbank School of Restoration Arts. Laura Secord remains a well known folk hero to this day, her image on postage stamps, and even a statue in Ottawa among the other greats of Canada’s proud history.

Laura Secord Public School in Queenston, ON. Hopefully the name sticks when Willowbrank moves in.

Photos: Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – Kodak Tri-X 400, Ilford HP5+, and Kodak Plus-X Pan

With Files from:
Web: www.warof1812.ca/laurasecord.htm
Web: www.niagaraparks.com/heritage-trail/laura-secord-homestead-history.html

Project:1812 – The Battle of Beaver Dams

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The Battle of Beaver Dams created two Canadian Folk Heroes and was one of the stranger battles of the War of 1812, for it wasn’t won by force of arms but through audacity and deception. By the end of May 1813 most of the Niagara peninsula was in the hands of the Americans, they held Fort George, Newark (Niagara-On-The-Lake) and Queenston Heights. The British had been forced back to Burlington Heights, but after the Battle of Stoney Creek had established a series of outposts along the Niagara Escarpment. One of these outposts was at DeCew house near the settlement of Beaver Dams. The outpost at DeCew House was under the command of Lieutenant James FitzGibbon of the 49th. Along with the Lieutenant was fifty handpicked men of the 49th and a band of Mohawk Warriors.

Laura Secord’s home in Queenston where all the action started.

The Americans still smarting from their defeat at Stoney Creek set out on a new offensive on June 22nd, a column of 600 troops under the command of Lt. Colonel Charles Boerstler set out from Fort George and made it to Queenston by 11pm on the 22nd and billeted in the town. Several officers stayed at the home of Laura Secord. During the night she overheard their plans to attack DeCew house and slipped out heading north walking the 27 kilometers to the house located in modern day Thorold. The Americans set out again in the morning of the 23rd, as they neared the escarpment at St. Davids they were spoted by Native scouts who also headed towards FitzGibbon at DeCew house. Their story was corroborated by the earlier information the Lieutenant had received from Laura Secord. FitzGibbon realizing he was seriously outnumbered began to lay his own plans for the American forces that were still under the impression the element of surprise was on their side.

The Ruins of DeCew house in Thorold, ON

By the 24th the Americans had made it over the escarpment and began to march along the Mountain Road towards the settlement at Beaver Dams. FitzGibbon had deployed his native warriors in the woods along the mountain road in ambush, and the small detachment of the 49th at the rear of the American column to prevent them from retreating. Boerstler became aware of the native warriors in the woods but refused to take any actions against them. As the American column approached the north east corner of Thorold Township the Mohawk warriors attacked the column, ambushing them in the woods. The American column broke, and scattered while continuing to be harassed by the Mohawks. The Americans wanted to drive the natives out into the open so that they could bring their artillery to bear, but with the warriors attacking from all sides it was difficult for the American commanders to organize their men into an effective counter attack. The battle raged on for a couple hours, FitzGibbon hearing the musket fire rode out to see what was happening, giving order for his own men to muster for battle. By the time he had arrived the Americans were preparing to pull back. FitzGibbon rode out to meet the Americans under a flag of truce only to encounter the Americans riding his way under the same flag. But FitzGibbon had a plan. He knew that his force was far outnumbered, even the native allies were pulling back, but even still he told the American officer that more natives were coming and he could not count on controlling them, in addition to the natives more British regulars were on their way and that their best move would be to surrender now. The Americans called FitzGibbon’s bluff and refused to surrender to a force that they could not see, but the bold Lieutenant offered to allow them to inspect the forces. The ruse was perpetuated as a group of Dragoons showed on the scene. FitzGibbon convinced the leader of the Dragoons, Captain John Hall to portray FitzGibbon’s superior officer, Major DeHaren, Hall stepped into the role with pride, informing the Americans that they could not inspect the British forces. The ruse was working, Boerstler was despite, he had many tired soldiers and more wounded. But the whole thing was nearly undone on the arrival of the actual Major DeHaren who began his own negotiations for the American Surrender. FitzGibbon pulled the major aside and informed him of the ruse that would allow for a British victory. DeHaren went along with the ruse and the surrender was signed.

The former battlefield memorial park in Beaver Dams, at the time I was unaware a new park had been constructed in downtown Thorold and the plaque moved there.

FitzGibbon was promoted to Captain and assigned to the Glengary Light Infantry for his actions at Beaver Dams. Laura Secord however was not recognized for her actions under later in the 19th century when FitzGibbon issued a written statement confirming her involvement in bringing the information to the Lieutenant. Today DeCew house is nothing more than a ruin having burned down in 1950; Ontario Power Company stabilized the ruin and installed a plaque explaining the value of the structure. The actual battlefield is paved over and a historic plaque that used to sit there was moved to a memorial park first in Beaver Dams but was moved to a new park in downtown Thorold.

Photos:
Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 75mm 1:2.8 and SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – Kodak Plus-X Pan (PXP) and Ilford HP5+

Sources:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition, Revised and Updated
Gilbert Collins
Web: www.battleofbeaverdams.com

Project:1812 – James FitzGibbon

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This entry I’m writing specifically for my dear friend Erin, who like me, has a love for the War of 1812, in one of her recent blog posts she mentioned her new job at an independent children’s book publisher, and one of the recent releases from the company was on the war of 1812, and one of the lesser known heroes of the war. When you think of the War of 1812 and the heroes that came out of that war, on the British side, Isaac Brock and Laura Secord stand above them all, and yes, they both played important roles, but there was one other hero, whose tale intertwines with both this figures. His name was James FitzGibbon, an Irishman raised from the ranks that went on to serve Upper Canada twice in his career in the army.

Blockhouses at Fort George wheren FitzGibbon and the rest of the 49th of foot garrisoned from the early 1800s to 1813 when the American’s captured the fort.

FitzGibbon was born in November of 1780 in Glin, Ireland. His family was not wealthy, and at fifteen James joined the local Yeomanry, after three years of service he went onto serve in the Tarbert Infantry Fencibles, a home service regiment in Ireland. During his time in the Fencibles he was recruited into the British Army, the 49th Regiment of Foot. During his European Service with the 49th he fought in the battles of Egmond aan Zee and Copenhagen. It was in 1802, FitzGibbon, now a Sergeant along with the 49th and their commander Isaac Brock were sent to Upper Canada. Brock took the young man under his wing, teaching him how to be a gentleman, and in 1806 secured an ensign’s commission for FitzGibbon in the 49th. It was rare in the 19th century to have an officer raised from the ranks, and often was detrimental to the man in questions, but FitzGibbon seemed to slide into the role with ease, and by 1809 was promoted to Lieutenant.

The battlefield monument at Stoney Creek built 100 years after the battle in 1813.

Even early in the War of 1812, the Lieutenant managed to catch the eye of both the men and officers. Under the noses of the Americans managed to escort supply boats along the St. Lawrence River, and then again managed to keep the supply lines clear through the winter of 1813, bringing much needed supplies from Montreal to Kingston. Just prior to the Battle of Stoney Creek in June of 1813, FitzGibbon managed to infiltrate the American Camp, disguising himself as a farmer he peddled butter to the American soldiers to listen in on camp gossip. Using his intelligence, the British Forces, with FitzGibbon participating as a company commander, managed to drive off a greater number of American soldiers. After Stoney Creek, FitzGibbon raised a volunteer force of fifty men from the 49th to form an elite force of guerrilla soldiers to harass American forces in the Niagara Peninsula. FitzGibbon’s Bloody Boys as they were called often would use grey coats to cover up their usual red-coats to provide better cover. But it was on June 22nd, 1813, that FitzGibbon saw the crowning victory of his career. After a journey of 20 miles through occupied territory, Laura Secord, a resident of Queenston, brought news of on an American attack, designed to take out the thorn in their side, Lt. FitzGibbon. Secord brought news that five hundred American troops were heading towards DeCew house, his headquarters. FitzGibbon, his men, and several native allies took to the field. With the native Allies harassing the American column, FitzGibbon showed up, and under a flag of truce, informed the Americans that they were outnumbered, and surrounded. The Americans surrendered, and FitzGibbon was made a hero, promoted to Captain and transferred to the Glengarry Light Infantry. In the final years of the war FitzGibbon participated in the carnage of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane.

The Ruins of DeCew house where FitzGibbon setup his HQ during the lead up to the Battle of Beaver Dams and where he met Laura Secord.

After the Treaty was signed ending the war, James FitzGibbon remained in Upper Canada serving in the Incorporated Militia, and in 1826 was promoted to full Colonel. He also worked for the Adjutant-General of the Militia, becoming the assistance to the Adjutant-General, and in 1827 was appointed clerk to the Upper House of the Assembly. He was known for his ability to break up rants by house members, a skill that was put to use to break up a riot in 1832 outside William Lyon Mackenzie’s printing house. FitzGibbon, still a Colonel in the Militia played a role in the 1837 rebellions, trying to convince Lt. Governor Head to take action against the rebels, Head eventually conceded that the militia should be called out, and appointed FitzGibbon acting Adjunct-General of the Militia. FitzGibbon, in an act of defiance against Head, posted units on Yonge Street, which allowed them to easily intercept the Rebels that were marching from the north and managed to disperse them. After the rebellion had been quashed, FitzGibbon resigned in protest because of his treatment by Head. After the death of his wife in 1847, he returned to England, becoming a Military Knight at Windsor Castle until his death in 1863, and is buried there.

The memorial wall at the Lundey’s Lane Battlefield.

Sources:
www.herontrips.com/Fitz.html
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition, Revised and Updated
Gilbert Collins

Project:1812 – Queenston Heights

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In my previous entry I spoke on General Isaac Brock the savior of Upper Canada, so it only makes sense that I present Queenston and the Heights (today known as Queenston Heights). A strategic point along the Niagara Frontier, the Heights along with the village of Queenston nestled beneath them found themselves on the front lines in October of 1812. Now I will not speak on the battle that happened here, I’m saving that one for October itself when the great battle is reenacted.

Queenston Heights today with Brock’s Monument taking center stage. The park offers walking paths, picnic tables and shelters. In October this year there will be a reenactment of the famous battle.

The heights today are occupied by several reminders of the War of 1812, two such reminders are Fort Drummond and Fort Reill which is in ruins. A number of batteries are marked around the heights as well. Drummond and Reill were both constructed in 1814 mostly earthwork square fortifications, after the Battle of Chippawa, the British were forced to retreat from the Heights allowing them to be recaptured by the Americans. The British however retook the Heights and reoccupied the two forts after the Battle of Lundy’s Lane. Following the war and the ease of tensions between the Empire and the Americans the forts were left on their own. Through the 1920s the former battle ground became a popular spot for picnics. Fort Drummond became a splash pad for children in 1967, having been a wading pool for many years before hand. Both forts are marked by historic plaques.

A splash pad and a plaque with some old earth works is all that marks Fort Drummond today.

The biggest monument on the Heights is of course Brock’s monument. This massive stone column serves not only as a monument to the General but a marker for his final resting place. The monument that stands today is actually the second one. The original monument’s corner stone was laid on June 1st, 1824. A Tuscan column at 130 feet tall crafted from Queenston limestone. On October 13th, 1824 five thousand people attended the dedication and burial ceremony that saw the bodies of General Isaac Brock, and his aide-de-camp Lt. Colonel MacDonnell moved from Fort George to a vault beneath the great monument. Tourist could climb to the top which offered views of the Niagara Peninsula; it remained a very popular attraction for the area. But in April of 1840, a rebel, attached to William Lyon Mackenzie, conducted a terrorist attack, the bomb destroying much of the monument. A campaign to rebuild it started immediately, but it was a slow under taking. The new monument was taller and grander than the first, reaching to nearly 200 feet, including a statue of Brock at the very peek was dedicated and opened on October 13th, 1860 with Edward, Prince of Wales (Later King Edward VII) present. You cannot drive along the parkway without picking the monument out standing above the trees that grow now along the Heights. Parks Canada operates the site, often a reenactor from the 49th stands guards during the tourist season and for a small fee you can still climb to the top.

Brock’s Monument

Brock’s Cenotaph in the village of Queenston.

A second monument to Brock stands below the Heights in the village of Queenston, a small cenotaph near the site where the General fell (fifteen yards according to an eyewitness). The larger monument remains in view today. Also nearby is a monument to Brock’s horse, Alfred, at the site where the General tethered him before leading the attack against the American Invaders. The horse was present at the parade that carried the body of Brock back to Fort George for burial.

The monument to Brock’s horse, Alfred, located close to the cenotaph.

But Queenston is known mostly for one famous resident, Laura Secord. Laura and her husband James owned a simple white frame house in the village during the War of 1812, which during the battle was damaged and looted, The Secord family was forced to flee. James Secord was a Sergeant in the 1st Lincoln Militia, but his wife Laura is much more well known, having walked 20 miles in 1813 to bring important intelligence to British forces near (what is today) St. Catherines. Her home was restored in 1971 and acts as a museum.

Laura Secord’s house today.

Laura Secord Public School in Queenston, ON

Written with files from:
Guidebook to the Historic Sites of the War of 1812 Second Edition by Gilbert Collins – 2006 The Dundurn Group Publishers

Photos:
Pentax 645 – SMC Pentax A 645 35mm 1:3.5 – Kodak Tri-X 400 (400TX)

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Explorer, Photographer, Wanderer

Tag Archives: laura secord

Project:1812 – Laura Secord

Project:1812 – The Battle of Beaver Dams

Project:1812 – James FitzGibbon

Project:1812 – Queenston Heights