Laura Secord chocolates is today considered one of the most decadent treats in eastern Canada. What many do not know about the Laura Secord story however is that she is also considered one of the bravest and instrumental women in Canada’s sovereignty. In her quest to thwart a learned attack by the Americans in 1813, when we were not even Canada yet, she averted the American invasion by traveling 32 kilometers through territory that was occupied by Americans to warn the British troops of the impending fate.
Laura was actually born in Great Barrington, MA on September 13, 1775 where her mother eventually died leaving her at 8 years old to be the caretaker of the house and her 3 sisters. Knowing that he was not going to be able to regain his economic position after the civil war, and after meeting a Mohawk in New York, her father moved the family to Canada after he received a sizable piece of land.
The fact that she was American born makes it even more compelling because she was basically an American trying to stop an American invasion. She was moved to Canada with her father and 3 sisters in 1795 after her mother died of unknown causes from what I can find. Her father Thomas Ingersoll was an American sympathizer which made their home a refuge for soldiers. The plan by the Americans was to surprise the British outpost at Beaver Dams and capture the officer in charge, Lieutenant James FitzGibbon. Her knowledge of the invasion was gained as she heard a conversation that was had by American soldiers who were being billeted at her home.
By taking a short route to warn the British soldiers, there was a fear of getting caught, so she decided to take the long route which was 32 kilometers (almost 20 miles) through American occupied Canadian territory. After warning the Brits, they ambushed the Americans, preventing the surprise attack sending the defeated American troops back to America to never return.
Laura rescued James Secord from the battlefield and nursed him back to health after the war eventually marrying him and starting a family with 6 girls and 1 boy. Laura Secord lived her life in poverty after Canadians fought for her to receive her husbands court registrar pension unsuccessfully. She was not recognized for her role in preventing an American invasion until 1860 when she was 85 at which time she received 100 pounds and recognition from the then Prince of Wales. This only happened because she entered her name as a veteran of the war in 1812.
Laura Secord died on October 17, 1968 in Chippawa, Niagara Falls. The Laura Secord chocolates were named in honor of her by Frank P. O’Connor who in 1913 opened a candy store named after her that sold chocolates. In honor of her as a symbol of courage, devotion, and loyalty. These are mostly an Eastern treat and can be found west to Saskatchewan The company is now owned by two brother in Quebec and produce many types of chocolates for many occasions.
