1741) Laura Secord

Laura Secord (née Ingersoll; 1775 – 1868). Canadian woman involved in the War of 1812. She is known for having walked 20 miles (32 km) out of American-occupied territory in 1813 to warn British forces ofan impending American attack.

Laura' husband, Loyalist James Secord, was seriously wounded at the Battle of Queenston Heights early in the War of 1812. While he was still recovering in 1813, the Americans invaded the Niagara Peninsula, including Queenston. During the occupation, Secord acquired information about a planned American attack, and stole away on the morning of 22 June to inform Lieutenant James FitzGibbon in the territory still controlled by the British. The information helped the British and their Mohawk allies repel the invading Americans at the Battle of Beaver Dams. Her effort was forgotten until 1860, when Edward, Prince of Wales, awarded the impoverished widow £100 (£13,000 in 2022) for her service on his visit to Canada.

Though Laura Secord had no relation to it, most Canadians associate her with the Laura Secord Chocolates company, named after her on the centennial of her walk.

 

- "At age 38, she was slightly built, with auburn hair and delicate features." https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/secord-laura-1775-1868