Laura Secord - (Quest Biography) by Peggy Dymond Leavey (Paperback)

About the Book

More than many figures in Canadian history, Laura Secord has come to represent courage and perseverance. During the War of 1812, she helped to avert disaster by warning the British of an imminent American attack, playing a prominent role in the survival of a nascent Canada.

Book Synopsis

2013 Speaker's Book Award -- Shortlisted

Laura Secord is now famous for her singular feat of bravery during the War of 1812, but did she warn the British and help defeat the American invaders as her legend says?

After dragging her injured husband off the battlefield during the War of 1812, Laura Secord (1775-1868) was forced to house American soldiers for financial support while she nursed him back to health. It was during this time that she overheard the American plan to ambush British troops at Beaver Dams.

Through an outstanding act of perseverance and courage in 1813, Laura walked an astonishing 30 kilometers from her home to a British outpost to warn Lieutenant James FitzGibbon. Despite facing rough terrain, the ever-present danger of being caught by American troops, and rather delicate encounters with Native forces, Laura reached FitzGibbon just in time for the British to prepare and execute an ambush on American military nearby, forcing the U.S. general to surrender.

Laura lived a very long time, dying at the age of 93. In her lifetime the government never formally recognized her singular feat of bravery, and much controversy still envelopes her legacy.

Review Quotes

"Dymond Leavey provides a vivid picture of life for settlers in Upper Canada in the late 18th and early 19th centuries."

-- "Country Roads magazine"

About the Author

Peggy Dymond Leavey's previous books include Sky Lake Summer, The Deep End Gang, and The Path Through the Trees, all of which were nominated for the Silver Birch Award. Recently, she published Growing Up Ivy and Mary Pickford. Peggy lives in Trenton, Ontario.