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Secord family Sicard, D'Secor, Secor
Current region	Canada and the United States
Place of origin	France
Founded	17th century
Founder	Ambroise Sicard (c. 1631–c. 1712)

The Secord family (originally Sicard) was a colonial New York family whose loyalties were split during the American Revolution. The family traces its origins back to Ambroise Sicard who was born in France about 1631. Sicard, a Huguenot, brought his family to British America in 1686 to escape religious persecution. Although a few of his descendants were active as Patriots during the Revolutionary War, a significant number were Loyalists who joined British provincial regiments such as Butler's Rangers, and afterwards settled in what is now Ontario and New Brunswick.

Origins

During the 17th century, the Sicard family lived near La Rochelle on the Bay of Biscay. The ancient origins of the family are uncertain. Although a number of theories have been proposed, none has been proven. The Sicard family were French Calvinist Protestants, also known as Huguenots. The Huguenots had been granted substantial rights in the 1598 Edict of Nantes, but Louis XIV renounced the Edict in 1685, triggering massive persecution. Tens of thousands of Huguenots fled France to England including the family of Ambroise Sicard.

From England, Sicard brought his family to the New York in 1688. With other Huguenot families, he founded New Rochelle in Westchester County about 1689. In the years that followed, Ambroise Sicard's descendants spread to other areas of Westchester County as well as neighbouring Orange County. While some branches of the family retained the Sicard surname, others adopted Secor or Secord. A number of researchers have noted that those who were active Loyalists during the American Revolution all had the Secord surname.

Family historian R. Kirk Moulton has researched the family in depth. His findings were published in a seven-installment series in the New York Genealogical and Biographical Recordin 2019 and 2020. Moulton concluded that all Secords are descended from Ambroise Sicard.

Ambroise Sicard

Ambroise Sicard was born about 1631 in Mornac sur Seudre, south of La Rochelle. He was a saunier, or salt worker, harvesting salt in salt marshes, and also owned a vineyard worth 40 livres. Threatened with forcible conversion to Catholicism, Sicard fled with his family to the Île de Ré and later to London. His eldest son married while the family was in London. In 1688, Ambroise joined other Huguenots sailing for New York. The baptism of Madeline Sicard, his first grandchild, on October 22, 1688, is recorded in the registers of the L’Eglise Française a la Nouvelle York. Within a few years Sicard moved from the city to neighbouring Westchester County, and with other Huguenots founded the settlement of New Rochelle on land purchased from Pelham Manor in 1689. He eventually owned several tracts of land, helped establish the French Church at New Rochelle, and was active in local government. On February 6, 1696, Sicard and his three sons swore allegiance to King William and Queen Mary of England.

Ambroise had six children although there were likely others who died in infancy. According to family tradition, Ambroise's wife and a child died before the family reached New York. Ambroise Sicard died c. 1712 at New Rochelle and was survived by his three sons and two daughters.

Descendants of Ambroise Secord

Ambroise Sicard (c. 1631–1712)

• • Ambroise Sicard (c. 1666–1735) mar. 1st Jeanne Perron; mar. 2nd Unknown
    • Madeline Sicard (1688– ?)
    • Anne Sicard (c. 1692)– ?)
    • Ambroise Sicard (1697– ?)
    • Judith Sicard (c. 1702–c. 1741)
    • Mariane Sicard (1704– ?)
    • Daniel Sicard (aft. 1712–c. 1801) mar. 1st Mary Archer; mar. 2nd Abigail Fowler
    • Paul Sicard (aft. 1712– ?)
  • Daniel Sicard (c. 1672–c. 1742) mar. Catherine Wynant
    • Daniel Secord (1698– ?) mar. Catherine Mabie
      • Catherine Secord (1721–1801)
      • Daniel Secord (1724–c. 1818) mar. Elinor Archer
        • Daniel Secord (1756– ?)
        • John Secord (1762-1817)
        • Warner Secord (c. 1750– ?)
      • John Secord (1725–1804)
        • Sarah Secord (1751–1804) mar. Isaac Swayze
        • John Secord (1757–1830)
          • Daniel Secord (1780–1838)
            • Daniel K. Secord (1819–1857)
              • John Secord QC (1850–1898)
        • Daniel Secord (1762-abt. 1845)
      • Peter (Pierre) Secord (1726–1818)
        • Silas Secord (c. 1755– ?
      • Rachel Secord (1726– ?)
      • James (Jacques) Secord (1732–1784) mar. Magdelaine Badeau
        • Solomon Secord (1755–1799)
          • George Osmond Secord (1798–1883)
            • Solomon Secord (1834–1910)
        • Stephen (Etienne) Secord (1757–1808)
          • David Secord (1790–1846)
            • James Richard Secord (1832–1897) mar. Jane Manley
              • Richard Secord (1860–1935)
        • David Secord (1759–1844)
          • George Secord (1801–1881)
        • John Secord (1762–1846)
        • Magdelaine Secord (1764–1827) mar. Richard Cartwright
          • John Solomon Cartwright (1804–1845)
          • Robert Cartwright (1804–1843) mar. Harriet Dobbs
            • Richard John Cartwright (1835–1912)
        • Ester Secord (1766-abt. 1802)
        • Mary Secord (1770–1841)
        • James Badeau Secord (July 7, 1773 – February 22, 1841) mar. Laura Ingersoll
    • Jacques Sicard (c. 1699–1773) mar. Jeanne Bonnett
      • Benjamin Secord (1735–1811)
      • Israel Secord (1748–1819)
    • Pierre (Peter) Sicard (c. 1701– ?) mar. Hester Guion; Captain in the Westchester County Militia during the French and Indian War
    • Catherine Sicard (1704– ?)
    • Jean (John) Sicard (c. 1707– ?)
    • Isaac Sicard (1710 - ?) died in infancy
    • Isaac Sicard (1715–1759) died during the French and Indian War
      • Isaac Secord (1749–1818)
      • Josiah Secord (1751–1832)
      • Daniel Secord (1753–1843)
      • Elie Secord (1755– ?)
      • Frederick Secord (1756– ?)
    • Elizabeth Sicard (c. 1724– ?)
    • Marie Sicord (1725–1801) mar. Daniel Chadeayne
  • Jacques Sicard (c. 1675– ?) mar. Anne Terrier
    • Elizabeth Sicard (c. 1700– ?)
    • Jacques Sicard (c. 1701– ?) mar. Marianne Ravaux
    • Susanne Sicard (1704– ?)
    • Esther Sicard (c. 1705– ?)
    • Catherine Sicard (c. 1707– ?)
    • Anne Sicard (c. 1710– ?)
    • Jean Sicard (1712– ?)
    • Mary Sicard (1713–1806)
    • Isaac Secor (c. 1715– ?)
    • Elias Secor (c. 1717– ?)
      • Elias Secord (1748-1838)
      • William Secord (c. 1754–(c. 1844)
    • David Secor (1721– ?) mar. Rebecca Halstead
      • James Secor (1751-1820)
      • Isaac I Secor (1755-1836)
      • John Secor (1756–1830)
  • Marie Sicard (c. 1677– ?) mar. Guillaume (William) Landrin
  • Sylvie Sicard (c. 1680- ?) mar. Francois Coquillet

Note: The information in this chart is derived from R. Kirk Moulton's "Early Sicard-Secor Families of New York: Origins of United Empire Loyalist William Secord."

Revolutionary War

The American Revolution divided the family. Some family members were active Patriots who enlisted in the Continental Army, while others served in various Patriot militias. A significant number were Loyalists who left their homes and families and joined British provincial regiments such as Butler's Rangers or the New York Volunteers.

In April 1775, just before the start of the Revolutionary War, a meeting of roughly 100 Patriots was held in Westchester County to select representatives for a meeting in New York that would choose delegates for the Second Continental Congress. At the same time, roughly the same number of Loyalists gathered at the house of Abraham Hatfield then marched in protest to the Patriot meeting. Afterwards, 312 inhabitants of Westchester County signed a document affirming their loyality to the British Crown, including Elias, Francis, Israel, Joshua, and Benjamin Secord.

In May 1775, male residents aged 21 and over in Orange County were asked to sign a resolution known as an "association test" that pledged loyalty to the provincial government of New York and rejected British rule. In the Precinct of Haverstraw, nine members of the Secord family signed, however, five refused to do so.

A few years before the war, brothers John, Peter and James Secord settled on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River in what is now Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1777, the three, accompanied by five of their sons, journeyed to Fort Niagara and joined the British Indian Department. Following the August 1777 Siege of Fort Stanwix, John Butler was given permission to raise the "a corps of rangers" which became known as Butler's Rangers. Seven of the eight enlisted in the new regiment, while James elected to continue serving in the Indian Department.</ref>

Members of the Secord family who had demonstrated loyalty to the British Crown during the Revolutionary War received grants of land in what became Upper Canada and New Brunswick. Their children were also eligible for land grants once they reached adulthood. Loyalists could also submit claims for losses as a result of the war although only Solomon Secord and William Secord appear to have done so.

Loyalists

Portrait of a Butler's Ranger by Garth Dittrich

John Secord: John Secord (1725–1804), son of Daniel Sicard (1698-1765), served with the 5th Company, Upper Battalion, Westmoreland Militia during the [French and Indian War]]. Shortly before the Revolution he settled on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. He was arrested as a British spy in March 1776 but successfully appealed his arrest to the Connecticut government. He joined the British Indian Department at Fort Niagara in 1777 and transferred to Butler's Rangers in 1778. John was discharged the following year due to his age and settled across the Niagara River from the fort.

Peter Secord: Peter Secord (1726-1818), son of Daniel Sicard (1698-1765) enlisted in the 5th Company, Upper Battalion of the Westchester County Militia during the French and Indian War. He settled on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River shortly before the Revolution. Peter joined the British Indian Department at Fort Niagara in 1777 and transferred to Butler's Rangers in 1778. He was discharged the following year due to his age. In 1780, Peter settled across the Niagara River about 7 miles (11 km) from Fort Niagara, and with his brother James built and operated the first mill in the region. He later moved to the Long Point area.

James (Jacques) Secord: James Secord (1732-1784), son of Daniel Sicard (1698-1765), enlisted in the 5th Company, Upper Battalion of the Westchester County Militia during the French and Indian War. He settled on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River shortly before the Revolution. James served as a Lieutenant in the British Indian Department from 1777 to 1782. Three of his sons joined Butler's Rangers. In 1780, James settled across the Niagara River about 7 miles (11 km) from Fort Niagara, and with his brother Peter built and operated the first mill in the region. His children were granted 2,000 additional acres of land for their father's service during the war.

Solomon Secord: Solomon Secord, son of James Secord (1732-1784), joined the British Indian Department at Fort Niagara in 1777 and transferred to Butler's Rangers in 1778 and was promoted first to corporal and then sergeant. He later received a commission as a Lieutenant. After the war he settled across the Niagara River about 7 miles (11 km) from Fort Niagara.

Stephen (Etienne) Secord: Stephen Secord joined the British Indian Department at Fort Niagara in 1777, transferred to Butler's Rangers in 1778, and rose to the rank of sergeant. After the war, After the war he settled across the Niagara River about 7 miles (11 km) from Fort Niagara.

David Secord: David Secord was wounded at the Battle of Fort Stanwix. He was also at the Battle of Wyoming, where he nearly lost his life defending three prisoners. The prisoners were Americans who were part of a party that attacked a Mohawk village and killed the wife of Chief Oneida Joseph. When Joseph heard that the murderers were prisoners, he demanded to be allowed to kill them. Secord would not allow it, to which the Chief replied, "I kill them or kill you," as he thrust his spear through Secord's coat. David Secord became a major during the War of 1812.

The Wyoming Massacre by Alonzo Chappel

John Secord: John Secord (1757–1830), known as 'Deaf John' due to his hearing loss from a cannon shot, served as a private in Butler's Rangers until his discharge in 1779. In a certificate attached to his Upper Canada land petition, he is described as "a brave man, having after the Battle of Wyoming, when the Loyalists were retreating towards Niagara (and found it necessary to have a better supply of Provisions) returned by desire of the commanding officer to Wyoming, with only eight men and brought from the Enemy, One Hundred and forty head of Cattle – upwards of ninety Head were drove to Aughquaga, and there issued to the troops, and the others used for an immediate Supply."

Daniel Secord: Daniel Secord, son of Daniel SICARD (1724-1818) joined Brant's Volunteers. Joseph Brant granted him a 999-year lease on 200 acres in the Haldimand Tract after the war.

John Secord: John Secord, son of Daniel SICARD (1724-1817) joined the New York Volunteers and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He was discharged in New Brunswick in 1783, but after a few years joined his brother in Upper Canada.

Silas Secord: Silas Secord (c. 1755– ?), son of Peter Secord (1726-1818) enlisted in Butler's Rangers in 1777 and rose to the rank of Sergeant. After the war, Silas initially settled across the Niagara River from Fort Niagara, but later moved to the Long Point area.

William and Elias Secord: William and Elias Secord, grandsons of Jacques Sicard (c. 1675– ?) emigrated to the Province of Nova Scotia in 1783 as part of the exodus of Loyalists from New York City, having crossed British lines to the city in 1777. William worked in the shipyard while Elias served in the Prince of Wales' American Regiment until discharged in 1778 due to illness. Both William and Elias married and had children while in New York.

Patriots

Josiah Secord: Josiah Secord (1751-1832), son of Isaac Secord (1715-1759) served in Brickerhoff's Regiment of New York Militia. About 1790 he emigrated to Upper Canada and settled in the Niagara District.

John Secor: John Secor (1756–1830) enlisted in the 5th New York Regiment for the duration of the war and was promoted to corporal. The 5th New York saw action at the Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery in 1777 and during the 1779 Sullivan Campaign.

Isaac I Secor: Isaac I Secor (1755–1836) enlisted in the 2nd New York Regiment in 1775. He was with the regiment during the Invasion of Quebec but was discharged due to frostbite before the Battle of Quebec. Secor reenlisted and was with the regiment at the Battle of Long Island, the Battle of Forts Clinton and Montgomery and the 1779 Sullivan Campaign.

James Secor: James Secor (1751-1820) enlisted as a sergeant in the 2nd New York Regiment in 1775. The 2nd Regiment saw action during the Invasion of Canada and the Battle of Quebec. He returned to New York when his enlistment expired and later served as a sergeant in the New York militia.

The War of 1812

The Secords who livied in Upper Canada actively defended their homes against the Americans during the War of 1812. On the militia roles available at Library and Archives Canada are listed: Major David Secord, Captains Elijah and Peter Secord, Lieutenants Cortlandt and John Secord, Ensign James Secord, Quartermaster Daniel Secord, Sergeant James Secord, and Privates Abraham, William John, Solomon, Stephen, David, Joseph, Isaac, Peter, and William Secord. Members of the family were present at the Battle of Queenston Heights, the Battle of Fort George and the Battle of Lundy's Lane.

Notable members

Laura Secord warning Fitzgibbon

Laura Secord (née Ingersoll) was the wife of James Secord, the great-great-grandson of Ambroise Sicard. She is considered a Canadian hero for her 20 miles (32 km) trek from Queenstown to Beaver Dams to warn British Lieutenant James FitzGibbon that the Americans were planning to attack his outpost during the War of 1812. Laura has become mythologized in Canadian history. Laura Secord Chocolates was named for her.

James Secord was a merchant in Upper Canada who was wounded at the Battle of Queenston Heights during the War of 1812. He was the husband of Laura Ingersoll.

The house of James and Laura Secord in Queenston

Major David Secord was the great-great-grandson of Ambroise Sicard. He served in the Revolutionary War alongside his brothers in Butler's Rangers. After the war he settled in Niagara Township. He was a justice of the peace in 1796 and represented the 2nd Riding of Lincoln in the 5th Parliament of Upper Canada from 1809 to 1812. He claimed to have fought in every significant engagement in Niagara during the War of 1812 and was in command his regiment at the Battle of Lundy's Lane.

George Secord was a political figure who as a member of the Conservative Party represented Monck in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1867 to 1871.

John Secord QC, a great-grandson of John Secord (1757-1830) was a lawyer and political figure who represented Regina in the 1st Council of the North-West Territories and Regina South in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories.

Richard Secord, a great-grandnephew of James and Laura Secord, was a merchant and politician in western Canada who served in the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories. He and John McDougall founded Secord & McDougall, which advertised itself as general merchants. He was also a land speculator who dealt in Métis scrip. Secord was known for his philanthropy.

Richard Vernon Secord (1932–2004), a descendant of Isaac I Secor (1755-1836) was a United States Air Force officer who rose to the rank of Major General. He served in the Vietnam War, the Secret War in Laos, and participated in the Battle of Lima Site 85. He is particularly known for his involvement in the Iran-Contra Scandal.

Solomon Secord (1834-1910), a great-grandson of Loyalist Solomon Secord (1755–1799), was a Confederate Army surgeon during the American Civil War. After the war he returned home to Kincardine, Ontario and worked as a family physician for 50 years. A monument to Dr. Secord was erected in the town square shortly after his death. The Municipality of Kincardine Council voted to decommission the monument in 2024 because the inscription refers to the doctor's Confederate Army service, implying that he approved of slavery.

Legacy

The Israel Secord House in New Rochelle

Isaac Secord House: This privately owned house in New Rochelle was built c. 1775 by Israel Secord (c. 1748-1819) on land deeded to him by his father. During the Revolutionary War, William Howe, commander of British forces, made his headquarters in the farmhouse prior to the Battle of White Plains in October 1776. In the rear of the home stood the "hanging tree," an oak tree from the 1700s reportedly used to execute prisoners during the Revolutionary War.

Secord Township, in Gladwin County, Michigan, was named for Marvel Secord, a grandson of Daniel Secord (1756– ?) and an early settler of township. When the Tittabawassee River was dammed in 1925 both the dam and the resultant lake were named Secord.

The Peter Secord house in St. Davids, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

The Peter Secord House was constructed in the 1780s on land granted to Peter Secord in what is now the hamlet of St. Davids. The house is currently operated as an inn.

The Secord Mill

The Secord Mill was built in 1782 on Four Mile Creek west of Fort Niagara, and was operated by Loyalists Peter and James Secord. It was one of the first "kings mills" in Upper Canada and may be the only surviving 18th-century Banal mill in Ontario.

The Laura Secord Legacy Trail is a 32-kilometer trail constructed as a monument to Laura Secord's journey. The Laura Secord Homestead still stands, a short walk from Queenston heights park.Several schools in Canada also bear her name.

Ambroise the Huguenot is a 2007 self-published historical novel written by Esther Secor Cleveland, a descendent of Ambroise Sicard. The book is loosely based on Ambroise Sicard's journey from France to New York.