​People need to know true history of Dr. Secord; return monument to place of honour

To the Editor:
RE: “Dr. Solomon Secord, you are not alone”

I believe that Man Lahrkamp wrote an excellent letter to the editor. He asked why Dr. Solomon Secord moved to Georgia, but was afraid we would never know.

I have been researching through the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre, Ontario Heritage Trust, Macon County (Georgia) Historical Society, and any books and newspapers that refer to Dr. Secord.

It seems that he moved to the Macon, Georgia, area hoping the climate would benefit his health. His father urged him not to go, due to the political climate in the south at that time, but Secord, ever an optimist, went anyway.

While there, evidence supports the fact that his abolitionist views very nearly got him hanged. Friends, neighbours and patients spoke up on his behalf (some say with guns in hand, but I have not been able to corroborate this particular fact) and he was released.

When the Civil War broke out, he joined those same people who saved his life in the 20th Georgia.

He was in the battle of Gettysburg, but when Confederate soldiers retreated, he remained, caring for some of the 20,000 casualties of battle. American doctors were not trained using cadavers, but Secord was. It made him one of the most skilled surgeons on the battlefield. He could amputate a limb in approximately 10 minutes, and he saved many lives.

He was captured after the battle, but escaped, subsequently, serving as a surgeon in a hospital setting until the end of the war. He then returned to Kincardine. He served all citizens for almost 50 years, and was known for treating patients for free, or in trade.

I think it is important that the people of Kincardine know the true history of Dr. Secord, before we allow white guilt to erase such a humanitarian from our history.

Sincerely,
Melanie O'Brien
Kincardine
 

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To the Editor:

Re: Displacement of downtown Secord Monument

I have responded to the Municipality of Kincardine’s on-line “Engagement Process” regarding the Dr. Solomon Secord Monument. My feedback is to return the monument to a place of prominence within the former town.

I would urge all of your readers with an opinion in this matter to do likewise – the on-line engagement period ends March 31, 2024 – Easter Sunday.

All historical accounts of Dr. Secord’s life and professional career state that he was a dedicated, caring physician and individual. The monument was placed in his honour with admiration and love for the man by the community he served.

In this time, we have no right to second guess that love and admiration or to arbitrarily determine that it was misguided. The monument should be returned to a place of pride, as was intended by those served by Dr. Secord.

Thank you,
Gord Thompson
Kincardine