Glimmer of Distant Fields, A Wool Merchant's Sojourn by Cadi Gray (with Constance Strong)

This book contains a non-fiction historical narrative that chronicles the multi-generational history of the Strong family and their magnificent Greek Revival mansion. The book weaves together historical timelines centered around the same historic property.

Part of the story explores the lives of William Kerley Strong, a prominent 19th-century wool merchant, and his wife, Sarah Van Gieson Strong. Together, they envisioned and constructed a stunning Greek Revival mansion, living a peaceful, prosperous life until the Civil War.

The book also dives into the family's deep patriotic roots. William's father, Josiah, was a Revolutionary War veteran who fought in five battles under General George Washington. William himself went on to become a Union Brigadier General, closely allied with historic leaders like Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman. 

Four generations later, the mansion had fallen into severe disrepair. The narrative follows Josiah’s descendant, Joseph N. Strong, who takes on the Herculean task of purchasing and faithfully restoring the crumbling monument to save it from total ruin.