Glimmer of Distant Fields, A Wool Merchant's Sojourn by Cadi Gray

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 death came calling.

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 Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman. 

Four generations later, the mansion had fallen into disrepair. The narrative follows Josiah’s descendant, Joseph N. Strong, whose crowning achievement and defining legacy was breathing new life into the historic mansion while engineering a faithful restoration.