I am just nearing completion of the Manuscript for my 12th book which will be titled Boards & Bricks (plus a subtitle).

The fifth chapter will feature stories on substantial Chatham homes such as Rathalty, Avenel and Spencer villa.

This section will also contain a special reference to a home known as Roxborough villa which was the substantial residence of William Gray.

William was born at Roxborough Shire, Scotland (thus the house name) in 1823 and came to Canada in 1853.

He chose Chatham for two reasons with the first being the large Scottish population, particularly in Harwich and Howard Townships. These were people he knew he could do business with.

As a young man he had trained as a blacksmith and was quite good at making buggies and small commercial wagons.

His first shop was on the north bank of McGregor Creek, along Colborne Street, a bit west of Adelaide Street.

He did excellent work and soon........

© Sarnia Observer