The Lucas family has long-standing roots in the Chatham community, and many of its family members have been integral to the building and shaping of our community. Tracing their roots back to the United States (Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania) and into slavery, they eventually settled in many early Black settlements of Windsor, Dresden and Chatham.…
Black History Month – Civil Rights Movement in Chatham-Kent In 1948 a group of Black citizens from Chatham, Dresden and North Buxton met and established the National Unity Association (NUA) after racist and segregation incidents in the town of Dresden. The four primary purposes included: To promote the welfare of all people regardless of colour,…
Retired Constable Allen Thompson Allen Thompson, referred to as “Al” by his friends and family, was hired by the Dresden Police Service on August 5, 1969, making him Dresden’s first and only Black Police Officer. During his career, Al was described by his superiors and his fellow officers as a pleasure to be around, humorous,…
Robbins Family The Robbins family came to Buxton in 1866 when they purchased land in the area that is still owned by descendants of the family. The family history begins with Dennis Calico who was born enslaved and was sold to the Robbins plantation in Tennessee. There was also a woman by the name of…
Black Settlers in the city of Chatham Chatham’s Black history story begins in 1780 with a fur trader, Sally Ainse. Sally purchased land from the local indigenous group and moved to the area. The area was then known as “The Forks.” When Sally came to the area, she brought with her at least one of…
Retired Constable Andrew ” Andy” Harding Andrew, or “Andy” as many people knew him, was born in Chatham on June 3, 1919, and was one of eight children. Andy excelled at sports in high school and his extraordinary running skills made him a track and field champion. In 1935 Andy joined the Provincial Championship winning,…
