The most significant phase in the settlement of St. Albans occurred in the early 1900s when the Closer Settlement board subdivided Overnewton Estate into blocks of 200 to 300 acres and offered these for selection. This attracted the new pioneers' families to the district, such as the McAuleys, Boyds, Andersons, Stevens, Colemans, Griffiths, McRaes, King and others to acquire land along Taylors Road and in the Western part of St. Albans through to Sydenham.The stories in this document are about the families who are directly connected to the above era or came somewhat later, but all have contributed to the development of community. They are stories about transition of St. Albans from a sparse rural district to a number of crowded suburban neighborhoods.Stories About St. Albans Celebrating 125 Years Marion McAuley John Stevens Self and Goddard Jimmy Knowles Isabelle Davidson John Perrett Fred Barlowst. albans, john stevens, self and goddard, jimmy knowles, isabelle davidson, john perrett, fred barlow, marion mcauley