Themes: Architectural, Community Development
There was once a garrison house here, built during Indian wars, when this area was all wilderness.

Original owner - Abijah Clark

The property was owned by Abijah Clark b. 1742. Abijah married on Sept. 18, 1777 to Hannah Abbot b. Jan. 27, 1753. They had six children; Hannah b. Aug. 12, 1778, Abijah Jr. b. Aug. 3, 1780, John b. July 20, 1782, Nathan b, May 16, 1784, Lydia b. July 17, 1788 and Mary b. Nov. 25, 1790. Abijah acquired land from Elijah Haselton on March 23, 1784 in two deeds, one a 10 acre parcel for 17 pounds 11 shillings and a 1 3/4 acre adjoining his lad for 4 pounds 15 shillings. In March 1791 he purchased from William Dane nine acres "lying northwesterly of Clark's house"..

In 1814 Abijah made his Will, and he named his youngest son Nathan as Executor. Adijah left son Abijah Jr. $100, John received $600 "in part as wages of his service and part his portion". Daughter Hannah $50, Lydia $50, and Mary "$200 and bed & bedding called her bed, also privilege in my dwelling house, to live and enjoy the benefit of fire so long as she is unmarried." His son Nathan received all of my real estate & personal estate. Abijah died on May 24, 1818. His wife Hannah had predeceased him on July 24, 1816. As stated in his will, his children would receive their inheritance "2 years after my decease." Abijah and Hannah are interred at South Parish Cemetery.

The probate records include the 1 1/2 homestead lot and several other parcels totaling 81 acre farm land in 1818. An extensive inventory of farming equipment and live stock 2 horses, 4 cows, 1 2yr old heffer, 1 pair of calfs, 11 sheep, 2 hogs, 4 shoats, 3 1/2 tons of English hay, 8 tons of meadow hay.

Nathan Clark married on January 30, 1823 to Persia Farnham (Farnum) b. Mar. 6, 1799 in the North Parish, dau. of Isaac Jr. & Persis Farnum. Nathan & Perisi had two children; Nathan Franklin b. May 3, 1824 and Martha Ann b. June 28, 1828. Nathan's sister Mary never married and lived out her years in the Clark homestead. The 1850 Valuation Schedule lists Nathan Clark's property as: House $300, barn $75, Adjoining buildings on 6 acres $200., 40 acre Village lot $1200.,18 acre Sheep meadow $450, 24 acre Hill pasture $600., 18 acres north of house $630, 9 acres David land $550. and Farm stock $146. A total of 115 acres and $4005 assessment on his farm.

The 1855 State Census reveals an interesting note on son Nathan Frank, age 31, as a Farmer and "Idiotic". (defined as showing foolishness or stupidity). One can imagine his father Nathan working in the fields side by side with his son, yet keeping a guiding eye on his labors. Daughter Martha Ann married on June 16, 1849 to widower Elbridge Gerry Hall of NY, a merchant, b. in Wallingford, CT, son of Elkanah & Sarah Hall.

Nathan Sr. died of old age on April 4, 1869 age 84y 11m. His estate went to his two children. His sister Aunt Mary died on June 13, 1872. In 1880 Nathan Frank is listed as an Overseer. His mother Persis died on October 11, 1880 and Frank the following year of Typhoid Pneumonia on Nov.22, 1881. age 49y 3m 15d. Sister Martha A. Hall is now sole owner of the Clark farm. Now a widow and living in Merced, CA , Martha sells the farm to Herbert A. Moody on Aug. 16, 1882 for $2200. Martha died on Feb. 3, 1917 at Ahwahnee, CA and is interred at Merced Cemetery.

The farm consisted of three parcels, the house lot with buildings & 61 adjoining acres. Another 23 acre 114 3/4 sq. rods parcel and a 23 acre lot across the street on the north side of Dascomb Rd. Herbert Moody transferred the deed to Almon S. Moody, a minor, through his guardian Samuel G. Sargent of Methuen, for $1500. on Aug. 23, 1883.

The farm remained with Almon Moody until his death in 1911. His estate was sold via probate license by Sarah Melinda Moody, Adm. to Edward P. Hall of Methuen on Oct. 23, 1911. Edward Hall paid $3500 for the farm. Edward Hall and family would own the home for 64 years. Edward Hall died in 1974 and the property was then sold by Russell E. Hall, Adm. of the estate, to Scott Properties, Inc. and developer V. Scott Follansbee on March 3, 1975.

The house lot was divided off and sold to Kenneth E. & Susan A. Williams. At this time the lot that had included the barn and shed located on Clark Rd. and the house facing Dascomb Rd. was divided into three separate house lots. Williams purchased the Clark Homestead on lot #1. Lot 2 contained the barn and shed and lot 3 was vacant. Lot 2 was purchased by James J. Philben. The barn was saved and restored and a new home built to the north of it.