The house is on the east end of the 1683 William Bezer land grant of 300 acres. William Willis purchased 15 acres from Isaac Kimber in 1798. The original 2 1/2 story 18’x24’ house was built by William Willis in 1802. Willis was a tailor by trade. In 1836, he sold the property to George Walter. In 1838, Walter sold it to Isaac Williams, a shoemaker.
During Isaac Williams’ ownership it is alleged that runaway enslaved people were hidden in the cellar of the home and then taken to Philadelphia. Historians have also been told of graves on the property that belong to enslaved people who became ill and died during their journey to freedom. The graves are allegedly located to the left of the barn area close to Bethel Road.
The Baldwin Family owned the property from the 1890s through the 1930s. The Basil Clare Family purchased the property in 1950, and sold it to the County in 1975. The Berkeyheiser Family, which includes the Concord Township Historical Society’s own Vice President, became the owners in 1995.
A small stone addition was added, and then two wings were added by Basil Clare in the 20th century. A notable amount of beams, flooring, and woodwork came from other historic homes. The house received the Preservation and Rehabilitation Award in 1998 from the Heritage Commission of Delaware County.
This house is a private residence and not open to the public.
Concord Township Historic Resource #71
