Matthew Clarkson was an extensive landowner in this locality, who gave 100 acres (40 ha) to the town.

James Sayres purchased at Clarkson Corners in 1804 and was the first settler on the Ridge Road.

It was the home of Henry R. Seldon, judge of the Court of Appeals, and later lieutenant governor of New York.

The first male child born was a son to Mrs. Clarkson; the first female birth was that of Betsey Palmer, in 1812.

The first sawmill was erected previous to 1811, by James Sayres, and stood a half-mile east of the corners.

Clarkson village, then known as "Murray Corners", was a hamlet of considerable note, the Ridge Road being the main route between Canandaigua and Lewiston.

The Corners was a stopping-place where horses were changed and travelers allowed a brief respite, but since the completion of the Erie Canal, and the still later construction of the New York Central Railroad, the neighboring town of Sweden has gained ascendency and profited, while Clarkson has correspondingly lost in commercial importance.

New York State Route 272 forms part of the county line.

New York State Route 104 (Ridge Road) is the east-west highway through Clarkson, leading east 17 miles (27 km) to the northern part of Rochester and west 59 miles (95 km) to Lewiston.