McClelland was a very well known local and state politician and eventually rose to national politics.

McClelland maintained ownership of the house even after he was elected Governor of Michigan in 1852.

At that point, McClelland sold his house to local merchant Benjamin Dansard.

Dansard died in 1888, but the house remained in the family until 1917, when it was sold to Kirke G.

The front entrance was originally off-centered and surrounded by balusters, but these were removed with the addition of the west wing.