This mansion was built circa 1800 as the primary residence of Samuel Tenney, a noted scholar, scientist, physician, American Revolutionary War surgeon, patriot, judge, and member of Congress, and his wife Tabitha Gilman Tenney, the noted early American author.

The master carpenter for the house was Ebenezer Clifford working with Bradbury Johnson.

At the time, Clifford lived in the Gilman Garrison House, now owned by Historic New England.

[2] In January 1892, Dr. George W. Dearborn purchased the Samuel Tenney House from Frank H.

[3] Today the house is located at 65 High Street, having been relocated there in 1893 from its original location in the center of Exeter, next to and north of the First Church on Front Street, to accommodate construction of the Rockingham County Courthouse.