The site was used for a residence by Charles and Rachel Lane as early as 1790 until approximately 1840 when Rachel Lane died and the new house was built. Jenkins Lane was elected a member of the Mass. Legislature in 1846 and served one term. He was a successful shoe manufacture, and operated his business in the present house around 1850. For several years he was the director of the Abington National Bank, President of the Abington Savings Bank, and treasurer of the Hanover Railroad Company.