Clara Colby Sexton (1857-1936) by Margaret Ingraham and Alec Ingraham

Clara Colby Sexton was born in Billerica. She was active in town affairs and social groups. Fortunately for the town her particular interest lay in the preservation of Billerica’s past, whether it might be represented by a piece of homespun cloth, a family Bible, or an old sleigh. Although the trustees of the Bennett Library had graciously provided space for the Billerica Historical Society to accumulate these treasures, its meeting room eventually became cramped with donations.

In 1936 when Clara Sexton died in Billerica it was not surprising that her will stipulated that the Billerica Historical Society should become the recipient of her home at 36 Concord Road, former residence of Billerica’s fourth minister. Her wish to preserve the past continues to be honored even today.

This article was extracted from the Spring 2000 edition of The Yankee Doodle Times, newsletter of the Billerica Historical Society.