Benjamin Clark was born on 29th February 1799 at Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England. He was Christened on 24th March 1799 at St Peters in Cambridge. He was the son of Benjamin Thomas Clark and Elizabeth Eusden Bell.

Ruth was born 23rd April 1817 at Middleton Parish Middleton, Lancashire, England. She was Christened on 10th August 1817. She was the daughter of James Butterworth and Mary Fielding

Ruth married Benjamin Thomas Clark on 28th June 1857, seven months after her first husband John Briggs died in November 1856. She had five surviving children when she married Benjamin.

Ruth and Ben had one daughter Lavinia Alice Clark(e) born the following year 2nd June 1858 in Salt Lake City. Lavinia died in November 1860. (2 years 5 months old)

They were married less than three years when Ruth died on 4th August 1860. She left behind five children from her first marriage ranging from 24 years of age to just five years old.

Benjamin had 4 children with his second wife Ann Southwell. Two of the children were born whilst he was married to Ruth.

It seems he was married to them both at the same time.

I found an interesting fact whilst collating this information.

James Briggs son of Ruth Butterworth and John Briggs married Caroline Clark daughter of Benjamin Thomas Clark and Ann Leaford Shuker. James and Caroline were both 20 when they married on 29th April 1965.

So James married his mum’s new husband’s daughter from his first marriage. Therefore his stepfather’s daughter. No blood relation.

Benjamin married for the 4th time to Martha Larkins on 28/4/1866.

Benjamin died the following year on 4th November 1867 at Sugarhouse in Salt Lake City. He is buried at the Salt Lake Cemetery.