Benjamin Clark, of Russian River Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Perry County, May 4, 1825, his parents being Robert and Nancy (Masterson) Clark, both of whom were Kentuckians by birth. In 1831, the family removed to Illinois, locating in Bureau County, and there Benjamin Clark was reared. In 1853, he joined an Illinois party bound for California.
They crossed the Missouri River at Kaneville, and choosing the Salt Lake route, arrived in Shasta County on the 16th of September, having been to that time from the 17th of March in making the journey. After a residence of four months in Shasta County, Mr. Clark removed to Contra Costa County where he farmed until 1857, when he removed to Sonoma County. At the time he came here his farm was covered with timber and all the improvements now upon the place have been made by him.
Mr. Clark was married in Illinois to Miss Elizabeth Fletcher, a native of Fauquier County, Virginia. They have five children; James H. H., born March 12, 1826, Jacob S., Samuel T. (all of whom reside on the home farm); Elizabeth A., wife of J.J. Lindsay of Windsor; and Margaret Melissa, wife of Philip Wells, resides in Contra Costa County.
Mr. Clark has been identified with the Republican party ever since its organization, and cast his first presidential vote for Fremont. In 1888, he was nominated by the County Convention of that party for supervisor from the third district of Sonoma County, and was elected in November by a handsome majority. He is a member of the Windsor Lodge, F. & A. M.
The subject of this sketch is the owner of a fine ranch of over 200 acres, a mile and a quarter from Windsor, the most of which is devoted to general farming purposes. Three acres are in orchard, the trees being about twenty years old, consisting of almonds, apples and chestnuts. There are two acres of younger tree—peaches, prunes, apricots and plums. All are in good condition and yield well. Mr. Clark is an upright, conscientious man, and enjoys in a high degree the confidence of his fellow-citizens.
Source: An illustrated history of Sonoma County, California. Containing a history of the county of Sonoma from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time; Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1889.