Son of Isaac Blake and Sophia Wood

Married Harriet Hollis, 31 May 1841, Southampton, Hampshire, England

Children - Frederick Blake, Mariah Sophia Blake, Edward Blake, Elizbeth Blake, George Blake, Emma Blake, Benjamin Blake, Jane Blake, Harriet Blake, Ann Eliza Blake, Henry Blake, Isaac Blake

Married Mary Ann Bowler, 26 June 1879, St. George, Washington, Utah

History - Benjamin Frederick was always a good-natured young man. After his school days, he was apprenticed to the upholstering, carpentry, and paper-handing trade. He later learned to make mattresses, which became his means of livelihood. In England he owned a large furniture store that did well. He and Harriet lived in England for 12 years before moving to the Valley.

In 1851 they first heard the missionaries and accepted the gospel. In 1853 they gave up home, business, loved ones and friends, and immigrated to America. They lived in the 12th Ward for the next seven years except for the period when they went south because of Johnston 's Army.

They were called to go to the St. George (Dixie Mission) area to help settle and build up the area. They lived in dugouts until he was able to complete two homes, one of which was for his son Frederick. He also built three carpenter shops. He made most of the beautiful early-day furniture and became known as Chairmaker Blake. He made the rare unbrased spiral staircases in the tabernacle. He was in charge of the upholstering in the St. George Temple.

His two sons, Frederick and Benjamin, owned two saw mills that provided lumber for his shops, the Temple, Tabernacle, tithing house and homes.

Benjamin was a kind, loving father and husband. He was a faithful member of the church. Their home was always filled with laughter and good times. Benjamin played the violin for dancing, and his wife was a clever story teller. They held spelling matches, played games and even staged dramatics. He was a good and successful businessman and extremely capable in the making of fine furniture.