1892

Father dies in Jiu Jiang. To help the grieving process, Clara teaches herself to read and write Chinese. She discovers the joys of learning and education becomes a life-long interest.

c.1893

Clara, her mother and brother return to Hong Kong and settle there with the help of Margaret Mak, Clara’s cousin.

1895

Marries Robert Ho Tung. Relationship arranged by Margaret, due to her inability to have children. The agreement is that Clara should be treated equally as a co-wife (ping tsai).

1896

Mother-in-law Madam Sze passes away.

1897

Clara’s first daughter Victoria Jubilee born. The child’s English name commemorates Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee celebrations the same year.

1898

First son Henry born. Twenty months later, the child dies of pneumonia, causing lasting sadness.

1899

Over the next 16 years, Clara bears eight more children: six daughters and two sons. Daisy (1899), Edward (1902), Eva (1903), Irene (1904), Robert (1906), Jean (1908), Grace (1910), and Florence (1915).