Ben Clark

The following information about Ben Clark is found in the PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF OKLAHOMA 1901:

Ben Clark is a typical frontier character, having the freedom of the sweeping prairies in thought and movement, and a breeziness and fearlessness about him engendered by long end intimate association with the red men of the plains, whose bravery, cruelty and picturesqueness are fast receding to the happy hunting ground, and into the dim wood shadows of the past, and whose strong, bold and ofttimes terrifying faces will soon live only on the painter's canvas, in the song of Hiawatha, and in the Alessandro of Ramona's dream.

Without a peer as a scout and Indian interpreter, Ben Clark has won his spurs, and for a life spent in such service has received the appreciation of the country, and the friendship of the Indians. That he could ever feel at all kindly towards the Indians argues a broad spirit of tolerance, for his father, Silas Clark, was killed by the Apache Indians in the Arizona desert in 1849 while crossing the plains for California. Silas Clark was young in years and enthusiastic for a life in the far west, and his untimely and cruel taking off at the age of thirty-four was indeed a blow to his family. His wife, Mary M. (Peters) Clark, died in Peoria, Ill., in March, 1865. An elder brother of Ben Clark, who lived in Joplin, Mo., was actively engaged in business there.

Ben Clark was born in St. Louis, Mo., February 2, 1842, and there spent his early childhood, going in 1855-6 to Fort Bridger, where he entered the government as post courier. From the very first he was engaged in adventures of a more or less adventuresome nature, and began with his appointment in 1857 with the expedition of Albert Sidney Tohnslon against the Mormons. He afterwards entered a battalion of United, States volunteers, and was engaged against the Mormons until mustered out in 1858. At the beginning of the Civil war he enlisted in an independent company of cavalry under command of Capt. Charles Clark, which company was subsequently attached to the Sixth Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and the Indian Territory. He acted as guide for General Blunt during Price's raid into Missouri and Kansas (1864). At the close of the war Mr. Clark was employed by Indian traders to take charge of their mule trains and freighting through their country, and in this way was thrown into close relations with them, and became familiar with their language and customs. His advice was highly prized by the traders, who often consulted him when an outbreak was feared.

At the beginning of the Indian wars in 1868, Mr. Clark's services were eagerly sought by General Sully, in command of the government forces, at the time of the outbreak among the Cheyennes, Apaches, Arapahoes, Comanches and Kiowas. He was next attached to General Sheridan's command, as scout and guide, and spent several years with the western division of the army, giving valuable and conscientious assistance. After the Indian troubles had subsided, he was transferred to Camp Supply, Fort Reno, and has since been on the government pay roll. He was several times called upon to guide the army across the plains, and through the country where the Indians were troublesome. In 1874 he was with General Miles during his campaign against the Southern Cheyennes, Kiowas and Comanches, and was next with General Crook during the Sitting Bull outbreak. He was also in the Dull Knife campaign of 1878, and took an important part in the subduing of the northern Cheyennes.

To the commanders of the western posts, the services of Mr. Clark have been of inestimable value, and he has in his possession many letters from the various famous men to whom he has been a guide and counselor, as well as many relics which attest the friendship and confidence of the Indians. Through all the troublesome negotiations, and at times critical situations, he has ever been on friendly terms with the red men, who have trusted in his honor and have never been disappointed. He has often gone among them when they were on the point of rebellion, and by his diplomacy and tact has dissuaded them from their course. He is most complimentarily mentioned by General Sheridan in his memoirs, and in General Miles' book.

Mr. Clark's marriage was no less romantic and adventurous than the other incidents in his career. His wife was a full-blooded Cheyenne, and the mother of eleven children, seven of whom are living. All have good educations, and some are graduates of the Carlisle Indian School, while others are now acquiring their education.