Class of 1872
BENJAMIN STEPHEN CLARK

Mr. Clark was born September 15, 1848, in New York City. Shortly after leaving College he entered the office of a patent lawyer in New York City; but when, some two years later, he opened an office for himself, he included the general practice of the law, with patent law, and rapidly established a good business.  He had a considerable clientage among corporations; and developed very marked ability as a business lawyer and manager.

The growing demands of his profession made him an overworked man. In February, 1886, he was attacked with brain fever; from this he recovered, but resumed work too soon after his recovery. Going to Boston on business about the 30th of March last, he took a severe cold; he was immediately prostrated with pneumonia, of which he died, April 6, 1886.

Mr. Clark was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church of New York City.  He had charge of a Mission Sabbath School established by that Church, and was very liberal in gifts and labors, becoming well known in the Church and immediate community.  He was a man of unusually affable and courteous temper, genial and kindly; and his sudden and early death is a great loss, not only to his intimate friends, but to the business and social circles of which he was so useful and active a member. 
   

Source:  Obituary Record of Alumni of Wesleyan University for the Academic Year Ending June 24, 1886, Middletown, Conn. 1886