B. C. Clark

In 1869, Benton Clyde Clark was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Growing up as one of ten children, B.C. worked hard on the family farm, while also developing his strong sense of moral values and Christian beliefs.By the time B.C. turned 18, he was certain that life held more for him than a simple farm life. His older brother, J.F., had purchased a jewelry store in Abilene, Texas, and B.C. decided to move there and work for him.

Hearing stories of people “making their fortune” in an area to the north known as Indian Territory, B.C. began dreaming of opening his own jewelry store in this exciting new land. He saved up some money, and in 1892 at the age of 23, he bid his brother farewell. Carrying his life savings of $50, his watchmaker’s bench, and a few other personal belongings, he boarded a train headed north. Simply because he was fascinated with the sound of its name, B.C. decided that Chickasha, Indian Territory was where he was going to make his fortune.

On his way to Chickasha, the train stopped in Purcell, Indian Territory. From there, B.C. would need to take another train on to Chickasha; however, when he reached for his fifty dollars, he discovered that his wallet was missing. Not only had his travel plans come to a halt, but B.C. no longer had any seed money to build his home or his fortune.Penniless, but determined, he began wandering around Purcell and as luck would have it, ran into a gentleman he had known in Abilene who was now operating a “racket” store, what we know today as the “five-and-dime.” As a favor to young B.C., the gentleman graciously allowed him to set up his watchmaker’s bench and small display case in one corner of the store.