Ben Kayser Baer ’48

Ben K. Baer, a leader of one of Memphis's best-known cotton companies and many of the city's cultural efforts, died Aug. 17, 1999, from complications from pneumonia. He was 73.

Ben was chairman of Allenberg Cotton Co. and Allenberg Intl. Cotton. He was the first U.S. cotton merchant to visit China when relations resumed in 1972. He served as pres. of the American Cotton Shippers Assn. and of the Southern Cotton Assn.

Ben was a founding board member and director of the Memphis Arts Council and treasurer of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. He served on the board of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art from 1989 until his death. He was a collector of and authority on fine wines and active in local wine and food societies. He also belonged to a local literary group called The Egyptians, which met monthly.

A native of Charlestown, W.Va., Ben joined us by way of Exeter and graduated in June 1947 with highest honors in SPIA. He was in Quadrangle, president of prelaw society, and chairman of the Nassau Lit. He was a Navy ensign from 1944-46 and went on to Yale law, practicing law in Charlestown from 1950-57.

Our deepest sympathies go to Eleanor, his wife of 46 years, daughter, Julie, and sons, Ben III and Frank. We share in their bereavement.

The Class of 1948