Who is Ben in the John Carter universe?

Question

I have found references to a character named Ben (old Ben or Uncle Ben) in a John Carter book. However, all I can find about him is he was likely a slave (or, "bondservant").

Is there any more information on this character? His importance, connection to John Carter, and what happens to him? Spoilers allowed.

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I came across this is character while researching this question:

Is there anything to the idea of an "Uncle Ben" trope?

While it does not seem to be what I was looking for, it has raised some other questions, which I think may be obvious, but I will refrain from giving free advertising (until I get my check).

Answer 1

The character of Ben appears very briefly in 'The Gods of Mars'

Thus was I lost in useless speculation one sultry August evening when old Ben, my body servant, handed me a telegram. Tearing it open I read: 'Meet me to-morrow hotel Raleigh Richmond.

The character is also described in the character glossary at the rear of the book

Old Ben (or Uncle Ben).:The writer's body-servant (coloured)

The note that this individual was referred to as "uncle" would strongly suggest that this character was a black slave being used as a personal valet. This would be in keeping with the general setting of the book and the time period (e.g. the late 19th Century). His fate seems to be unknown.