At this time, Clarkson engaged in other business endeavors in Potsdam, New York including developing local electrical power plants and the first sewer system in the area and operating large sandstone quarries on the Raquette River in 1877.

Clarkson and a cousin founded the Potsdam Public Library and Reading Room and a tuition-free night school teaching mechanical drawing.

Clarkson made a large donation to Trinity Episcopal Church in Potsdam in honor of his father.

When a worker was in danger of being crushed by a loose pump, Clarkson pushed him out of the way risking his own life.

Clarkson was crushed against a wall by the swinging pump, sunstaining severe internal injuries.