Elder Watson Diggs
Born in Madisonville, Kentucky. In the
spring of 1908, Diggs graduated from Indiana State Normal School
(previously known as Indiana State Teachers College, currently called
Indiana State University) in Terre Haute, Indiana. In 1909 he entered
Howard University. In June of 1916 he recieved a degree from Indiana
University. His leadership ability, sincerity of purpose, enthusiasm
and dedication earned him the respect of his fellow students as well
as the office of Grand Polemarch of the newly established Fraternity,
which he held for six consecutive years (until December 1917). In
1924 he was awarded the first Laurel Wreath, the Fraternity's highest
recognition for achievement.
Dr. Byron K. Armstrong
Born in Westfield, Indiana, entered Howard
University in 1909, met Elder Watson Diggs, and together they
transferred to Indiana University in the fall of 1910. By 1914
Armstrong had earned his Masters degree from Columbia University. His
early continuing efforts in the Fraternity earned him the Laurel
Wreath in 1935. In 1940, he was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree
by the University of Michigan.
Dr. Ezra D. Alexander
A native of Bloomington, Indiana. Ezra had
first hand experience with the bias that led to the establishment of
Kappa Alpha Nu. Being a student at the University, where he recieved
his Bachelors and M.D. degrees in 1917 and 1919, respectively, he
knew and learned to live with the existing social conditions. He was
a non-voting member of the Grand Board of Directors.
John Milton Lee
Lee was a personable, confident graduate who
attended high school in Danville, Indiana. He entered the University
in 1910 where he completed three years of pre-medical study. As told
elsewhere in his story, Lee was from the beginning an active and
interested participant in the founding of Kappa Alpha Nu. In 1915, he
attended Temple University. In 1918, he enlisted in the 349th Field
Artillery and served overseas as a sergeant first class and gunner.
His was the first all-Black battery to open fire on an enemy. He was
the associate editor of Modern Artillerymen, the official record of
Battery F, 349th Artillery. Lee died on January 8, 1958.
Atty. Henry T. Asher
Born in Woodburn, Kentucky. Asher moved to
Bloomington, where he graduated from high school in the spring of
1910. In June of 1914, Asher recieved a Bachelor of Arts degree from
Indiana University. After teaching for one year at Lincoln Institute
in Jefferson City, Missouri, Asher entered the graduate school at the
University of Illinois for the 1915-1916 year, but received his
Master of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota in 1917. In
1928 he was the L.L.B. degree by the Detroit College of Law. Asher
died on March 5, 1963.
George Edmonds
Little was known of the Fraternity's tenth
founder, other than the fact that he wasfrom Vanderburg County near
Evansville, Indiana, and that he entered Indiana University in the
fall of 1910. The whereabouts of Edmonds remained a mystery to the
Fraternity for 67 years, at which time he was located in 1978 in an
Evansville Cemetery.
Dr. Marcus Peter Blakemore
Born in Franklin, Indiana. Blakemore
attended the public schools of Anderson, Indiana. In 1909, Blakemore
graduated from high school and in the fall of 1910, entered the
University. A rugged individual, Blakemore was determined to make a
place in life for himself. As a roommate of Byron K. Armstrong, he
became enthusiastic about the new Fraternity and contributed
significantly to Kappa Alpha Nu. After leavingthe University in 1911,
Blakemore organized the Electric Engineering Company which he
operated until he enlisted during World War I. He recieved his D.D.S.
degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1923 and practiced until
his death on October 9, 1959.
Dr. Guy Levis Grant
Born in New Albany, Indiana. Guy was the
third of Robert and Lucy Grant's thirteen children, five of whom
became members of Kappa Alpha Psi. After the death of his father, Guy
became the head of the household and assumed responsibility for the
education of himself and his younger brothers. After finishing high
school, Guy entered Indiana University where he graduated with a
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry in 1915. In 1920, he recieved his D.D
.S. degree from the School of Dentistry. Grant is admired for his
determination, tenacity and achievement against great odds.
Edward G. Irvin
Born in Spencer, Indiana. Irvin graduated in
1910 from Kokomo High School. In the fall of that year, he entered
Indiana niversity, became a Founder of Kappa Alpha Nu, and served on
the Fraternity's Incorporation Committee. After leaving Indiana,
Irvin pursued a career in journalism. After World War I, he served on
the staff of the Indianapolis Freeman. In March of 1922 , he
established the Shining Star, a weekly newpaper in Anderson, Indiana.
Within five years, and with no capital, he enlarged the paper from a
leaflet to an eight page, six column newspaper. The success of this
venture brought a bid from the Gary Sun for Irvin's services as
editor. He accepted, but later resigned to become sports editor with
the Chicago Daily Bulletin.
Paul W. Caine
Caine entered the University from
Greencastle, Indiana. His pleasant disposition soon won many friends
in the Greek letter houses where he worked as a cook or housekeeper.
These friendships enabled him to gain information which contributed
to the organization of Kappa Alpha Nu. In later years Caine operated
his own catering service in Evanston, Illinois. He died in 1922.