The Noble Founders

of

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

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 was from 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.