Elder Watson Diggs(1890-1947)
Born in Madisonville, Kentucky. In the spring of 1908, Diggs graduated from
Indiana State Normal School in Terre Haute, Indiana. In 1909 he entered Howard
University. In June of 1916 he received 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.
John M. Lee(1890-1958)
Lee was 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. In 1918 he enlisted in the 349th Field Artillery and served
over seas as a sergeant first class and gunner. He was in the first all-Black
battery to open fire on the enemy. He was the associate editor of Modern
Artillerymen, the official record of Battery F, 349th Artillery, Lee died
January 8, 1958.
Dr. Byron K. Armstrong(1890-1980)
Born in Westfield, Indiana, entered Howard University in 1909. In 1910
Armstrong transferred to Indiana University. By 1914 Armstrong had earned his
Masters degree from Columbia University. His early continuing efforts earned
him the most honorable award in the Fraternity. In, 1940 he was awarded a
Doctor of Philosophy degree by the University of Michigan.
Dr. Guy L. Grant(1891-1973)
Born in New Albany, Indiana Guy was the third of thirteen children. 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
high school, Guy entered Indiana University where he graduated with a
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry his D.D.S. degree from the School of Dentistry.
Grant is admired for his determination, tenacity and achievement against great
odds.
Dr. Marcus P. Blakemore(1889-1959)
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. After leaving the University in 1911, Blakemore
organized the Electric Engineering Company, which he operated until, he
enlisted during World War I. He received his D.D.S. degree from the University
of Pittsburgh and practiced dentistry until his death on
October 9, 1959.
George W. Edmonds(1890-1962)
Edmonds was born in Vandenburgh County, Knight Township, Indiana on August 13,
1890. He entered Carver Elementary School and Clark High School in Evansville,
graduating in 1910. In the fall of 1910, George entered Indiana University at
Bloomington. He joined nine other students in founding Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
Edmonds was buried at the Evansville Cemetery.
Dr. Ezra D.
Alexander(1892-1971)
A native of Bloomington, Indiana, Ezra had a first hand experience with the
bias that led to the establishment of Kappa Alpha Nu. Being a student at the
University, where he received his Bachelors and M.D. degrees in 1917 and 1919,
respectively, he knew and learned to live with existing social conditions.
Atty. Henry T. Asher(1890-1963)
Born in Woodburn, Kentucky, Asher moved to Bloomington, where he graduated from
high school in the spring 1910. In June of 1914, Asher received 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 Masters of Arts
degree from the University of Minnesota in 1917. In 1928 he was awarded the L.L.B. degree by the Detroit College
of Law. Asher died March 5, 1963.
Paul W. Caine(1891-1922)
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. These friendships enabled him to gain information, which contributed to
the organization of Kappa Alpha Nu. In later years Caine operated his own
catering services in Evanston, Illinois.
Edward G. Irvin(1893-1982)
Born in Spencer, Indiana. Irvin graduated in 1910 from Kokomo High School. In
the fall of that year, he entered Indiana University, became a founder of Kappa
Alpha Nu, and served on the Fraternity's Incorporation Committee. After World
War I, he served on the staff of the Indianapolis Freeman. In March of 1922, he
established the Shining Star a weekly newspaper in Anderson, Indiana. The success
of this venture brought a bid from the Gary Sun for Irvin's services as editor.