Eucleian Society
Encyclopedia
The Eucleian Society is a student society begun at New York University
in 1832.
. While both Societies forbade membership in their rival society, early records show that members were sometimes punished when discovered to be holding mutual membership and a few resigned to join the rival society.
During the period of its founding, student societies such as Eucleian Society collected their own libraries and augmented their instruction by employing the noted minds of their day. Literary and debate societies offered a departure from the learn-by-rote instruction that prevailed in much of university instruction. Benefiting from a trust
formed by A. Ogden Butler and family, the organization had a stable source of revenue. The Eucleian Society provided its membership at NYU with a library and augmented student instruction. The University gave the Society its own rooms at the Main University Building. The Eucleian Meeting Parlor was said to be "fitted up in a style of taste and elegance highly creditable to the young gentlemen members."
The organization was well known enough in New York City to be announced in major newspapers in throughout the 19th century, despite of its habits of secrecy. On occasion Eucleians hosted open forums for important topics of the day, inviting lecturers of great popularity and fame. Politics, current affairs, literature (especially the Gothic and Romantic popular in the era), and university events seems to have been the most popular topics for internal essays, orations and discussions. The Society also employed repeated symbolism, allegory and other seemingly mystical allusions in its writings, none of which are fully explained in its writings. Until the turn of the 20th century, officers of the Eucleians also gave public speeches at commencement, apparently occupying a central position in those functions. This practice was ended to preserve the privacy of the Society's membership.
While there are some archived documents and older publications in circulation, there is very limited information about the Society as a result of its secrecy. In some of the archival records and internal records kept by the Society information has been removed, while other information is written in a kind of short hand, and even the name of the Society itself is omitted on many documents.
To date, the Society refuses to induct female members.
If anything could be said about the prevailing culture of the Society during its early era is that it tended to be “progressive”, supporting gender equality and abolition at an early juncture. Society members took an unusually keen interest in the plight and nature of Native Americans, hosting and producing a series of lectures and essays on the philosophy and nobility of the "Indian Character". Perhaps owing to influences from University leaders and advisors such as Rev. James M. Matthews
and Theodore Frelinghuysen
, a number of Society members became noted Protestant clergy and Protestant religious scholars.
The Society was a manifestation of student debate and literary societies that were popular prior to fraternities and sororities. It is not surprising that men on the Eucleian rolls gave rise to the Zeta Psi
fraternity in 1847. These organizations were influenced by Freemasonry
's moral code based on Enlightenment
philosophy and ritualism. The William Morgan
Affair which gave rise to anti-Masonic witch-hunts forced increased secrecy among fraternal organizations, undoubtedly affecting the ethos of secrecy among the Eucleian Society and like organizations.
One early lecturer became a very popular figure with the Society. Edgar Allan Poe
was a repeated guest of the Eucleian, and lived on the Square; his poem "The Raven
", which had given birth to his celebrity, also became popularly associated with the Society. In a fictional work based on New York University’s history of "secret societies" author Linda Fairstein
uses the term “Raven Society”, noting that it was also used in references to a New York University literary society that had an association to Edgar Allan Poe. (There is also a Raven Society
at the University of Virginia
.) References in early yearbooks, and fraternity insignia that Ms. Fairstein cited gave rise to the use of "Ravens" or "Raven Society", as an alterne name though it is clear the Society rejects this as a formal name and deny Poe was a singular influence.
Two Society publications, The Medly and the Knickerbocker, became popular well beyond campus with New Yorkers in the mid 19th century through the 1920s. Much of the writing was humorous and satirical, finding its fodder in the events and figures of both campus and city. It is not entirely clear which members took part in writing the articles for these literary collections since members of the Society had taken to use nom de plumes. Some of the listed and identifiable writers of the Knickerbocker went on to write for the new Harper's Magazine
reducing the Knickerbocker to a magazine only of student interest until it ended publication. Another circle of Washington Square writers originally associated with the Society (but expanded to non-members)took on the name Ravens in the 1930s to 1950s.
In the late 1930s and 1940s the Society became increasingly separate from the University despite having on-campus accommodations. Numbers in the organization dwindled in the 1940s as a result of World War II. Another cause for Eucleian’s lower profile seems to have been the perception of elitism by other NYU students. A quip in a yearbook of the era describes Eucleian as having membership that includes “John Quincy Adams, The Rockefellers, and that crowd”. (The organization did consist largely of the social "elite" of the time.) This alleged snobbery also became a theme of self effacing humor in the diminishing external publications of the Society in this era; the Society refers to itself, and presumably Andiron Club as "the reclusive old Establishment" in a 1930s NYU yearbook. This tongue-in-cheek reference had to do with the club not taking part as a unit in spirited student games, competitions and hazing of freshmen that occurred in the early fall at NYU.
By mid-20th century on to 1980s, membership also came to encompass New York area students, faculty and literati with and without New York University affiliation. It was at this time late Coleman O. Parsons, (a professor at Columbia and graduate of Columbia and Yale) became the first head of the group with no NYU affiliation.
Other non-specific cultural manifestations, outside of the serious work of self and societal benefit have been noted; in a 1965 Club correspondence a description of the Eucleian claims a "history of pranks in bad taste; formals in good taste and celebrations where taste is temporarily put aside."
Joint meetings had always occurred with the avowed rival Society, Philomathean. By the early 20th century Philomathean had transformed itself into the Andiron Club which continued to profess a rivalry with the Eucleian Society, at least constitutionally. Despite this, the two organizations, removed from their once lofty and central positions in the NYU campus firmament, joined functions and crossed membership, as (increasingly public) membership lists attest to- eventually arriving at a level of synonymity. By mid-20th century on to 1980s, membership also came to encompass students, faculty and literati with and without University affiliation. Relaxed formality, ritual, etc. seems to have prevailed from the late 1960s onwards. NYU continued as the base of activity though membership was drawn from a wider community. During this era the Societies opened their doors to women membership. This continued through the time of the loss of the University Heights campus and the consolidation of New York University operations to Washington Square
in the 1970s. In the reduced circumstances (without university recognition or the continued benefit of the Ogden Butler Trust) activities continued at least through the 1980s and 1990s, under the sponsorship of a faculty members from the English Departments at NYU and Columbia.
In the late 1980s and 1990s, the remaining student membership of the organization attempted to revitalize its undergraduate operations as a senior society. During this time the organization functioned at various sites on campus, with the support of sympathetic faculty and for a time from rented rooms in the East Village. Secrecy seems to have been increased by design, in part because of differences with some alumni and faculty membership and partly to prevent what was seen as hostility towards independent student organizations.
It is not clear what the Society engages in today due to its strict policy of privacy. It is referenced in various underground student organizations and journals. In these limited statements or references the Society often appears critical of New York University administration, and various educational and social institutions. There are also allusions to its continued function as a literary, oration and debate society. Its historic documents also seem to describe what is a fraternal organization as well. Membership of the Society seems to be based on student (and faculty) achievements and activity in literature, oration, journalism, debate, (media and performing) arts, science, fraternity and sorority membership, athletics and government. Its membership also continues to be drawn from New York area universities.
There is a recent upswing in curiosity and pursuit of membership in Societies similar to the Eucleian. Partially it is lore and media attention to Societies like Skull and Bones
, Quill and Dagger
, Sphinx
, Philomathean, St. Anthony Hall
, and others. There are reasons beyond idle curiosity that attract students, with some serving as literary outlets, while most provide a venue to engage in varied topics of discussion, and the opportunity to share genuine fraternal values.
, “People have wondered why these secret societies have been hotbeds of future success. Rather than competing with fraternities and student organizations, these ‘secret societies’ augment or leverage other organizations. What makes them unique and singularly successful is that they stress goal oriented vision among a limited and distinguished group. Often they assist each other, secretly, in gaining prominent campus positions as practice for what they want to do in the real world. As opposed to larger organizations they maintain the strength of their ties throughout their lives."
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
in 1832.
Origins
In 1832 sixteen students began the Eucleian Society at New York University, originally under the name “Adelphic Society”. After debate the name Eucleian was chosen in honor of Eukleia- εὔκλεια, the Goddess of Repute, Glory and War, associated with Artemis, the Goddess of the Hunt and protector of women and children. The Society had as a rival, the Philomathean Society at New York UniversityPhilomathean Society at New York University
The Philomathean Society at New York University was a student society that was founded at New York University. This society existed from 1832 to 1888. In 1832 students began the Philomathean Society at New York University...
. While both Societies forbade membership in their rival society, early records show that members were sometimes punished when discovered to be holding mutual membership and a few resigned to join the rival society.
During the period of its founding, student societies such as Eucleian Society collected their own libraries and augmented their instruction by employing the noted minds of their day. Literary and debate societies offered a departure from the learn-by-rote instruction that prevailed in much of university instruction. Benefiting from a trust
Charitable trust
A charitable trust is an irrevocable trust established for charitable purposes, and is a more specific term than "charitable organization".-United States:...
formed by A. Ogden Butler and family, the organization had a stable source of revenue. The Eucleian Society provided its membership at NYU with a library and augmented student instruction. The University gave the Society its own rooms at the Main University Building. The Eucleian Meeting Parlor was said to be "fitted up in a style of taste and elegance highly creditable to the young gentlemen members."
Secrecy
The Constitution of the Eucleian Society as well as custom stressed secrecy among members. At some point it seems that even honorary membership was no longer a feature of the Society despite the fact several sitting American Presidents had accepted honorary membership in the Society.The organization was well known enough in New York City to be announced in major newspapers in throughout the 19th century, despite of its habits of secrecy. On occasion Eucleians hosted open forums for important topics of the day, inviting lecturers of great popularity and fame. Politics, current affairs, literature (especially the Gothic and Romantic popular in the era), and university events seems to have been the most popular topics for internal essays, orations and discussions. The Society also employed repeated symbolism, allegory and other seemingly mystical allusions in its writings, none of which are fully explained in its writings. Until the turn of the 20th century, officers of the Eucleians also gave public speeches at commencement, apparently occupying a central position in those functions. This practice was ended to preserve the privacy of the Society's membership.
While there are some archived documents and older publications in circulation, there is very limited information about the Society as a result of its secrecy. In some of the archival records and internal records kept by the Society information has been removed, while other information is written in a kind of short hand, and even the name of the Society itself is omitted on many documents.
Culture
Little has been shared about the system or workings of the organization. The process of membership is said to take several months and to be multi-staged. The aim of the process has been described in general terms to create familiarity among the members and to inculcate the values of the Society. The primary values are excellence, faithfulness, development of the individual, mutual assistance in supporting each member's aspirations and social responsibility. Members are selected once or twice a year.To date, the Society refuses to induct female members.
If anything could be said about the prevailing culture of the Society during its early era is that it tended to be “progressive”, supporting gender equality and abolition at an early juncture. Society members took an unusually keen interest in the plight and nature of Native Americans, hosting and producing a series of lectures and essays on the philosophy and nobility of the "Indian Character". Perhaps owing to influences from University leaders and advisors such as Rev. James M. Matthews
James M. Matthews
Rev. James M. Matthews was the first Chancellor of New York University .In December 1829, a group formed as the "New York Athenaeum" led by Albert Gallatin and Rev. James Matthews, and including representatives of the clergy, the commercial occupations, law, and medicine, met at the home of...
and Theodore Frelinghuysen
Theodore Frelinghuysen
Theodore Frelinghuysen was an American politician, serving as New Jersey Attorney General, United States Senator, and Mayor of Newark, New Jersey before running as a candidate for Vice President with Henry Clay on the Whig ticket in the election of 1844...
, a number of Society members became noted Protestant clergy and Protestant religious scholars.
The Society was a manifestation of student debate and literary societies that were popular prior to fraternities and sororities. It is not surprising that men on the Eucleian rolls gave rise to the Zeta Psi
Zeta Psi
The Zeta Psi Fraternity of North America was founded June 1, 1847 as a social college fraternity. The organization now comprises about fifty active chapters and twenty-five inactive chapters, encompassing roughly fifty thousand brothers, and is a founding member of the North-American...
fraternity in 1847. These organizations were influenced by Freemasonry
Freemasonry
Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including approximately 150,000 under the jurisdictions of the Grand Lodge...
's moral code based on Enlightenment
Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment was an elite cultural movement of intellectuals in 18th century Europe that sought to mobilize the power of reason in order to reform society and advance knowledge. It promoted intellectual interchange and opposed intolerance and abuses in church and state...
philosophy and ritualism. The William Morgan
William Morgan (anti-Mason)
William Morgan was a resident of Batavia, New York, whose disappearance and presumed murder in 1826 ignited a powerful movement against the Freemasons, a secret fraternal society that had become influential in the United States...
Affair which gave rise to anti-Masonic witch-hunts forced increased secrecy among fraternal organizations, undoubtedly affecting the ethos of secrecy among the Eucleian Society and like organizations.
One early lecturer became a very popular figure with the Society. Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe was an American author, poet, editor and literary critic, considered part of the American Romantic Movement. Best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre, Poe was one of the earliest American practitioners of the short story and is considered the inventor of the detective...
was a repeated guest of the Eucleian, and lived on the Square; his poem "The Raven
The Raven
"The Raven" is a narrative poem by American writer Edgar Allan Poe, first published in January 1845. It is often noted for its musicality, stylized language, and supernatural atmosphere. It tells of a talking raven's mysterious visit to a distraught lover, tracing the man's slow descent into madness...
", which had given birth to his celebrity, also became popularly associated with the Society. In a fictional work based on New York University’s history of "secret societies" author Linda Fairstein
Linda Fairstein
Linda Fairstein is an American feminist author and former prosecutor focusing on crimes of violence against women and children. She served as head of the sex crimes unit of the Manhattan District Attorney's office from 1976 until 2002 and is the author of a series of novels featuring Manhattan...
uses the term “Raven Society”, noting that it was also used in references to a New York University literary society that had an association to Edgar Allan Poe. (There is also a Raven Society
Raven Society
The Raven Society is the University of Virginia's oldest honorary society. Founded in 1904 by University student William McCully James, and named in honor of the famous poem by Edgar Allan Poe .According to its constitution, one of the Raven Society's main goals is "to bring together the best men...
at the University of Virginia
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
.) References in early yearbooks, and fraternity insignia that Ms. Fairstein cited gave rise to the use of "Ravens" or "Raven Society", as an alterne name though it is clear the Society rejects this as a formal name and deny Poe was a singular influence.
Two Society publications, The Medly and the Knickerbocker, became popular well beyond campus with New Yorkers in the mid 19th century through the 1920s. Much of the writing was humorous and satirical, finding its fodder in the events and figures of both campus and city. It is not entirely clear which members took part in writing the articles for these literary collections since members of the Society had taken to use nom de plumes. Some of the listed and identifiable writers of the Knickerbocker went on to write for the new Harper's Magazine
Harper's Magazine
Harper's Magazine is a monthly magazine of literature, politics, culture, finance, and the arts, with a generally left-wing perspective. It is the second-oldest continuously published monthly magazine in the U.S. . The current editor is Ellen Rosenbush, who replaced Roger Hodge in January 2010...
reducing the Knickerbocker to a magazine only of student interest until it ended publication. Another circle of Washington Square writers originally associated with the Society (but expanded to non-members)took on the name Ravens in the 1930s to 1950s.
In the late 1930s and 1940s the Society became increasingly separate from the University despite having on-campus accommodations. Numbers in the organization dwindled in the 1940s as a result of World War II. Another cause for Eucleian’s lower profile seems to have been the perception of elitism by other NYU students. A quip in a yearbook of the era describes Eucleian as having membership that includes “John Quincy Adams, The Rockefellers, and that crowd”. (The organization did consist largely of the social "elite" of the time.) This alleged snobbery also became a theme of self effacing humor in the diminishing external publications of the Society in this era; the Society refers to itself, and presumably Andiron Club as "the reclusive old Establishment" in a 1930s NYU yearbook. This tongue-in-cheek reference had to do with the club not taking part as a unit in spirited student games, competitions and hazing of freshmen that occurred in the early fall at NYU.
By mid-20th century on to 1980s, membership also came to encompass New York area students, faculty and literati with and without New York University affiliation. It was at this time late Coleman O. Parsons, (a professor at Columbia and graduate of Columbia and Yale) became the first head of the group with no NYU affiliation.
Other non-specific cultural manifestations, outside of the serious work of self and societal benefit have been noted; in a 1965 Club correspondence a description of the Eucleian claims a "history of pranks in bad taste; formals in good taste and celebrations where taste is temporarily put aside."
Modern era
The increased popularity of Greek letter fraternities in the 1950s and the anti-establishment sentiment of the 1960s (which was especially strong at NYU) diminished the Eucleian Society further. The Society widened its membership to all university schools (the Society had been primarily but never strictly an undergraduate organization). This was done possibly to buoy its prospects of survival. The practice had limited success, as attendance failed, affecting recruitment. Records (and lack thereof) seem to reveal years on end when there was no recruitment of new membership from student ranks during this era.Joint meetings had always occurred with the avowed rival Society, Philomathean. By the early 20th century Philomathean had transformed itself into the Andiron Club which continued to profess a rivalry with the Eucleian Society, at least constitutionally. Despite this, the two organizations, removed from their once lofty and central positions in the NYU campus firmament, joined functions and crossed membership, as (increasingly public) membership lists attest to- eventually arriving at a level of synonymity. By mid-20th century on to 1980s, membership also came to encompass students, faculty and literati with and without University affiliation. Relaxed formality, ritual, etc. seems to have prevailed from the late 1960s onwards. NYU continued as the base of activity though membership was drawn from a wider community. During this era the Societies opened their doors to women membership. This continued through the time of the loss of the University Heights campus and the consolidation of New York University operations to Washington Square
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is one of the best-known of New York City's 1,900 public parks. At 9.75 acres , it is a landmark in the Manhattan neighborhood of Greenwich Village, as well as a meeting place and center for cultural activity...
in the 1970s. In the reduced circumstances (without university recognition or the continued benefit of the Ogden Butler Trust) activities continued at least through the 1980s and 1990s, under the sponsorship of a faculty members from the English Departments at NYU and Columbia.
In the late 1980s and 1990s, the remaining student membership of the organization attempted to revitalize its undergraduate operations as a senior society. During this time the organization functioned at various sites on campus, with the support of sympathetic faculty and for a time from rented rooms in the East Village. Secrecy seems to have been increased by design, in part because of differences with some alumni and faculty membership and partly to prevent what was seen as hostility towards independent student organizations.
It is not clear what the Society engages in today due to its strict policy of privacy. It is referenced in various underground student organizations and journals. In these limited statements or references the Society often appears critical of New York University administration, and various educational and social institutions. There are also allusions to its continued function as a literary, oration and debate society. Its historic documents also seem to describe what is a fraternal organization as well. Membership of the Society seems to be based on student (and faculty) achievements and activity in literature, oration, journalism, debate, (media and performing) arts, science, fraternity and sorority membership, athletics and government. Its membership also continues to be drawn from New York area universities.
There is a recent upswing in curiosity and pursuit of membership in Societies similar to the Eucleian. Partially it is lore and media attention to Societies like Skull and Bones
Skull and Bones
Skull and Bones is an undergraduate senior or secret society at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. It is a traditional peer society to Scroll and Key and Wolf's Head, as the three senior class 'landed societies' at Yale....
, Quill and Dagger
Quill and Dagger
Quill and Dagger is a senior honor society at Cornell University. It is often recognized as one of the most prominent collegiate societies of its type, along with Skull and Bones of Yale University...
, Sphinx
Sphinx (senior society)
The Sphinx, founded in 1885, is the oldest of the eight senior societies at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. Though sometimes also claimed to be the oldest all male secret society in the country, both the Flat Hat Club at the College of William and Mary and Sigma at Washington and Lee...
, Philomathean, St. Anthony Hall
St. Anthony Hall
St. Anthony Hall, also known as Saint Anthony Hall and The Order of St. Anthony, is a national college literary society also known as the Fraternity of Delta Psi at colleges in the United States of America. St...
, and others. There are reasons beyond idle curiosity that attract students, with some serving as literary outlets, while most provide a venue to engage in varied topics of discussion, and the opportunity to share genuine fraternal values.
Some Notable Members
Accessible lists of members of the Societies (Eucleian, Philomathean and Andiron) are traditionally limited, the criteria being whether members have passed or whether their names were published in the groups' public journals. All available lists reads as an impressive register of distinguished individuals in arts, literature, government, business, science and education. A sampling from available individuals yields these names among many other noted individuals.- Alfred Vail - Scientist, Businessman
- William Butler OgdenWilliam Butler OgdenWilliam Butler Ogden was the first Mayor of Chicago.Ogden was born in Walton, New York. When still a teenager, his father died and Ogden took over the family real estate business...
- Businessman - LeRoy Elwood Kimball - Educator
- Ivy Ledbetter Lee - Businessman, Politician, Educator
- Benjamin Franklin Butler -Businessman, Politician
- Charles ButlerCharles Butler (NYU)Charles Butler was an American lawyer and philanthropist. He was born at Kinderhook Landing, Columbia Co., N.Y.; studied law in the office of Martin Van Buren at Albany, N. Y.; and was admitted to the bar in 1824. He became wealthy by accumulating land at the site of Chicago, Illinois and...
- Businessman - Elihu RootElihu RootElihu Root was an American lawyer and statesman and the 1912 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He was the prototype of the 20th century "wise man", who shuttled between high-level government positions in Washington, D.C...
- Businessman, Educator - James M. MatthewsJames M. MatthewsRev. James M. Matthews was the first Chancellor of New York University .In December 1829, a group formed as the "New York Athenaeum" led by Albert Gallatin and Rev. James Matthews, and including representatives of the clergy, the commercial occupations, law, and medicine, met at the home of...
- Religious Leader, Educator - Theodore FrelinghuysenTheodore FrelinghuysenTheodore Frelinghuysen was an American politician, serving as New Jersey Attorney General, United States Senator, and Mayor of Newark, New Jersey before running as a candidate for Vice President with Henry Clay on the Whig ticket in the election of 1844...
- Educator, Politician - William Weston PattonWilliam Weston PattonRev. William Weston Patton , was president of Howard University, a fierce abolitionist and one of the contributors to the words of John Brown's Body. He was the son of Rev...
- Educator - Richard Grant WhiteRichard Grant WhiteRichard Grant White was one of the foremost literary and musical critics of his day. He was also a prominent Shakespearen scholar, journalist, social critic, and lawyer who was born and died in New York USA.-Biography:...
- Author, Educator - James Augustus SuydamJames Augustus SuydamJames Augustus Suydam architect, lawyer, and artist; as an artist was considered one of the premier Luminism painters. He is widely known as an American landscape painter and one of the leading members of the Hudson River School....
- Artist, Businessman - Harry Woodburn ChaseHarry Woodburn ChaseHarry Woodburn Chase was the 12th President of the University of North Carolina , President of the University of Illinois , and 8th President of New York University .- References :...
- Educator, Business Leader - Albert GallatinAlbert GallatinAbraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin was a Swiss-American ethnologist, linguist, politician, diplomat, congressman, and the longest-serving United States Secretary of the Treasury. In 1831, he founded the University of the City of New York...
- Politician, Businessman - James Ford RhodesJames Ford RhodesJames Ford Rhodes , was an American industrialist and historian born in Cleveland, Ohio.He attended New York University beginning in 1865. He also attended the Collège de France. During his studies in Europe he visited ironworks and steelworks...
- Historian - Jerome S. Coles - Scientist, Businessman
- Elmer Holmes BobstElmer Holmes BobstElmer Holmes Bobst was an American businessman and philanthropist who worked in the pharmaceutical industry.-Early life and career:He was born in Clear Spring, Maryland. He aspired to become a doctor, but instead, he taught himself pharmacology...
- Scientist, Businessman - William Cullen BryantWilliam Cullen BryantWilliam Cullen Bryant was an American romantic poet, journalist, and long-time editor of the New York Evening Post.-Youth and education:...
- Author, Educator - Anning Smith PrallAnning Smith PrallAnning Smith Prall was a representative from New York, born in Port Richmond, Staten Island.Prall was born in In his early years Prall was employed as a clerk in a New York newspaper office. Prall attended New York University, studying business. From 1908 until 1918 he was in charge of a real...
- Politician - Elijah WardElijah WardElijah Ward was a U.S. Congressman during the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era.Ward was born in Sing Sing , New York. He pursued classical studies, engaged in commercial pursuits in New York City and at the same time attended the law department of New York University...
- Lawyer, Judge, Politician - Arthur Vivian WatkinsArthur Vivian WatkinsArthur Vivian Watkins was a Republican U.S. Senator from 1947 to 1959. He was influential as a proponent of terminating federal recognition of American Indian tribes.-Biography:...
- Judge, Politician - William H. DraperWilliam Henry Draper (Congressman)William Henry Draper was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives representing New York state from March 4, 1901 to March 3, 1913....
- Politician - William Henry Draper, Jr. - Military Leader, Politician
- Edward SmithEd Smith (football player)Edward Smith was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Boston Redskins and Green Bay Packers. He played college football at New York University and was drafted in the third round of the 1936 NFL Draft.Ed Smith is important as the individual who posed for the...
- Athlete, Businessman - Elmer Kenneth StrongKen StrongElmer Kenneth Strong, Jr. was a college and professional American football player. After a college career as multi-year All-American at New York University, he went on to play professional football. As a halfback with a 14-year career he played from 1929–1937, 1939, 1944-1947...
- Athlete, Businessman - A. Oakley HallA. Oakley HallAbraham Oakey Hall was an American politician, lawyer, and writer. He served as Mayor of New York from 1869 to 1872. He was alleged to have been part of the vilified "Tweed Ring"...
- Politician, Lawyer - James Edward MurrayJames Edward MurrayJames Edward Murray was a United States Senator from Montana, and a liberal leader of the Democratic Party. He served in the United States Senate from 1934 until 1961....
- Politician, Businessman - Jeremiah Whipple JenksJeremiah JenksJeremiah Whipple Jenks, Ph.D., LL.D. was an American economist and educator, born at Saint Clair, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1878, studied for several years in Germany, taking his doctorate from the University of Halle in 1885, and after his return to the United...
- Educator, Politician - Edward I. Edwards - Politician, Businessman
- Howard CrosbyHoward CrosbyHoward Crosby was an American Presbyterian preacher, scholar and professor, great-grandson of Judge Joseph Crosby of Massachusetts and of Gen. William Floyd of New York, a signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, and the father of Ernest Howard Crosby, and a relative of Fanny...
- Educator, Religious Leader - Ernest Howard CrosbyErnest Howard CrosbyErnest Howard Crosby was an American reformer and author, born in New York City, the son of Presbyterian minister Howard Crosby, and a relative of prolific hymnwriter and rescue mission worker Fanny Crosby....
- Politician, Educator, Religious Leader - Lyman AbbottLyman AbbottLyman Abbott was an American Congregationalist theologian, editor, and author.-Early years:Lyman Abbott was born at Roxbury, Massachusetts on December 18, 1835, the son of the prolific author, educator and historian Jacob Abbott...
- Educator, Religious Leader, Politician - Samuel Tilden - Politician, Businessman, Lawyer
- Arthur Walsh -Politician
- Harry Woodburn ChaseHarry Woodburn ChaseHarry Woodburn Chase was the 12th President of the University of North Carolina , President of the University of Illinois , and 8th President of New York University .- References :...
- Educator - Charles Waldo HaskinsCharles Waldo HaskinsCharles Waldo Haskins was a co-founder of the accounting firm Haskins and Sells."He was born in 1852 into a leading American family ."...
- Businessman, Educator - Allan Langdon McDermottAllan Langdon McDermottAllan Langdon McDermott was an American Democratic Party politician who represented from 1900 - 1903, and the from 1903 - 1907..-Biography:...
- Businessman - Charles Wilkes Christenberry - Military Leader, Educator
- Avery FisherAvery FisherAvery Robert Fisher was an audio specialist who made numerous contributions to the field of sound reproduction.-Early life:...
- Inventor, Businessman - Bliss CarmanBliss CarmanBliss Carman FRSC was a Canadian poet who lived most of his life in the United States, where he achieved international fame. He was acclaimed as Canada's poet laureate during his later years....
- Poet, Educator - William Sage Woolworth, Jr. - Businessman, Author
- Anthony Jerome GriffinAnthony Jerome GriffinAnthony Jerome Griffin was a United States Representative from New York.Griffin was born in New York City. He attended City College, Cooper Union, and New York University School of Law. He was admitted to the bar in 1892 and commenced practice in New York City...
- Politician - Romare BeardenRomare BeardenRomare Bearden was an African American artist and writer. He worked in several media including cartoons, oils, and collage.-Education:...
- Author, Artist - James Lopez-Watson - Judge, Civil Rights Pioneer
- Smith Ely Jr. - Politician
- John C. SawhillJohn C. SawhillJohn Crittenden Sawhill was president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy and the 12th President of New York University ....
- Politician, Educator - James W. TuttletonJames W. TuttletonDr. James Welsey Tuttleton was the former Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science and the Faculty of the English Department of New York University and also served as Chairman of NYU's English Department and Associate Dean of the Graduate School...
- Educator, Author - Henry Townley HealdHenry Townley HealdHenry Townley Heald was president of Armour Institute of Technology from 1938 to 1940, when it became Illinois Institute of Technology . He is credited with bringing architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to Chicago in 1938 to direct IIT's architecture program. He left IIT in 1952 to become president...
- Educator, Business Leader - James Loomis MaddenJames Loomis MaddenJames Loomis Madden was acting chancellor of New York University from 1951 to 1952.-External links:*...
- Educator, Business Leader - John Thomas MaddenJohn Thomas MaddenJohn Thomas Madden A.M., C.P.A., Ph.D. was an educator and business leader who served as the dean of NYU School of Business, introduced much of the modern procurement process, and served as president of Theta Nu Epsilon from 1926-1932 and Beta Alpha Psi, the finance, accounting and information...
- Educator, Business Leader - Robert F. WagnerRobert F. WagnerRobert Ferdinand Wagner I was an American politician. He was a Democratic U.S. Senator from New York from 1927 to 1949.-Origin and early life:...
- Politician - Mitchell JenkinsMitchell JenkinsMitchell Jenkins was a U.S. Republican Congressional Representative from Pennsylvania.Mitchell Jenkins was born in Forty Fort, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. He attended the Kingston, Pennsylvania public elementary schools and the Wyoming Seminary Upper School during his high school years...
-Politician - Royal Jenkins Davis - Author, Politician
- W. B. Boyd-Carpenter - (International) Religious Leader, Author
- Hugo C.M. Wendel - Historian, Author
- Elmer Ellsworth BrownElmer Ellsworth BrownElmer Ellsworth Brown was an American educator. Born at Kiantone in Chautauqua County, New York, he studied at New York University, graduated from Illinois State Normal University in 1881 and at the University of Michigan ; then he studied in Germany and received a Ph.D. in 1890. He was principal...
- Educator - William Henry BrownWilliam Henry BrownWilliam Henry Brown was a New Zealand politician of the National Party.He represented the Palmerston North electorate from 1960 to 1967, when he died.-References:...
- Artist, Educator - Wilford Seymour Conrow - Artist, Educator
- Richard Threlkeld CoxRichard Threlkeld CoxRichard Threlkeld Cox was a professor of physics at Johns Hopkins University, known for Cox's theorem relating to the foundations of probability....
- Mathematician, Educator - Henry Pratt FairchildHenry Pratt FairchildHenry Pratt Fairchild was a distinguished American sociologist. He was a sociologist who was actively involved in many of the controversial issues of his time. He wrote about race relations, abortion and contraception, and immigration...
- Sociologist, Educator - Dixon Ryan FoxDixon Ryan FoxDixon Ryan Fox was an American educator, researcher, and president of Union College from 1934-45.Fox graduated from New York University, where he was a member of the Andiron Club...
- Sociologist, Educator - John William DraperJohn William DraperJohn William Draper was an American scientist, philosopher, physician, chemist, historian, and photographer. He is credited with producing the first clear photograph of a female face and the first detailed photograph of the Moon...
- Scientist, Author - Henry DraperHenry DraperHenry Draper was an American doctor and amateur astronomer. He is best known today as a pioneer of astrophotography.-Life and work:...
- Scientist, Educator - John Harvey KelloggJohn Harvey KelloggJohn Harvey Kellogg was an American medical doctor in Battle Creek, Michigan, who ran a sanitarium using holistic methods, with a particular focus on nutrition, enemas and exercise. Kellogg was an advocate of vegetarianism and is best known for the invention of the corn flakes breakfast cereal...
-Scientist - Steven Beckwith Ayers - Politician
- Walter ReedWalter ReedMajor Walter Reed, M.D., was a U.S. Army physician who in 1900 led the team that postulated and confirmed the theory that yellow fever is transmitted by a particular mosquito species, rather than by direct contact...
-Scientist - Willard E. Atkins - Political Economist, Educator
- Roswell Parkhurst BarnesRoswell Parkhurst BarnesReverend Roswell Parkhurst Barnes was an American significant theologian and Christian religious leader, advocate and author in the 20th century. Roswell Parkhurst Barnes was married to Helen Bosworth....
-Educator, Religious Leader - Tasker Lowndes Oddie - Politician
- Mark W. EversonMark W. EversonMark W. Everson serves as a cabinet member for Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. He joined the Daniels administration in January 2009, when he was appointed Department of Administration Commissioner...
Military Leader - John William Gilbert - Politician
- Louis FreehLouis FreehLouis Joseph Freeh was the 5th Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, serving from September 1993 to June 2001....
- Government - Robert Swan Mueller IIIRobert MuellerRobert Swan Mueller III is the 6th and current Director of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation .-Early life:...
- Government - Robert Michael White - Politician
- Jack Peckett - Educator
- Coral LansburyCoral Lansbury-Parents and family:Coral Lansbury was born in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda. Her parents were Oscar Vincent Stephen Lansbury and his wife, May . They were touring Australia in a production of the musical Showboat, and were stranded by the Great Depression...
- Author, Historian, Educator - Frederic TutenFrederic TutenFrederic Tuten is an American novelist, short story writer and essayist. He has written five novels – The Adventures of Mao on the Long March , Tallien: A Brief Romance , Tintin in the New World: A Romance , Van Gogh's Bad Café and The Green Hour – as well as one book of inter-related short...
- Author, Educator - Coleman O. Parsons - Author, Educator
Note on Societies
Said author and researcher Kevin PhillipsKevin Phillips
Kevin Phillips may refer to:*Kevin Phillips , American political commentator and writer*Kevin Phillips , Blackpool and former England international football player*Kevin Phillips , American actor...
, “People have wondered why these secret societies have been hotbeds of future success. Rather than competing with fraternities and student organizations, these ‘secret societies’ augment or leverage other organizations. What makes them unique and singularly successful is that they stress goal oriented vision among a limited and distinguished group. Often they assist each other, secretly, in gaining prominent campus positions as practice for what they want to do in the real world. As opposed to larger organizations they maintain the strength of their ties throughout their lives."