DAVID CURTISS STEPHENSON
(David Curtiss Stephenson)
He was an egomaniac of the largest KKK in the nation. Most people are surprised to learn that the largest KKK chapter was in Indiana rather than in one of the old South states. The KKK was so strong at that time, that the KKK officials could meet with the President and other government officials.
David Curtiss "Steve" Stephenson was an American convicted rapist and murderer who in 1923 was appointed Grand Dragon of the branch of the Ku Klux Klan in Indiana and head of Klan recruiting for seven other states. Later that year, he led those groups to independence from the national KKK organization. Amassing wealth and political power in Indiana politics, he was one of the most prominent national Klan leaders. "He was viewed as responsible for reviving the Klan and widening its base, and considered the most powerful man in Indiana". He had close relationships with numerous Indiana politicians, especially Governor Edward L. Jackson.
