Delta Tau Delta

In 150 years, more than 150,000 men have sworn a solemn oath to Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Delta Tau Delta was founded in 1858 at Bethany College in present day West Virginia. Eight men, provoked and outraged by a fixed vote in the oratory competition of the Neotrophian Literary Society (a forum for students to practice and demonstrate skills in poetry, public speaking and composition), responded by forming a secret society. The purpose of the new society, known only by the Greek letters Delta Tau Delta, was to see that the Neotrophian Society returned to popular control from another Greek Letter Fraternity, and to form a union of the student body drawn together by common goals, brotherly regard, and desire for mutual support. The ultimate protest of rewarding the unworthy. Delta Tau Delta was born from the knowledge that integrity is essential.

The founding principles of Truth, Courage, Faith and Power have provided a guide for both the Fraternity and its membership. Since 1858 the Fraternity has spread to nearly 200 campuses with over 120 active chapters and colonies comprised of about 6,500 undergraduate members. For over 150 years, Delta Tau Delta has in excess of 150,000 men who have become members of the Fraternity.

Alexander C. Earle was the youngest of the group of eight founders, went on to become a Captain in the Second South Carolina Volunteers, where he commanded his own company. For many years his whereabouts were unknown and he was believed dead, but he was finally located living in Arkansas. Earles' spirit of courage is one we emulate today. He also set an excellent example for us through his commitment to lifelong learning and growth by attending three Karneas.

Richard H. Alfred, at 26 the oldest of the group, became a minister and a physician. His involvement with Delta Tau Delta stemmed from a sense of moral duty to the truth, and his activities later in life continued this commitment.

William R. Cunningham, 25, was only a freshman at the time Delta Tau Delta was formed. Because he was older and had become a Mason, however, he exerted much influence in the group. Cunningham, the picture of integrity, was probably responsible for much of the early language in both the Constitution and Ritual. He served as President of the Karnea in 1883. He was also a minister and held public office in the state of Washington.

John L.N. Hunt was the scholar of the group. Yet another testament to the value of lifelong learning and growth, after graduating from Bethany, Hunt went on to become the valedictorian of his class at New York University's School of Law. He then served for several years as New York's Commissioner of Education.

Jacob Lowe hosted the first meetings of the group in his quarters in a rooming house which has now become an international shrine for the Fraternity. Lowe, who became a professor and later a college president, helped facilitate the initial bonds of brotherhood which still sustain us.

Eugene Tarr, a "local boy" whose home was only six miles from Bethany, stayed in West Virginia after college. A strong proponent of strengthening his community, Tarr became a noted speaker, lawyer, and editor of the newspaper.

John C. Johnson was also a native West Virginian (although at that time the area was still a part of Virginia). He became a lawyer and politician, a career which clearly displayed power. He was the political advisor to John W. Davis, the Democratic nominee for President in 1924. One of Johnson's favorite pastimes was conducting tours of Bethany and pointing out the room where Delta Tau Delta was founded. He outlived the other founders by eight years.

Henry K. Bell, a Kentuckian, lived only six years after graduation. His contribution to the Fraternity was immense; without him, there would be no Delta Tau Delta today. Bell responded to a call for help from the last remaining members of the Bethany chapter who were leaving to join the armed forces. It was Bell's faith, integrity, and understanding of the importance of maintaining brotherhood and a strong community that lead him to two Jefferson College students. Bell initiated Rhodes Standbury Sutton and Samuel S. Brown during a raging snowstorm on February 22, 1861. Upon the collapse of the Bethany chapter following its' members departure, the new Jefferson chapter took over management of the Fraternity.