Benjamin Piatt Runkle

Benjamin Piatt Runkle, one of the original seven founders of Sigma Chi fraternity, was born in West Liberty, Ohio on September 3, 1836. He is remembered most for his pugnatiousness; he threw his DKE badge on the table in disgust in the pivotal meeting between the founders of Sigma Chi and Whitelaw Reid. It is also said that he once was temporarily suspended from school for fighting in chapel with a Beta Theta Pi brother who publically sneered at his badge.

Related Topics:
Sigma Chi - Fraternity - West Liberty, Ohio - September 3 - 1836 - DKE - Whitelaw Reid - Beta Theta Pi

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After college, he volunteered for a militia company during the Civil War and worked his way up to colonel. He was severely wounded in the Battle of Shiloh. By the time he retired from military service he was a major general, and it was then that he was ordained as an Episcopal priest. He was the only founder to become Grand Consul, serving as the seventh from 1895-1897.

Related Topics:
Civil War - Colonel - Battle of Shiloh - Major general - Episcopal - Priest - 1895 - 1897

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He passed away on the Fraternity's 61st birthday on June 28, 1916. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Related Topics:
June 28 - 1916 - Arlington National Cemetery - Virginia

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