Benjamin Piatt Runkle
"courageous in spirit and idealism"
Benjamin Piatt Runkle (Bottom Row, 2nd from left) was 18 years
old when Sigma Chi was founded and was, perhaps, the most rebellious
of the seven, noted by his adamant stance when confronted by
the Deke alumni. He, along with Lockwood, designed the badge:
"Its selection grew from an admiration of its meaning."
After graduation, he served nobly in the Civil War; he volunteered
for service and quickly became Major General. At the battle
of Shiloh he was seriously wounded and left for dead leading
to premature accounts of his death in newspapers; his wounds
forced him to retire from military service. He was the only
founder to serve Sigma Chi as its national president from 1895-1897.
He lived his last eight years in Hillsboro, Ohio, and, ironically,
died on the 61st birthday of Sigma Chi at the age of 80. He
is remembered for his courage: first in college by standing
firm on his principles and later on the battlefield.
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