My great great grandfather was given credit as the founder but thought I would share some info and other names found in this book to any interested. From "The Fullness of Fraternalism: A History of the Catholic Knights of Ohio" copyright 1966, reprint 1976 by The Catholic Knights of Ohio. page 11 "On September 20, 1976, the Catholic Knights of Ohio celebrates the 85th Anniversary of the founding of the Society. On that same date back in 1891, twenty-seven pioneer founders of the Society met in the city of Hamilton, Ohio eager to establish a good, solid Catholic Fraternal Insurance Association. Their success in achieving that goal is shown in the vast contributions which the Catholic Knights if Ohio has made to the Holy Mother Church, to members and their families, and to the community generally since that historic day." "As an early historian of the Society has pointed out, the foundation of the Catholic Knights of Ohio illustrates the fact that frequently "good results will come forth from adversity." "For on September 10, 1891, the newspapers of the country had headlined the shocking news that the treasurer of a large Catholic fraternal organization, had absconded with over 75,000.00. Reaction to his theft ranged from anger to disgust and pity for the unfortunate man." "After the first shock of the news had subsided, a handful of Ohio members of this association gave voice to their convictions concerning the great values in low-cost fraternal insurance and in benefits of fraternal association. They conceived the idea that a new fraternal society might be established, retaining all the good features of the older association, but with membership restricted to Ohio residents, and with safeguards against any future losses." "Judge John F. Neilan of Hamilton is generally given credit as originator of the idea. At any rate, he addressed a letter to John C. Phelan, of Toledo explaining his plan for a "state" fraternal society. The letter was signed also by Joseph J. Pater and James Smith, both of Hamilton." "This first communication was followed by another letter addressed to the branches of the parent society throughout the state, inviting their officers to attend a meeting to be held in Hamilton on September 20, 1891. These 27 founding members attended the meeting: T. Sanders, Eaton, Ohio; Philip Fabian, Galion; Michael Reilly, Akron; J.B. Ehrenfried, Tiffin; Peter Ziegler, Frank J. Weisenberger, Defiance; Theodore Fuchs, Joseph Schwartz, John Hochenedel, Fremont; E. Smacker, Charles Kneip, J.P. Foos, James Bolan, Dayton; Philip Kallenthaler, Mansfield; Joseph Murphy, George Vollmayer, J.C. Phelan, J.M. Gorman, J.T. Lawless,M.D., J.J. Flood, Toledo; Mathew Giwer, Fred Albers, John Deasy, Henry Kistner, Cincinatti: Robert Allstatter, Joseph J. Pater, Judge J.F. Neilan, Hamilton." "The meeting was called to order by Joseph J. Pater. Robert Allstater was chosen chairman, and John C. Phelan, secretary." "The purpose of the meeting was explained by Judge Neilan, Robert Allstater and Joseph J. Pater, the Committee on Invitation." "After a lengthy discussion and study of the plans presented, it was unanimously agreed to establish and maintain the Order of "The Catholic Knights of Ohio." " A Constitution, which had been prepared by Judge Neilan and Joseph J. Pater, was adopted at the meeting, thus assuring perpetuity for the new society." "On the next day, September 21, the articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State of Ohio, and a Charter was secured, enabling the new society to conduct business in the State of Ohio. The incorporators were: President, Joseph J. Pater; Vice-president, John Hochenedel; Secretary, Henry Kistner; Treasurer, John C. Phelan; Trustees: one year, James Bolan; two years, F.J. Weisenberger; three years, John Deasy; Medical Examiner, Dr. James T. Lawless." "The first session for the transaction of business by the newly-elected State Officers was held on October 15, 1891. The first certificate (No.!) was issued to Robert Allstatter, of Hamilton." "The first branch organized was Sacred Heart Branch No. 1, Hamilton, Ohio, with Robert Allstatter, branch president; and Father Francis M. Varelmann, pastor of St. Joseph's church, Hamilton, branch spiritual director. Father Varelmann was later to become a long-time loyal friend of the society." There is a lot more in the book, it is 64 pages. Here are some names/pics page 6 picture of the following people; Jeanne E. Pick, Ray Simon, Victor D. Huss, Fred T. Beck, Very Reverend Msgr. Henry J. Klocker, Joseph W. Adams, Edward J. Maher, Thomas Barrett, Elizabeth Kerg, Carl Kleinser, Fred Elchert, Virgil H. Frits, Joseph J. Petti. " The first state Office of the Catholic Knights of Ohio was in Judge John F. Neilan's offices at the southeast corner of Second and Court Streets, Hamilton, Ohio. " pic page 26 October 1899 moved to Cleveland to the Public square Buliding. In 1900 moved to the Rose Building in Cleveland and finally in 1956 moved to Lakewood, Ohio where it remains today. There are other names and pictures from Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and throughout Ohio to anyone interested just let me know. Audra