St. Joseph's Council 1325 of Hays dates back to the early days of Columbianism in Kansas, having been chartered May 17, 1908.  The Council's first officers were: Grand Knight, John Schlyer; Deputy Grand Knight, William Grabbe; Financial Secretary, W. M. Stanton; Recording Secretary, P. J. Roth; Treasurer, B. M. Dreiling; Warden, John A. Basgall; Advocate, J. M. Schaefer; Chancellor, Joseph Jacobs; Chaplain, Rev. Cassian Hartl; Inside Guard, Simon Frank; Outside Guard, George Zeigler; Trustees, J. B. Basgall, W. T. Cox, H. J. Penney; Medical Examiner, Dr. J. U. Catudal.

The charter members of the Council were:

The pioneer St. Joseph's is the mother council of some ten others in the northwestern part of the state.  For some years it was the largest council in the state; it numbered seven hundred and twenty members after the first World War and won a four-state membership contest in 1929-30.  It sponsored the first Fourth Degree class in western Kansas, initiating nearly a hundred and fifty in connection with the State Convention in May, 1921.  Two other Fourth Degree classes have been initiated in Hays.  St. Joseph's was host to the annual convention of the State Council in 1921, 1931, and again in 1947.  The first district meeting was held at Hays during the administration of State Deputy Beeby.  The idea spread and has since continued with the exception of the war years.  For the past twenty years the Council has honored its deceased members with a Memorial Service in November.  It has an active blood donors group.  It provides an annual picnic for its members and their families.  During World War II it remitted the dues of its members in the service.

The Council has always been a leader in Catholic activities.  It began the work of distributing Catholic literature many years ago, donated a set of the Catholic Encyclopedia to St. Joseph's College, and has consistently provided subscriptions to Catholic periodicals for the State College library and the Girls Catholic High School of Hays.  Twenty years ago it was successful in introducing the three-hour closing of business houses on Good Friday in Hays.  The Catholic Evidence Guild of the Diocese of Salina had its beginning in the council chambers in Hays in 1934.  The members of the Council foster study clubs, not only for themselves but for Catholic men generally, particularly during each Lenten season.  They fulfill their Easter duty in a body on Palm Sunday, and part of their Columbus Day celebration is corporate reception of Holy Communion followed by a festive breakfast.

Through its affiliation with the National Council of Catholic Men the Council has supported the Catholic Hour and its other activities.  It donated generously to the St. Marys College endowment, and for many years has sponsored the Newman Club at the Fort Hays Kansas State College.  It also sponsors a troop of Boy Scouts, and each year sends a boy to the Kansas Boys' State.

St. Joseph's Council celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a two-day program April 30 and May 1, 1933.  Supreme Agent T. P. Downs delivered an address at the Communion Breakfast, and W. D. Jochems, former Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, was the featured speaker at the banquet.  Forty members received their Twenty-Five Year buttons in a ceremony honoring their years of service on April 24, 1949.  At the same time honorary memberships were conferred on Peter Grabbe, Stephen Aich, Joseph Bahl, John L. Gerstner, Clarence Haffamier, Charles Polifka, Peter J. Roth, John J. Frank, Franz Meier, John P. Quint, Anton F. Arnhold, F. D. Fenoughty, Peter V. Gottschalk, Anton Jacobs, Edward Polifka, Nicholas Schlyer, M. P. Dinges, and Frank Loreditsch.  The Council has five Honorary Life members: Jacob Brull, A. A. Wiesner, Carl Leiker, Joseph B. Basgall, and Alexander Leiker.

The following Grand Knights have led the Council: John Schlyer, 1908-09, 1911-12, deceased; J. M. Schaefer, 1909-10, deceased; J. S. Bird, 1910-11, 1917-18, deceased; Alex Schueler, 1912-14, deceased; P. V. Gottschalk, 1914-16; B. M. Dreiling, 1916-17, deceased; Alex Meier, 1918-19; Dr. A. A. Herman, 1919-20; Jacob M. Wiesner, 1920-21, deceased; M. A. Basgall, 1921-22; F: S. Wasinger, 1922-23; H. J. Tholen, 1923-24; A. F. Bieker, 1924-27; H. F. Herrman, 1927-28; M. J. Dorzweiler, 1928-29; George J. Gottschalk, 1929-31; William A. Toepfer, 1931-32; A. J. Kuhn, 1932-33, deceased; L. A. Brennan, 1932-34; G. A. Brull, 1934-36; Alex Phannenstiel, 1936-37; Tony Dechant, 1937-39; John C. Grabbe, 1939-40; James A. Drees, 1940-42; Dan M. Pfeifer, 1942-44; E. J. Dreiling, 1944-46; G. F. Dreiling, 1946-48; Isidore Schmidt, 1948-49.

John Schlyer, first and fourth Grand Knight of St. Joseph's Council, was born in Buffalo, N. Y. in 1849.  He was an outstanding Catholic and embodied in his life the hopes and the history of the pioneer.  In 1869 he came to Ellis County where he was successful as buffalo hunter, homesteader, and merchant.  Almost immediately he became a leader in the civic affairs of his county.  He was its sheriff for a couple of years in the wild seventies, he was its treasurer from 1882 to 1884, he represented it for three terms in the Kansas Legislature.  While a representative he introduced the resolution that finally resulted in the Congressional grant of more than seven thousand acres of the old Fort Hays Military Reservation to the State of Kansas in 1901.  On this land is now located the Fort Hays Kansas State College, the Experiment Station, and a State Historical Park.  He was also postmaster of Hays from 1892 to 1894.  He died February 18, 1926.

Joseph M. Schaeffer, the second Grand Knight, was an active member of his parish and a generous supporter of charitable works, particularly St. Anthony's Hospital, and was one of the founders of St. Joseph's College.  He was county treasurer from 1903 to 1905.  He was engaged in the real estate, insurance, and abstract business until a few years before his death on May 8, 1947.

John S. Bird, the third and eighth Grand Knight, was a member of the faculty of Fort Hays Kansas State College for a number of years before becoming owner and editor of the Ellis County News. He was one of the founders of St. Joseph's College and was prominent in all civic enterprises.  He died October 3, 1935.

Alex Schueler, the fifth Grand Knight, was at first a teacher.  He was always active in sports, particularly baseball.  After leaving the teaching profession for the garage and oil business he served for many years as a member of the Board of Education of the city of Hays and was a member of St. Joseph's Parochial School Committee for a number of years until his death on September 22, 1945.

B. M. Dreiling, the seventh Grand Knight, was born in Russia and came to Ellis County as a child with his parents in 1876.  As a young man he taught in the public schools.  He served as county treasurer from 1907 to 1911.  He was an avid reader and one of the best informed men in the county.  For a number of years he was editor of the Ellis County News.  During the Wilson administration he was postmaster of Hays.  He served as justice of the peace and police judge for many years until his death on January 3, 1935.

Jacob M. Wiesner, eleventh Grand Knight, was a lawyer and county attorney in 1919-21.  He also engaged in the real estate business and built an addition to the city known as Mission Mount.  He died August 9, 1927.

Adolph J. Kuhn, the twentieth Grand Knight, was a graduate of St. Joseph's College.  He was subsequently a salesman of hardware, petroleum products, and insurance.  He was bookkeeper and salesman for the Tholen Jewelry Company at the time of his death on April 8, 1947.

Numerous members of the Council have been officers of the State Council.  The District Deputies from the Council have been D. F. McCarthy, 1926-28; M. J. Dorzweiler, 1930-34; H. J. Tholen, 1939-40; Alexander Phannenstiel, 1940-41; Joseph M. Schueler, 1942-46.  Reverend Cyril Zeller, O.F.M. Cap., and Reverend Julius Becker, O.F.M. Cap., served as State Chaplains in 1922 and 1923 respectively.  J. H. Simminger was State Advocate in 1918 and died in the influenza epidemic of that year.  H. J. Tholen was chairman of the Catholic Activities Committee from 1938 to 1941, State Treasurer in 1945-46, and is now chairman of the Historical Committee.  M. J. Dorzweiler served as State Secretary in 1934-35 and went on to the office of State Deputy in the years 1936-37.  C. A. Beeby, the first State Deputy from the Council, did much to improve the organization of the State Council during his administration in 1926-27.  He had been elected to the first Board of Directors of the National Council of Catholic Men at its organization meeting in 1919 and served as the lay member representing the Archdiocese of St. Louis for two years.

Miles H. Mulroy of Hays, a member of the Knights of Columbus before the organization of St. Joseph's Council, was the prime mover in organizing this Council.  He was county attorney in 1895-96, and served in the State Legislature during the terms of 1911, 1913, and 1919.  He was the Representative who introduced the bill in 1913 that made Columbus Day a legal holiday in Kansas.

Other members of the Council who have represented Ellis County in the State Legislature are: William Grabbe, 1909; John O'Loughlin, 1921 and 1923; G. J. Klug, 1929; Julius M. Bahl, 1937; E. J. Malone, 1941; Henry F. Herrman, 1943 and 1945; A. F. Bieker, 1947 and 1949.  Members of the Council have filled every elective office in Ellis County and the city of Hays.  They have served over so many years that it is not practical to list all of them in this brief history.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Isidor F. Schmidt; Deputy Grand Knight, Joseph A. Koerner; Chancellor, Sylvester Sauer; Recorder, Paul J. Urban; Financial Secretary; Norbert J. Schmeidler; Treasurer, John L. Spiess; Lecturer, Walter C. Ross; Advocate, John Bissing; Warden, Clarence Leiker; Inside Guard, Francis Rohleder; Outside Guard, Peter Werth; Trustees, Dan M. Pfeifer, Aquiline H. Dreiling, George J. Gottschalk; Chaplain, Rev. Alfred Carney, O.F.M. Cap.  The Council now has 332 members, 225 insurance and 107 associate.

General James H. Shields Council 1368 at Garnett was chartered January 1, 1909.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, F. H. Hellman; Deputy Grand Knight, Daniel F. Kipper; Financial Secretary, Hubert Stomp; Recording Secretary; Herman Brummel; Treasurer, Joseph Steinbacher; Warden, Ed Hastret; Advocate, John J. Lickteig; Chancellor, John J. Wassmer; Chaplain, Rev. Joseph Jacobs; Inside Guard, Frank Roeckers; Outside Guard, Pete Roeckers; Trustees, Joseph Stomp, Joseph Bowman, Joseph Keil.

The charter members were:

The Council observes Columbus Day with the usual festivities and meets for corporate Communion followed by a breakfast annually.  It provides a Christmas party for the children and is active in community charities, particularly the Red Cross.  The members take pride in helping sick brothers by doing their work for them.  The annual Memorial Service is made very impressive by being held jointly with neighboring councils.

Members of the Council have assumed the burden of furnishing the necessary adult leaders - for a troop of Boy Scouts.  Of late years a baseball team sponsored by the Council has proved a popular activity and has enjoyed several successful seasons.

The Past Grand Knights are: F. X. Hellman, 1909; John J. Lickteig, 1910, 1912-13; Joseph Keil, 1911; John J. Wassmer, 1914-19; F. B. Adams, 1920; J. F. Grennan, 1921, deceased; M. J. McInerney, 1922; E. A. Stomp, 1923; I. C. McDonald, 1924-25, 1927-30; H. P. Brummel, 1926, deceased; John C. Bowman, 1931-32, 1935; Carl Lickteig, 1933-34; M. C. Holloran, 1936-37; Greg Lickteig, 1938; Geo. B. Maggio, Jr., 1939-41; Joe B. Feuerborn, 1942-43; J. C. Koehler, 1944; Ralph H. Sheern, 1945; W. J. Bollin, 1946; F. C. Feuerborn, 1947-48.

Charles Bowman was District Deputy from 1936 to 1938 and from 1940 to 1942.  Greg Lickteig held the same office from 1942 to 1946.  L. J. McGlinchy was chairman of the State Membership Committee from 1943 to 1946.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Herman Egidy; Deputy Grand Knight, Herman Pickert; Chancellor, Charles Bowman; Recorder, K. K. Highberger; Financial Secretary, Greg. Lickteig; Treasurer, Warren Miller; Lecturer, Ralph Sheern; Advocate, Pete Bures; Warden, Ray Madden; Inside Guard, Paul Feuerborn; Outside Guard, George Plain; Trustees, Ralph H. Sheern, Geo. B. Maggio, F. C. Feuerborn; Chaplain, Rev. James J. Moriarty.

The Council now has 125 members, 85 insurance and 40 associate.

Wamego Council 1370 was chartered December 27, 1908.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, E. A. Hesse; Deputy Grand Knight, Jas. Mullen; Financial Secretary, Ed Uhlrich; Recording Secretary, Neil Farrell; Treasurer, Chas. Uhlrich; Warden, Chas. Hoferer; Advocate, John Farrell; Chancellor, Thomas Lenard; Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Hundt; Inside Guard, Al Lenard; Outside Guard, Geo. Farrell; Trustees, Jas. McCormick, P. J. Farrell, Chas. Umscheid,

The charter members were:

The Council has sent a boy to the Sunflower Boys' State on two occasions.  Since 1939 it has sponsored a troop of Boy Scouts.

The Grand Knights of the Council have been: E. A. Hesse, 1908-11, deceased; James McCormick, 1911-13, deceased; Ed Uhlrich, 1913-14, 1918-24; E. C. Farrell, 1914-15, deceased; Thomas Lenard, 1914, part year; Jas. Mullen, 1915, deceased; S. M. Swords, 1915-16; M. E. Moriarty, 1916-18; Gilbert Lenard, 1924-27; Frank Knoebber, 1927-29; Geo. Farrell, 1929; Jas. Sullivan, 1929-30, deceased; Frank Schmitz, 1930-36; Adam Bellinder, 1936-39; Henry Hohn, 1939-40; Julius Zeller, 1940-42; Frank Schmitz, 1942, part year; Fred Kilian, 1942-44; Dennis Farrell, 1944-45; J. J. Swords, 1945-46; George Lichtenban, 1947-.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Paul Umscheid; Deputy Grand Knight, J. J. Swords; Chancellor, Arthur Umscheid; Recorder, J. S. Hecker; Financial Secretary, Julius B. Zeller; Treasurer, Geo. Uhlrich; Lecturer, John Gilmartin; Advocate, Raymond Repp; Warden, John Ebenhoh; Inside Guard, Wilford Eichman; Outside Guard, Mathew Farrell; Trustees, John J. Parker, Joe Coffman, Herbert Weixelman; Chaplain, Rev. A. J. Blaufuss.  The Council now has 91 members, 64 insurance and 27 associate.

Lawrence Council 1372 was chartered February 22, 1909.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, T. J. Sweeney; Deputy Grand Knight, Otto Gufter; Recording Secretary, W. D. Kenney; Financial Secretary, A. Casgrove; Treasurer, Wm. LaCoss; Lecturer, J. M. Simminger; Advocate, John J. Riling; Chancellor, Louis LaCoss; Warden, E. L. Hartig; Inside Guard, C. A. Haller; Outside Guard, F. J. Lynch; Chaplain, Rev. G. J. Eckart; Trustees, E. J. McNeal, J. H. Gebbeken, F. H. Carlin.

Its charter members were:

Lawrence Council has had a long and active history.  Its particular task through the years was to try to provide fuller religious opportunities for Catholic students at the university.  In 1910 the Council was host to the convention of the State Council.  Unhappily a fire destroyed all the early records of the Council so that the details of its activities and even the list of its Past Grand Knights are lost.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Myron P. Keys; Deputy Grand Knight, Ralph A. VanHandel; Chancellor, Clayton Stone; Recorder, Kenneth J. Jennings; Financial Secretary, Chas. E. Sherrick; Treasurer, John Albers; Lecturer, Joe Malone; Advocate, Major Slough; Warden, Chas. Short; Inside Guard, W. W. Wempe; Outside Guard, Joe Lesch; Trustees, Geo. E. Jennings, Clayton L. Stone, Dr. W. W. Wempe; Chaplain, Rev. Geo. Towle.

The Council has 65 members, 36 insurance and 29 associate.

Annunciation Council 1383 of Frankfort was chartered February 22, 1909.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, Kennedy James; Deputy Grand Knight, W. J. Gregg; Financial Secretary, Alois Bissing; Recording Secretary, Joseph Marksman; Treasurer, Fred Wendling; Warden, Frank Wendling; Advocate, Jos. Gregg; Chancellor, Wm. Cooper; Chaplain, Rev. Francis Orr; Inside Guard, Lawrence Harrington; Outside Guard, Alex. Bissing; Trustees, Jerry O'Leary, Matt McKeon, Don Cooper; Lecturer, Wm. Melchior.

The charter members were:

The known past Grand Knights are: James Kennedy 1909-11; Joe Flaherty, 1935-37; T. J. Ryan, 1937-40; Ted Stowell, 1940-41; J. Elliott, 1941-44; R. H. Mackey, 1944-46; John T. Farrell, 1946-48; Leo Burke, 1948-50.

William J. Gregg has served as District Deputy.  William Kennedy was elected State Treasurer for the terms 1927-28.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Leo C. Budke; Deputy Grand Knight, F. A. Borgerding; Chancellor, Wm. Martin; Recorder, Art Wapp; Financial Secretary, H. M. Gudenkauf; Treasurer, W. F. Kennedy; Lecturer, J. W. Kennedy; Advocate, H. J. Gudenkauf; Warden, T. J. Ryan; Inside Guard, Joe Flaherty; Outside Guard, Henry Suther; Trustees, W. A. Kennedy, R. H. Mackey, Wm. Horigan; Chaplain, Rev. J. A. Ording.

The Council now has 55 members, 46 insurance and 9 associate.

Sacred Heart Council 1392 was formed on April 18, 1909, at Paxico with the initiation of twenty-seven candidates.

The charter members were:

The first officers were: Grand Knight, Charles Hund; Financial Secretary, Anthony Glotzbach; Recording Secretary, Moritz Hund; Treasurer, Herman Knoebber; Warden, Raymond Muckenthaler; Advocate, Henry Guth; Chancellor, Bernard J. Meinhardt; Chaplain, Reverend A. J. Weiners; Inside Guard, August Guth; Outside Guard, Theo. Muckenthaler; Trustees, Frank Muckenthaler, Joseph Fry, Lawrence Rosenstengel; Deputy Grand Knight, Leo Guth; Lecturer, John Hund.

In 1919 the Council erected a twenty-thousand dollar hall which has since been used for the entertainment and recreation of the parish and the entire community as well as for the Knights.  In its long and useful life the Council has supported such activities as a band, dances, picnics and baseball teams.

The past Grand Knights are: Charles Hund, 1909-11; Fred Fry, 1911-12; A. B. Hesse, 1912-14, deceased; Henry Guth, 1914-16; Joseph Hund, 1916-17, 1924-27, 1928-31; Charles Hund, 1917-19; A. H. Fry, 1919-20; Nick Stork, 1920-23; Moritz Hund, 1923-24, deceased; Leo Michaelis, 1927-28; Lawrence Schuetz, 1931-33; Edward Hissrich, 1933-35; Steve Hund, 1935-37; Theo Muckenthaler, 1937-39; Mark Hund, 1939-41; Walter Hund, 1941-43; Arthur Hund, 1943-45; Clarence Hund, 1945-47; Leo Muckenthaler, 1947.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Wilfred J. Hund; Deputy Grand Knight, Robert Reding; Chancellor, Alvin Zeller; Recorder, J. J. Meinhardt; Financial Secretary, Walter Hund; Treasurer, Frank Hund; Lecturer, Raymond Muckenthaler; Advocate, Robert Flach; Warden, Herbert Zeller; Inside Guard, Felix Hesse; Outside Guard, Leo Hesse; Trustees, Mark Hund, Gilbert Hund, Edmund J. Meinhardt; Chaplain, Rev. Albert Wietharn.

The Council has 55 members, 45 insurance and 10 associate.

Leo Council 1464 of Cherryvale was chartered January 30, 1910.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, James O'Leary; Deputy Grand Knight, M. E. Colopy; Financial Secretary, James A. Brady; Recording Secretary, James L. Burt; Treasurer, James Blaes, Jr.; Warden, Thomas J. Daugherty; Advocate, John O'Leary; Chancellor, C. C. Givens; Chaplain, Rev. P. McCullough; Inside Guard, John Regan; Outside Guard, Henry Bernd; Trustees, Anthony Blaes, William Murphy, James Kane.

The charter members were:

The past Grand Knights are: James O'Leary, 1910, 1915; M. E. Colopy, 1911-12; C. F. Bauer, 1912-13, 1937-39; Thomas Regan, 1913-14; T. J. Daugherty, 1914-15; Chester B. Winslow, 1915; Geo. Hutter, 1915-19; Geo. F. Bauer, Jr., 1919-20; J. J. Ridgeway, 1920-21; Geo. Hutter, 1921-23; F. L. Hamm, Jr., 1923-25; R. E. Burns, 1925-26; Emmett A. Blaes, 1926-27; Adolph Blaes, 1927-37; Herman Fiechtl, 1939-46; John H. Bulger, 1946-47; John M. Burns, 1947-48; C. A. Bauer, 1948-50.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Clarence A. Bauer; Deputy Grand Knight, Wendell Linnebur; Chancellor, J. A. Bauer; Recorder, Glenn Linnebur; Financial Secretary, Frank L. Hamm, Jr.; Treasurer, Lewis Molidor; Lecturer, L. Schierlman; Advocate, Chas. Sack; Warden, Owen Schabel; Inside Guard, L. Schierlman; Outside Guard, John Bulger; Trustees, Herman Fiechtl, Geo. F. Bauer, Sr., Thomas Dougherty; Chaplain, Rev. J. P. O'Flynn.

The Council now has 22 members, 19 insurance and 3 associate.

St. Francis Council 1486 of Hartford was originally instituted at Burlington in 1910.  The records and even the charter of Burlington Council were destroyed by a flood.  The first officers of the reorganized Council at Hartford were: Grand Knight, C. F. Garvert; Deputy Grand Knight, John Gilligan; Financial Secretary, E. Francis O'Donnell; Recording Secretary; Anthony Hurtig; Treasurer, John O'Mara; Warden, Ed. O'Donnell; Advocate, Jake Brown; Chaplain, Rev. Hilary Schneider; Inside Guard, Wm. Finnerty; Outside Guard, Chas. Janek; Trustees, Wm. Gorman, D. J. Gilligan, Max Bailey.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Anthony Hurtig; Deputy Grand Knight, William Blaufuss; Chancellor, Michael Gorman; Recorder, C. J. O'Connor; Financial Secretary, Francis O'Donnell; Treasurer, John O'Maro; Lecturer, Frank Decker; Advocate, Jacob Brown; Warden, Edward O'Donnell; Inside Guard, Willis Gorman Outside Guard, Bernard Gilligan; Trustees, Frank Salb, Charles Finnerty, Max Bailey; Chaplain, Rev. Meinrad Issler, O.F.M.

The Council now has 54 members, 26 insurance and 28 associate.

Council 1500 at Claflin was chartered in 1910 but lost its charter in 1918 because it no longer had sufficient insurance members.  Immaculate Conception Council 1500 was instituted February 1, 1920.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, John Gehrer; Deputy Grand Knight, L. A. Miller; Financial Secretary, J. W. Miller; Recording Secretary, T. C. Shea; Treasurer, N. L. Dondlinger; Warden, F. J. Miller; Advocate, Frank Koester; Chancellor, Ben Siefers; Chaplain, Rev. Wm. L. Rice; Inside Guard, C. J. Hoffman; Outside Guard, Louis Kinzel.

The charter members were:

The past Grand Knights are: John Gehrer, 1920-23; Frank Casey, 1923-25, deceased; J. W. Miller, 1925-27; Dr. E. I. Pantre, 1927-29; A. H. Bloomer, 1929-30; W. A. Peschka, 1930-32; Robert Hickel, 1932-34; Robert L. Miller, 1934-36; Wm. E. Esfeld, 1936-38, 1941-44; Kasper Heinz, 1938-40; L. J. Merklinger, 1940-41; A. V. Luebbers, 1944-46; A. W. Miller, 1946-48.

Frank Casey was District Deputy in 1925 and 1926.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Alex B. Casey; Deputy Grand Knight, A. V. Luebbers; Chancellor, Dan Leiker; Recorder, L. A. Miller; Financial Secretary, Joseph P. Luebbers; Treasurer, Kasper Heinz; Lecturer, Ernst Cody; Advocate, E. F. Esfeld; Warden, Harry Knorr; Inside Guard, Frank Gerstenkorn; Outside Guard, B. F. Johnson; Trustees, Wm. E. Esfeld, Albert Miller, Robert Hickel; Chaplain, Rev. F. R. Schmidt.

The Council now has 62 members, 40 insurance and 22 associate.

Norton Council 1510 was instituted October 9, 1910.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, L. G. Still; Deputy Grand Knight, M. Fluority; Financial Secretary, L. C. Ward; Recording Secretary, Maurice Gorman; Treasurer, J. E. Gleason; Warden, Tom Jeorghty; Advocate, J. C. Burger; Inside Guard, John Cibolski; Outside Guard, J. C. Martin; Trustees, James O'Toole, H. C. Beckman, John Dieter; Lecturer, T. J. Ward.

The charter members were:

Norton Council, the first in northwestern Kansas, was started largely through the efforts of Rev. P. T. Tuite and L. G. Still.  The Council has made numerous contributions to the parish church, sponsors card parties and other social activities, and has worked to offset bigotry.  The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for deceased brothers, and the members receive Holy Communion on the third Sunday of each month.

The past Grand Knights are: L. G. Still, 1910-15; J. Bingord, 1915-17; D. L. Brown, 1917-19; M. M. McMahan, 1919; F. D. Kennedy, 1919-20, 1925-27, 1937-38; Pat Keating, 1920-21; A. W. Wieland, 1921-22; George Casey, 1922-23, 1942-44; C. A. Robbin, 1923-24; F. D. Carroll, 1924-25; P. G. Keating, 1927-29; Steven Ward, 1929-31; W. W. Reals, 1931-32; Matthew Robbin, 1932-33; Walter Yetman, 1933-35; Joseph Beckman, 1935-36; M. H. Robbin, 1936-37; B. F. Miller, 1938-42; Maurice Aitken, 1944-47, 1948-49; Floyd Conry, 1947-48; M. L. Dandurand, 1949 --.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, M. L. Dandurand; Deputy Grand Knight, L. C. Ward; Chancellor, Ben Miller; Recorder, Chas. Carroll; Financial Secretary, J. A. Ward; Treasurer, Donald Moody; Lecturer, Fidelis Wolf; Advocate, Tom McNieve; Warden, Leo Goscha; Inside Guard, S. M. Ward; Outside Guard, T. Denning; Trustees, Floyd Conry, George Breiner, Maurice Aitken; Chaplain, Rev. Hughes.

The Council now has 56 members, 29 insurance and 27 associate.

The history of Hoisington Council 1521 is much like many others throughout the state of Kansas.  Its institution was made possible by the hard work of a few men in this section who had had the privilege of becoming members elsewhere.  A large class was initiated in the fall of 1910 but the formal institution did not take place until November twelfth of the same year.  Among the officers of the new Council were such well known names in this section, as Rev. T. J. O'Sullivan, M. E. Bell, C. J. McNally, P. P. Kingston and H. C. Wildgen.

The charter members were:

The Council has always been active in both civic and parish affairs.  For years the Council membership has worked hand in hand with the pastor of the parish in lending added strength to any activity he might undertake.  Members of the Council have always been found working with civic organizations for the improvement of the community.

A beautiful stained glass window in the parish church is a gift of the Council as is all the athletic equipment used by the boys and girls in our parish school.  When the new school was built in 1929 the Council was found working hand in hand with the committee in charge to make possible one of the finest parish schools in the diocese.

The following is a list of the Grand Knights of the Council since it was organized: M. E. Bell, 1910-16, 1920-22; H. C. Wildgen, 1916-17; L. E. Bodine, 1917-18; E. J. Susank, 1918-20; C. J. Finn, 1922-23; L. J. Coxon, 1923-25; V. Hochstatter, 1925-28; W. B. Marquis, 1928-29, 1930-31; H. P. Riedel, 1929-30; Gerald Lane, 1931-32; B. P. Quint, 1932-34; N. G. Lane, 1934-36; J. R. Murphy, 1936-38, deceased; R. E. Connor, 1938-40; Harold Stickney, 1940-42; F. J. Zoth, 1942-43, deceased; Wm. Proksch, 1943-45; F. J. Kingston, 1945-47; Grant J. Lane, 1947 --.

One of the first District Deputies in this part of the state was M. E. Bell.  During his time in office his district extended from Council Grove on the east to the Colorado line on the west up and down the Missouri Pacific Railroad.  The following brothers of this Council have also served as District Deputies: H. C. Wildgen, 1931-32; Gerald Lane, 1933-36; Wilfred B. Marquis, 1937-38-41-42.  Brother Marquis was State Treasurer, 1943-44.  Grant Lane is chairman of the State Membership Committee.

The Council has for the past several years owned a complete set of equipment and has active first, second, and third degree teams of which we are all justly proud.  The third degree team is rated one of the best in the state.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Robert W. Linsner, Sr.; Deputy Grand Knight, Julius W. Stickney; Chancellor, Hugo Meyers; Recorder, Albert J. Younger; Financial Secretary, George E. Eastwood; Treasurer, Wm. Proksch; Lecturer, Harold Stickney; Advocate, Ben Nemlowill; Warden, Hubert Proksch; Inside Guard, Dan Sprutte; Outside Guard, John Schwartz; Trustees, Francis J. Kingston, Martin Ochs, Grant J. Lane; Chaplain, Rev. Gilbert P. Herrman.

The Council now has 146 members, 85 insurance and 61 associate.

St. Leonard Council 1539 at Spearville was chartered January 15, 1911.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, John Tully; Deputy Grand Knight, Ben Schawe; Financial Secretary, Geo. F. Ravenkamp; Recording Secretary, James Slattery; Treasurer, Geo. H. Torline; Warden, John Gehrer; Advocate, C. C. Slattery; Chancellor, Frank Klenke; Chaplain, Father Sullivan; Inside Guard, J. E. Peay; Outside Guard, Fred J. Schawe; Trustees, Geo. A. Stein, Geo. Peppercorn, L. C. Schultz.

The charter members were:

The past Grand Knights are: John Tully, Sr., 1911-12; Ben Schawe, 1912-14; J. H. Herman, 1914-16; John Gehrer, 1916-18; Frank Klenke, 1918-20; C. C. Slattery, 1920-22; D. F. Schaffer, 1922-24; Geo. H. Torline, 1924-26; Raymund C. Stein, 1926-28; Wm. C. Klenke, 1928-30; Fred C. Laudick, 1930-32; J. W. Shean, 1932-34; John J. Laudick, 1934-36; B. F. Habiger, 1936-38; Paul F. Mages, 1938-40; John Klenke, 1940-42; Louis Werner, 1942-44; Michael Hornung, 1944-46; LeRoy Klenke, 1946-47; Clarence J. Tasset, 1947-49; John F. Ackerman, 1949 --.

Members of the Council who have served as District Deputies are: George F. Ravenkamp 1921-23, John Tully 1926-28, Fred C. Laudick 1932-38 and 1940-42, Raymund C. Stein 1938-40.  Fred C. Laudick was State Secretary 1938-40.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, John G. Ackerman; Deputy Grand Knight, Robert M. Clay; Chancellor, Bernard Knoeber; Recorder, Edward Schuette; Financial Secretary, Fred C. Laudick; Treasurer, Chester Hornung; Lecturer, Joe Ackerman; Advocate, Donald Stein; Warden, Alvin Mages; Inside Guard, Gilbert Klenke; Outside Guard, Tony Herzog; Trustees, John Slattery, Chas. Ravenkamp, J. W. Shean; Chaplain, Rev. Arnold J. Weller.

The Council now has 157 members, 104 insurance and 53 associate.

Alexis Council 1589 at Olpe was instituted October 29, 1911.  The first officers were: Grand Knight, Henry J. Sheridan; Deputy Grand Knight, Peter Greiveldinger; Financial Secretary, John E. Kane; Recording Secretary, Jake L. Brown; Treasurer, Henry Schulze; Warden, John O'Brien; Advocate, M. H. Herrington; Chancellor, Joseph Strutzel; Chaplain, Rev. Timothy Brockman; Inside Guard, Herman Schulze; Outside Guard, Wm. B. Schulze; Trustees, Henry Dreier, Ernest Rossillon, Peter Weinman, Sr.; Lecturer, John Mulroy.

The charter members were:

The Council was named in honor of Reverend Alexis Centner, pioneer Franciscan and first pastor of St. Joseph parish of Olpe.  The day of institution and the first initiation was an event long remembered.  Seventeen of the forty-four charter members were in this first class.  The others had transferred from Emporia.  Reverend Timothy Brockman, O.F.M., was toastmaster at the banquet.  Among the other speakers were Rev. Peter Welling, O.F.M., the pastor, James W. Gibbons, and Rev. Berthold, O.F.M., of Emporia.

For the first few years the new Council rented quarters for its meetings.  Many new members were added each year and the Council grew strong.  When the parish built a new grade and high school in 1921 the old school building was purchased by the Council, moved across the street, and converted into a new Knights of Columbus home and recreation hall.  A full basement was put under the building and it was equipped with pool and billiard tables and a bowling alley.  Many enjoyable hours have been spent there by the members.  A basketball court was added later.

During the years Alexis Council has endeavored to justify its existence by participation in civic and church affairs.  Its assistance could always be relied upon for religious, charitable, and educational projects.  The Council provided a beautiful stained glass window for St. Joseph Church, office fixtures for the parish rectory, household furnishings for the Sisters' residence, and equipment for a room in the new St. Mary's Hospital in Emporia, At various times donations were made to Franciscan Missionaries in China, for flood relief, the Red Cross, War causes, the National Council of Catholic Men, and many others.

Alexis Council has participated in the national and state activities of the Order.  Three men have served as District Deputies; Jacob Brown, Leo Brinkman, and Milton J. Herrington.  Leo Brinkman held the office of State Secretary for the terms of 1931 and 1932 while a member of this Council.  Jacob Brown's fifteen years of service as Grand Knight is probably a state record.  The Rev. Joseph Moellman was the first member to be ordained to the priesthood.

The past Grand Knights of the Council are: Henry J. Sheridan, 1911-12, deceased; Jacob Brown, 1912-13, 1916-21, 1923-25, 1926-28, 1929-30, 1934-35, 1936-37, 1938-39, 1941-42; M. H. Herrington, 1913-15, deceased; Frank Bender, 1915-16, deceased; Ernest Rossillon, 1921-23; John A. Haag, 1925-26; H. C. Bolz, 1928-29; Nick J. Brown, 1930-32, 1942-43; Steve Wecker, 1932-34, 1937-38; Alex Brinkman, 1935-36, 1940-41; M. J. Herrington, 1939-40; Jake E. Haag, 1943-45; Sylvester Brown, 1945-46; Walter Haag, 1946-47; Peter J. Wagner, 1947-48; Gerald E. Steffes, 1949.

The present officers are: Grand Knight, Gerald E. Steffes; Deputy Grand Knight, Peter J. Wagner; Chancellor, Kenneth Schmidt; Recorder, Vernal L. Haag; Financial Secretary, John A. Haag; Treasurer, Stephen F. Wecker; Lecturer, Rev. Martin Hoeft; Advocate, Joseph M. Brown; Warden, Bernard Bolz; Inside Guard, Albert Boes; Outside Guard, Joseph Schulze; Trustees, Fred J. Voeste, Michael Haag, Fred Hohne; Chaplain, Rev. Alcuin Kammer, O.F.M.

The Council now has 111 members, 66 insurance and 45 associate.

Tipton Council 1645

Tipton Council 1645 was chartered May 19, 1912.  The first officers were: Grand Knight, M. A. Arnoldy; Deputy Grand Knight, E. C. Mueller; Recording Secretary, N. C. Arnoldy; Treasurer, R. H. Hune; Warden, J. B. Steichen; Advocate, Stephen Schandler; Chancellor, N. L. Pauley; Inside Guard, J. T. Thille; Outside Guard, Henry Fischer; Trustees, Joseph Dubbert, M. J. Arnoldy, M. Lutgen.

The charter members of the Council were:

The Council has always been active in church and civic affairs and has contributed much to the Catholic grade and high school.  It provides two gold medals annually for religion contests in the schools.  During both world wars the Council worked for the success of the various drives.  It also has an active blood donors group.  The Council is a member of the National Council of Catholic Men and donates freely to other Catholic endeavors.  It celebrates various anniversaries and has an annual Father and Son banquet.  Easter Sunday is set apart for the reception of Holy Communion in a body.

The community, as well as the Council, is proud of the thirty-five piece Knights of Columbus Band.  The band was organized in 1925 with Matt Moritz as president and Ed M. Jacobs as director and instructor.  It is the only Kansas K. of C. band with such a long, unbroken history.  It continues today under the same president and conductor and is constantly called upon to play for all sorts of religious and civic functions.  The only change is that many of the original bandsmen have their sons playing with them today.  The Council at one time had a Junior Drum and Bugle Corps and there is now talk of reviving it.

The Council owns its own clubrooms and bowling alley.  As a consequence, it has had a number of excellent bowling teams.  It is particularly proud of its basketball squad of eighteen men, mostly high school alumni.  They are popular everywhere in this part of the state, favorably known for their good sportsmanship, and draw good crowds whenever they play.

With twenty thousand dollars in cash and pledges on hand, the Council has begun construction of new clubrooms.  The building will be sixty by one hundred and ten feet in size with the idea of providing better facilities for the athletic programs of the Tipton Catholic schools and other civic and religious functions.

The Grand Knights of Tipton Council were: M. A. Arnoldy, 1912-20; E. C. Mueller, 1920-22; John 1. Pfeiffer, 1922-24; Vincent Thummel, 1924-26; Ed M. Jacobs, 1926-28; Frank Krier, 1928-30; B. M. Hake, 1930-32, deceased; Matt J. Moritz, 1932-37; F. M. Freif, 1937-39; M. J. Cordell, 1939-43; M. M. Schmitt, 1943-45; Herman N. Hake, 1945-49.

R. C. Mueller was State Treasurer in 1919 and 1920.  Ed. M. Jacobs was elected to the same office in 1931 and 1932, and served as District Deputy from 1940 to 1946.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Herman N. Hake; Deputy Grand Knight, Norbert M. Arnoldy; Chancellor, F. M. Greif; Recorder, Lawrence F. Mick; Financial Secretary, Ed. M. Jacobs; Treasurer, M. A. Arnoldy; Lecturer, Kenneth Pfeiffer; Advocate, Matt Moritz; Warden, A. J. Boberg; Inside Guard, Harold R. Snider; Outside Guard L. A. Bulthaup; Trustees, J. P. Streit, M. J. Cordel, Frank Konzem; Chaplain, Rev. E. D. Weigel.

The Council now has 208 members, 101 insurance and 107 associate.

Abilene Council 1661 was chartered October 27, 1912.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, John L. Whitehair; Deputy Grand Knight, George H. Sottong; Financial Secretary, Chas. Morton; Recording Secretary, Joseph A. Curry; Treasurer, P. O. Lucier; Warden, Wm. J. Gunzelman; Advocate, Cecil Brooks; Chancellor, Mark V. Migliario; Chaplain, Rev. Thomas O'Reilly; Inside Guard, Chas. Francis Murray; Outside Guard, Chris. Walters; Trustees, J. H. Carroll, Pat Crowe, Frank Makins.

The charter members were:

Through the years Abilene Council has maintained its membership around a hundred.  In retrospect the activities of this group have been a truly worthwhile contribution to the community.  Since 1926 the Council has put on a Christmas party for the children of St. Joseph's home and of the parish.  For many years Christmas baskets were prepared for the needy of the parish and, in cooperation with the American Legion, for the poor of the city.  Each year a big party for the entire parish is sponsored and organized by the members.  In the thirties the Council sponsored a troop of Boy Scouts and a basketball team.  The Council contributes to and takes an active interest in "Teen Town", a supervised club for the youth of the city.  It lends its support to the Red Cross, Tuberculosis, Cancer and similar drives, and cooperates with all civic organizations in community activities.

The Council contributed a large stained glass window to St. Andrew's Church.  It receives Holy Communion in a body on Holy Thursday and the Feast of Christ the King.  Advertisements explaining the belief of Catholics are now being run in the local newspaper.  Abilene Council was host to the State Convention in 1927 and 1936.

The past Grand Knights are: John L. Whitehair, 1912-13; Mark V. Migliario, 1913-14, deceased; Frank Sullivan, 1914-15, deceased; John L. Hogan, 1915-17; Glen Owens, 1917-20; Frank Horan, 1920-21; Alexander Whitehair, 1921-22; Thomas F. VanSickel, 1922-26; Ralph Morton, 1926-28; J. C. Curran, 1928-30; J. A. Casanova, 1930-31; Raymond Whitehair, 1931-33, 1939-40; Francis Weishaar, 1933-36; Matthew Rodney, 1936-39; Chas. J. Stapf, 1940-41; Wm. T. O'Donnell, 1941-44; R. Victor Johnston, 1944-46; W. J. Murray, 1946-48; Henry Veltman, 1948-50.

The first District Deputy from the Council was John L. Hogan who served from 1926 to 1932.  Raymond Whitehair held the same office in 1938-39 and was elected State Secretary for the terms 1941-42.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Henry Veltman; Deputy Grand Knight, Linn Corwin; Chancellor, John R. Whitehair; Recorder, J. C. Curran; Financial Secretary, Chas. J. Stapf; Treasurer, John L. Hogan; Lecturer, Joseph Huston; Advocate, Joseph Zey; Warden, Mike Stroda; Inside Guard, Robert Sexton; Outside Guard, Allan Smith; Trustees, Raymond Whitehair, Wm. J. Murray, R. V. Johnston; Chaplain, Rev. C. J. Roche.

The Council now has 106 members, 72 insurance and 34 associate.

Hanover Council 1743 was instituted May 24, 1914.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, J. T. Murphy; Deputy Grand Knight, John Pejsa; Financial Secretary, Edw. Flaherty; Recording Secretary, Jos. Weiler; Treasurer, Ben Dingman; Warden, A. F. Flaherty; Advocate, Chas Seeberger; Chancellor, Frank Triska; Chaplain, Rev. Wm. Shellberg; Inside Guard, Edw. Cudahy; Outside Guard, Pat Hellse; Trustees, John Dingman, Thos. Murphy, John White.

The charter members were:

The Council gave a very substantial sum for the building of a new parochial school in 1932.  A few years ago it sponsored a troop of Boy Scouts.  The Council celebrated its thirty-fifth anniversary on May 8, 1949, with an initiation and a banquet.

The past Grand Knights are: J. T. Murphy, 1914-15, deceased; John Pejsa, 1915-16; Edw. F. Flaherty, 1916-17; Frank X. Triska, 1917-18; John Dingman, 1918-19; Frank Imming, 1919-21, 1929-32, deceased; Dr. L. R. Kramer, 1921-22, 1932-34; Geo.  Triska, 1922-24; Jos. Doebele, 1924-25; C. W. Krim, 1925-27; A. W. Jones, 1927; A. C. Wurtz, 1927-28; John F. White, 1928-29; Chas. Schwartz, 1929, 1939-41; Gilbert Linderman, 1934-35; Leo Ellis, 1935-36; Ray Doebele, 1936-37; Frank Meier, 1937-39; Dr. W. P. Williams, 1941-42; Wm. Landoll, 1942-48; Henry Greiveldinger, 1948-49.

C. W. Krim and George Triska have served as District Deputies.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Oscar Adams; Deputy Grand Knight, S. B. Doebele; Chancellor, Vincent Bruna; Recorder, Charles Bruna; Financial Secretary, Chester J. Poell; Treasurer, Frank Meier; Lecturer, William Landoll; Advocate, Jack Nespor; Warden, Gilbert Jandera; Inside Guard, Wes Sekal; Outside Guard, Henry Greiveldinger; Trustees, Otto Landoll, Anton Triska, Joseph Bruna; Chaplain, Rev. Henry Gesenhues.

The Council now has 148 members, 92 insurance and 56 associate.

Seneca Council 1769 was chartered December 6, 1914.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, Chas. H. Herold; Deputy Grand Knight, Ben J. Stein; Financial Secretary, J. F. Huerter; Recording Secretary, A. J. Wempe; Treasurer, F. J. Holthaus; Warden, M. H. Calnan; Advocate, Chas. F. Schrempp; Chancellor, Leo J. Scheier; Chaplain, Rev. Jos. Sittenauer, O.S.B.; Inside Guard, John Meinberg, Jr.; Outside Guard, F. J. Strathman; Trustees, John Movnagh, J. T. Buening, Peter P. Stein.

The charter members were:

The Council celebrated its twenty-fifth and its thirtieth anniversaries with appropriate exercises.  Twenty-five year buttons were awarded to over a hundred members and honorary memberships were presented to thirty old-timers in 1947.  Memorial services are held for deceased members and numerous charitable organizations are aided.

The Council owns its own home in which there is a large club room, a council chamber fully equipped for degree work, and three bowling alleys.  On April 27, 1947, the Council exemplified the major degrees for a class of twenty-seven, all of whom were insurance candidates.

The Grand Knights of the Council were: Chas. H. Herold, 1914-16, 1918-20, 1923-24, deceased; Ben J. Stein, 1916-18; John P. Meinberg, 1920-21; Peter P. Schmitt, 1921-23, deceased; P. A. Wempe, 1924-26, 1933-37, 1942-44; Wm. Boos, 1926-28; J. H. Roche, 1928-30; F. J. Krapp, 1930-32; E. A. Grollmes, 1932-33; J. M. Wempe, 1937-40, deceased; F. J. Holthaus, 1940-42; John D. Cunningham, 1944-46; Thomas P. Graney, 1946-47; Walter A. Becker, 1947-48; Phillip H. Huerter, 1948.

Charles H. Herold, Emmett J. Dignan, and F. J. Krapp were District Deputies.  The Council has given the State Council two chaplains: Reverend Damian Lavery, O.S.B., 1936-38, and Reverend Matthew Hall, O.S.B., 1944-46.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Phil H. Huerter; Deputy Grand Knight, Vern Groff; Chancellor, M. E. Boeding; Recorder, Peter J. Karnowski; Financial Secretary, J. H. Liening; Treasurer, Lorin L. Sweetland; Lecturer, Edw. A. Grollmes; Advocate, F. J. Krapp; Warden, August Uphaus; Inside Guard, George Becker; Outside Guard, Raymond Gudenkauf; Trustees, Edw. A. Boeding, Thomas P. Graney, G. John Strathman; Chaplain, Rev. Egbert Hall, O.S.B.

The Council now has 544 members, 436 insurance and 108 associate.

Marysville Council 1777 was chartered February 7, 1915.  The Reverend August Redeker was very active in helping to organize the Council and was its first chaplain.  The other first officers were: Grand Knight, J. J. Barlow; Deputy Grand Knight, Jos. Dwerlkotte; Financial Secretary, J. H. Cavanaugh; Recording Secretary, J. F. Schulte; Treasurer, M. J. Trienen; Warden, Ferd J. Wassenberg; Advocate, P. G. Wadham; Chancellor, John R. Tracy; Inside Guard, John F. Martin; Outside Guard, Aug. Wassenberg; Trustees, A. J. Travelute, D. J. Donahy, M. Barlow, Jr.; Lecturer, John N. Dougherty.

The charter members were:

The Council has always taken an active part in church and civic affairs.  It was host to the State Convention in 1932.  It worked in the war drives, organized its blood donors, and helped to maintain recreation centers for servicemen.  Its float in Marysville's Labor Day parade is always outstanding.  It sponsored a troop of Boy Scouts from 1935 to 1941 and always puts on a picnic for the children of the parish at the beginning of the summer vacation.  Of late years it has organized a softball team.  The members meet for Holy Communion in a body and breakfast every fifth Sunday of the month.  The Council also fosters study clubs.  It has always cooperated with other organizations for the welfare of the community and has done much to promote understanding and good will between Catholics and non-Catholics.

The Past Grand Knights are: J. J. Barlow, 1915-16, 1925, deceased; Jos. Dwer1kotte, 1916-17; J. H. Cavanaugh, 1918, deceased; J. F. Schulte, 1919-22; J. H. Ronnebaum, 1920-21, 1926-28; Frank Meier, 1923-24, deceased; E. J. Gerkin, 1929-31; Geo. Bauman, 1932; F. J. Wassenberg, 1933; John Wadham, 1934; Omar Reiter, 1935-36; H. P. McElroy, 1937-38; J. H. Morrow, 1939-40; Lawrence Urich, 1941; F. J. Gaydusek, 1942; C. L. Schroller, 1943-44; T. L. Barlow, 1945-46; Frederick Nieberding, 1947-48.

Several members of the Council have served the State Council.  J. F. Schulte was State Treasurer in 1923-24 and District Deputy in 1934.  J. H. Ronnebaum, was District Deputy from 1944 to 1949.  T. L. Barlow was State Publicity Chairman in 1949.  John G. Dowd was honored with election to the office of State Deputy for the terms 1948-49.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Andy Myers; Deputy Grand Knight, Edw. J. Bogus; Financial Secretary, Leo A. Schramm; Recording Secretary, Frank Temeyer; Treasurer, Harold L. Travelute; Warden, Wm. Keating; Advocate, Leo Noller; Chancellor, John Cohorst; Chaplain, Rev. Henry H. Grosdidier; Inside Guard Thos. Finn; Outside Guard, Geo. Mathewson, Jr.; Trustees, T. L. Barlow, Chas. J. Duiegnon, E. J. Kongs.

The Council now has 169 members, 100 insurance and 69 associate.

Manhattan Council 1832 was chartered April 30, 1916.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, Charles Edmund Floersch; Deputy Grand Knight, James F. Clark; Financial Secretary, A. J. Floersch; Recording Secretary, Edward Marcoux; Treasurer, Alfred E. Bailey; Advocate, A. M. Floersch; Chancellor, H. R. Brakeman; Chaplain, Rev. Arthur J. Luckey (now Rt. Rev. Msgr.); Outside Guard, John B. Collister; Trustees, Edward Cunningham, John P. Clark; Lecturer, Louis H. Stenger.

The charter members were:

Manhattan Council has always been active.  Two years after it was organized it initiated a class of 125, using the State College gymnasium to accommodate the crowd.  During the first World War sixty-nine percent of the membership of the Council was in the service.  The Council contributed a chalice to the Chaplains Aid Society, provided recreation facilities for the soldiers quartered at Kansas State College in addition to donating furniture to the K. of C. huts in Camp Funston.  The State College has presented the Council with unusual opportunities for service and with burdens not experienced by most councils.  From the beginning it accepted a certain responsibility for the material and spiritual welfare of Catholic students at the State College.  It has been joint sponsor of the Newman Club since 1916.  Immediately after the first World War it was active in helping to finance a house for Catholic students.  It also sponsored Iota Phi Kappa, the national Catholic fraternity, when it was organized in 1920.  At the same time the Council found it possible to support other activities and charities.  It raised a large sum for the St. Marys College endowment fund in 1921 and has always contributed to the Catholic Hour, the Red Cross, the Community Chest, and during the war to the USO.

The Council further demonstrates its active role in the life of the community by sponsoring the athletic program of Sacred Heart Academy and, since 1944, an annual K. of C. PTA Fall Festival.  Interest in the welfare of youth has led the Council to sponsor a Troop of Boy Scouts since 1936 and member Knights have always been willing to devote time and energy to provide the troop with leaders.  Since 1947 the Council has also had a Circle of Columbian Squires.  The spiritual unity of the members is demonstrated and reinforced through corporate Communion on each fifth Sunday throughout the year.

Manhattan Council's tradition of solidarity and activity was renewed in the celebration of its twenty-fifth anniversary in 1941.  Among other fraternal activities it organized a K. of C. blood donors group in 1943 and helped sponsor the Monsignor Luckey General Assembly Fourth Degree in 1944.  In 1948 the Council had the happy responsibility of arranging the program for the celebration on the occasion of the thirty-fifth anniversary of the pastorate of Rt. Rev. Msgr. A. J. Luckey, Chaplain and charter member of the Council.  The Council's clubrooms were remodeled and a refreshment stand was installed in 1947.  Since that time the Council has employed a full-time manager for the clubrooms, which are open daily.  The Council has had the honor of serving as host to the annual convention of the State Council in 1937 and again in 1948.

The Grand Knights largely responsible for the vigorous life of the Council were: Charles E. Floersch, 1916-17, deceased; Edward Cunningham, 1917-19, State Representative from the Forty-first District, 1932-34, deceased; L. Clifford Day, 1919-20; William O. Hunt, 1920-23, 1925-27; John B. Collister, 1923-25; Albert W. Lindler, 1927-29; James P. Callahan, 1929-32; Harry Bueche, 1932-33; Joseph H. Doebele, 1933-35, District Deputy, 1942-44; Roland D. Irvine, 1935-37; Bernard S. Farrell, 1937-39, State Secretary, 1944-46; Robert B. Irvine, 1939-41; J. Delbert Jones, 1941-42; George I. Finuf, 1942-44; Joseph E. Anderson, 1944-46, District Deputy, 1946-48; Carl J. Carlson, 1946-48; Bernard J. Conroy, 1948 --.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Bernard J. Conroy; Deputy Grand Knight, John L. Bradey; Chancellor, Joseph H. Doebele; Recorder, Harry J. Kobett; Financial Secretary, James A. Mallon; Treasurer, Albert E. Helget; Lecturer, John P. Noonan; Advocate, Bernard E. Callahan; Warden, Leo A. Marks; Inside Guard, Dennis A. Helget; Outside Guard, Andrew D. Kauer; Trustees, Bernard S. Farrell, Carl J. Carlson, Joseph E. Anderson; Chaplain, Msgr. A. J. Luckey.

The present membership of the Council is 231, 112 insurance and 119 associate.

Herndon Council 1845 was chartered June 11, 1916.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, J. R. Kirchner; Deputy Grand Knight, A. J. Roberts; Financial Secretary, David Walsh; Recording Secretary, James O'Leary; Treasurer, M. A. Zwickl; Warden, Frank Riepl; Advocate, Joseph Pitner; Chancellor, James Malone; Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Emmeram; Inside Guard, Fred W. Barenberg; Outside Guard, John J. Barenberg.

The charter members were:

Herndon Council has an active blood donor group.

The past Grand Knights are: J. R. Kirchner, 1916-18, 1928-30, 1935-37, deceased; A. J. Roberts, 1918-20; C. A. Maher, 1920-22; James O'Leary, 1922-24, 1930-32; David Walsh, 1926-28, deceased; Joseph Riepl, 1931-33; Louis Escher, 1933-35; Harry Barenberg, 1937-39; John B. Tongish, 1939-41; Edw. C. Barenberg, 1941-43; C. J. Hutfles, 1943-45.

James Malone was District Deputy from 1916 to 1922 and was State Deputy for the terms 1922 and 1923.  Other District Deputies from the Council were A. J. Roberts 1922-24, C. A. Maher 1930-34, and Edmund J. Kirchner, 1935-38.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Edward C. Barenberg; Deputy Grand Knight, Francis J. Malone; Chancellor, Raymond Marntzer; Recorder, Joseph M. Hutfles; Financial Secretary, Francis W. Escher; Treasurer, Clem W. Hartner; Lecturer, Francis Malone; Advocate, Fred Barenberg; Warden, Louis Leitner; Inside Guard, Jerry Hutfles; Outside Guard, Louis Pettera; Trustees, Harry Barenberg, Urban F. Lippold, Leo M. Walsh; Chaplain, Rev. Wm. Stehle, O.F.M. Cap.

The Council now has 81 members, 45 insurance and 36 associate.

St. Anthony Council 1857 of Plainville was chartered November 5, 1916.  The first officers were: Grand Knight, Dr. J. U. Catudal; Deputy Grand Knight, Ed F. Glennon; Financial Secretary, A. J. Glotzbach; Recording Secretary, Martin Rempe; Treasurer, James Gick; Warden, Hubert Bissett; Lecturer, Joseph R. McEnery; Advocate, Philip Toelkes; Chancellor, P. D. Spellman; Inside Guard, John Toelkes; Outside Guard, Frank Cronin; Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Henry; Trustees, Henry J. Westhusin, Louis L. Huber, Francis J. Kriley, Sr.

The charter members were:

Members of the Council gather for corporate Communion quarterly.  They provide a Christmas party for the children of the parochial school and award a prize to the student graduating with the highest average for the year.  The Council owns its own club rooms and also sponsors a baseball team.  The twenty-fifth anniversary of the institution of the Council was celebrated with the presentation of Twenty-Five Year buttons to twenty-four members.  A. J. Glotzbach served the Council as Financial Secretary from the beginning until 1949.  He was given a diamond-set K. of C. emblem ring by the Council upon his completion of twenty-five years of service in 1941. A picture of the seven Garvert brothers, all members of St. Anthony Council, was featured in Columbia in April, 1939.

The past Grand Knights are: Dr. J. U. Catudal, 1916-17, 1919, 1922-23, deceased; Tom J. Obrain, 1918, deceased; Philip Toelkes, 1920, deceased; Rev. Fr. Mattingly, 1921; Wm. Boudreau, 1924-25, deceased; J. E. Catudal, 1926-29, 1933; H. J. Vohs, 1930-31, 1934, 1940, 1942; E. J. Rempe, 1932; Geo. Hageman, 1933; Paul Malin, 1935-36; B. C. Stahl, 1937-39, 1941; Joseph Garvert, 1943-44; John Dauwe, 1945-47.

Dr. J. E. Catudal held the office of District Deputy in 1922-23.  Henry Marcotte is a representative in the State Legislature.

The present officers are: Grand Knight, Louis Rempe; Deputy Grand Knight, Al Garvert; Chancellor, Al Becker; Recorder, Leonard Garvert; Financial Secretary; John McMullen; Treasurer, Don Vohs; Lecturer, Joe Stahl; Advocate, John Dauwe; Warden, Joe Malin; Inside Guard, Paul Rempe; Outside Guard, Don Garvert; Trustees, Geo. Garvert, E. J. Rempe, Wm. Schrandt; Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Mulvihill.

The Council now has 113 members, 74 insurance and 39 associate.

Council 1862, originally instituted at Dodge City in 1917, was transferred to Wright, November 15, 1928.  The Council's first officers were: Grand Knight, Andrew Vogel; Deputy Grand Knight, Henry Kliesen; Financial Secretary, Louis Lix; Recording Secretary, Jake Bogner; Treasurer, August E. Conrardy; Warden, T. X. Doll; Advocate, John Rueb; Chancellor, Oscar Wolf; Inside Guard, Fremont Buehne; Outside Guard, Julius Koechner; Trustees, Gerhard Bluemer, Frank Vogel, Leo Haferd; Chaplain, Rev. F. L. Dombrowsky.

The charter members of the Council were:

The Council has always been active in civic and charitable works.  It contributes annually to the National Council of Catholic Men and the Red Cross.  It sponsors the athletics for the young people of the parish and supervised the building of the athletic field.  It also co-sponsors the Christmas Party for the children of the parish.  The Council has an annual Memorial Service for the deceased members.  Corporate Communion is held yearly.

The Council celebrated its twentieth anniversary November 15, 1948.  The main speaker was the State Chaplain, Rev. George Spaeth, C.P.P.S. Honorary Life Membership Degrees were conferred on six of the council members and twelve have received Twenty-five Year buttons.

The Grand Knights of the Council have been: Andrew Vogel, 1928-30, 1941-43; Louis A. Lix, 1930-33; August E. Conrardy, 1933-35; Frank H. Vogel, 1935-37, deceased; Fred Burns, 1937-39, Henry Vogel, 1939-41; William Bleumer, 1943-45; 0. B. Lix, 1945; A. A. Schmidt, 1945-47; Leo P. Vogel, 1947.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Louis D. Conrardy; Deputy Grand Knight, Andrew F. Lutz; Chancellor, Frank Durler; Recorder, Chas.  A. Lutz; Financial Secretary, Louis A. Lix; Treasurer, Philip Lutz; Lecturer, Frank Durler; Advocate, William Bleumer; Warden, Frank Downey; Inside Guard, Bernard Downey; Outside Guard, Pat Vogel; Trustees, Maurice Rueb, Lawrence Conrardy, Arnold Schmidt; Chaplain, Rev. Leo Kelty.

The Council now has 61 members, 50 insurance and 11 associate.

St. Fidelis Council 1867 of Victoria was organized April 8, 1917.

Its charter members were:

The first meeting was held at the parochial school on May 2, 1917, with the following officers: Grand Knight, A. P. Brungardt; Deputy Grand Knight, A. A. Dreiling; Chancellor, Joe A. Meier; Financial Secretary, S. P. Quint; Treasurer, Andrew J. Dreiling; Recorder, Alex J. Dreiling; Advocate, F. J. A. Dreiling; Warden, F. M. Weigel; Inside Guard, John Quint; Outside Guard, P. H. Quint; Trustees, E. P. Sheck, B. P. Huser, M. A. Basgall.

About a month after the first meeting the old Weigel store was leased for a club room.  In 1919 a lot was bought for a future club house, but in 1920 a building was bought from John P. Braun for a thousand dollars and a hundred dollar Liberty Bond.  By 1925 the Council had 235 members and a year later a building fund was started.  Then came the depression, drought and dust storms, and the going was hard.  By 1935 membership had dropped to 135.  Nevertheless, in November 1937, the old building was torn down and a new building began to rise.  Completed in February, 1938, the new Council home measures thirty-four by eighty-two feet and contains a bowling alley, pool tables, and other recreational equipment, besides the council chamber and social rooms.  The building cost six thousand dollars and most of the labor was donated by members.  The new hall was opened with a Communion breakfast and an all day celebration that included major degrees to thirty-five candidates.  A similar celebration marked the burning of the mortgage on January 30, 1947.

The Council celebrated its silver jubilee on April 8, 1942, with a Communion breakfast, initiation, and a banquet.  The speakers at the latter were the State Deputy, Andrew Pflumm, past State Deputy, E. D. Sheehan, Victor Toepfer, Mel Dorzweiler, and the Reverend Edwin Dorzweiler, 0.F.M. Cap., toastmaster.  At this time the membership of the Council was back up to 250, over half of whom carried insurance totaling $179,000.00. The Council has four Honorary members and thirty-five Twenty-five Year members.

During the World Wars the Council donated to the Knights of Columbus War Chest, and to the Red Cross.  Members in the armed forces were exempt from dues and per capita.  The Council further remembered them with parcels and letters.  After the opening of Walker Army Air Base the K. of C. hall was thrown open for the entertainment of the soldiers three nights each week for three years.  The Council was also credited with $235,000.00 worth of bonds sold in drives it sponsored.

The Council has always contributed generously to charities, particularly to the local Catholic high school, the hospital at Hays, to Mexican relief, and to Russian relief through Bishop Kessler and Father Kappas.  It remembers its deceased members with two requiem Masses each year, and all First Friday Masses are offered by the Council for its members living and dead.

The Grand Knights of the Council have been: A. P. Brungardt, 1917-19, deceased; Alex J. Dreiling, 1919-21; John J. Dreiling, 1921-22; P. H. Quint, 1922-25, 1927-31; Victor Toepfer, 1925-26; Jos. P. Roth, 1926-27, 1940-41; William Baier, 1931-36, 1942-46; Frank Schippers, 1936-38; Leo Rajewski, 1938-40; George Wellbrock, 1941-42; E. M. Pfeifer, 1946-50.

Several of the officers have served the Council for many years.  Victor Toepfer has been financial secretary since 1925, and Joseph J. Roth has been treasurer since 1924.  The longest record is that of Joseph A. Meier who has been chancellor from the institution of the Council in 1917 to 1949.

Peter H. Quint was District Deputy for two years and was State Secretary from 1940 to 1942.  William Baier served as District Deputy from 1946 to 1950.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, E. M. Pfeifer; Deputy Grand Knight, Roy Baier; Chancellor, Virgil Quint; Recorder, Wm. Baier, Jr.; Financial Secretary, Victor Toepfer; Treasurer, Joe J. Roth; Lecturer, P. H. Quint; Advocate, James Rajewski; Warden, Howard Rajewski; Inside Guard, Gilbert Sander; Outside Guard, Earl Huser; Trustees, Conrad Hoffman, Frank C. Sander, John C. Gerstner; Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Conway, 0.F.M. Cap.

The Council now has 253 members, 147 insurance and 106 associate.

Cawker Council 1868 was instituted April 15, 1917.  Its first officers were: Grand Knight, F. J. Buist; Deputy Grand Knight, John Flavin; Financial Secretary, J. S. Carl; Recording Secretary, J. S. Carl; Treasurer, H. Henry; Warden, John Slipke; Advocate, John Heinen; Chancellor, H. J. Gennette; Chaplain, Rev. L. E. Wahlmeir; Inside Guard, Matt Pirotte; Outside Guard, Anton Heinen; Trustees, George Buist, Peter Koster, Frank Schuetz.

The charter members were:

The past Grand Knights are: F. J. Buist, 1917-18; John Flavin, 1918-20; Anton Heinen, 1920-22, 1923; Peter Koster, 1922-24; Joseph Mildrexler, 1924-27, 1942-44; Henry Heinen, 1927-28; Henry Koster, 1928-30; John Heinen, 1930-32; Charles Munsey, 1932-34; Rudolph Meyer, 1934-35; George Gengler, 1935-37; John Koster, 1937-39; Chris Pirotte, 1939-40; Charles Bergman, 1940-42; Lawrence Heinen, 1944-45; John Pirotte, 1945-48; R. J. Koster, 1948-49.

F. J. Buist served as District Deputy.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, Frank Brock; Deputy Grand Knight, Max Remus; Chancellor, John P. Flavin; Recorder, Francis Brinker; Financial Secretary, Leo J. Bruggeman; Treasurer, Chas. Bergman; Lecturer, Rev. Paul Meitl; Advocate, Vincent Brinker; Warden, Cecil Koster; Inside Guard, Dan J. Buser; Outside Guard, Eugene Thull; Trustees, Joe Mildrexler, Arthur Beyer, Henry Koster; Chaplain, Rev. L. E. Wahlmeier.

The Council now has 83 members, 66 insurance and 17 associate.

On March 6, 1916 the major degrees of the Knights of Columbus were conferred on a class of twenty-seven candidates by the General James Shields Council at Garnett.  This class, together with other members, was to have resulted in the institution of a new Council at Greeley.  However the charter was not granted at that time, but with the permission of the Supreme Officers a Council was organized which transacted the regular routine of business until a charter was granted on April 1, 1918 for the Council with fifty-one charter members, forty-one of whom are living.  Much credit for the organization of the Council must go to the Reverend E. Scherrer who was its chaplain until his death on November 23, 1926.

The first officers were: Grand Knight, Frank Lickteig; Deputy Grand Knight, Joseph Liell; Financial Secretary, C. E. Wustefeld; Recording Secretary, August Wustefeld; Treasurer, George A. Rosner; Warden, William Newcomb; Advocate, Frank Mick; Chancellor, Charles Aziere; Chaplain, Rev. E. Scherrer; Inside Guard, Rudolph Katzer; Outside Guard, William Rommelfanger; Trustees, John Raitinger, J. P. Aziere, Clem Ohmes.

The charter members were:

The Council has been active in parish affairs and charitable works, having contributed generously to the building fund for the new St. John the Baptist Church consecrated on Columbus Day, 1943.  It contributed to the bond drives in the first World War, to the Red Cross and USO in the second World War, and to the National Council of Catholic Men, Boy's Town, and other worthy causes.  The annual Christmas treat was always looked forward to by the children of the parish.

The Council participates in the District Corporate Holy Communion and breakfasts and in the Days of Recollection.  Its Second Degree Team has conferred the degree on numerous occasions throughout the district.  There are thirty-two Twenty-five Year members in the Council, and John B. Rommelfanger, Frank Mick, and Clem H. Ohmes have been presented Honorary Life memberships.

In the field of athletics the Council has sponsored baseball and basketball teams for the past two years.  The annual District Picnic is a popular event with members.

The past Grand Knights are: Frank Lickteig, 1918-21; F. J. Rommelfanger, 1921-27, 1937-41; Frank Imming, 1927-29; Frank J. Ohmes, 1929-30; Eugene Lickteig, 1930-31; Henry Tomlison, 1931-32; John B. Hochstatter, 1932-36; Paul A. Volz, 1936-37; R. B. Huettenmueller, 1941-43; W. J. Rommelfanger, 1943-47; R. J. Morgan, 1947-49.

The present officers of the Council are: Grand Knight, B. Richard Lickteig; Deputy Grand Knight, James P. Gilner; Chancellor, Paul A. Volz; Recorder, George J. Miller; Financial Secretary, N. G. Rommelfanger; Treasurer, C. E. Wustefeld; Lecturer, Eugene F. Rommelfanger; Advocate, Frank Lickteig; Warden, Alfred Lickteig; Inside Guard, Henry E. Wittman; Outside Guard, Henry J. Morgan; Trustees, Raymond V. Kreipe, M. J. Ohmes, John W. Setter; Chaplain, Rev. Timothy Bourke.

The Council now has 74 members, 62 insurance and 12 associate.

St. Aloysius Council 1913 of Olathe was chartered May 30, 1918.

The charter members were:

Members of the Council meet for Holy Communion and breakfast on every fifth Sunday of the month.  The Council is the proud owner of its home.  There are movie nights at the clubrooms once a month.  The featured social events of the year are the basket picnic and barbecue in the summer, a big dance in the fall, and a card party and bingo.  The Council has always been prominent in charitable work in its community.

The past Grand Knights of the Council are: D. R. Hale, 1918; Dan A. Glenn, 1918-20; George W. Gras, 1920-22, 1929-33, 1941-42; Charles A. Bigelow, 1922-24; John S. Kelly, 1924-26; T. B. Gallanaugh, 1926-28; Francis Rothwell, 1928-29; Vincent J. Meyer, 1933-37; Francis E. McKaughn, 1937-38; John Fuller, 1938-41; L. V. O'Keefe, 1942-43; C. F. Gillespie, 1943-46; Wm. Kelly, 1946-47; J. F. Zemites, 1947-49.

The present officers are: Grand Knight, John F. Koppers; Deputy Grand Knight, Joe Moll; Chancellor, Joe Smith; Recorder, John Sebenaler; Financial Secretary, C. B. Schwarzweller; Treasurer, Frank Peterson; Lecturer, Joe Zemites; Advocate, Art Henrieh; Warden, John Rensing; Inside Guard, Frank Stumpf; Outside Guard, Ernest Smith; Trustees, Alex Barthol, William O'Connor, Hugh Thompson; Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Smith.

The Council now has 81 members, 42 insurance and 39 associate.