Founder Elder Watson Diggs, affectionately known as “the Dreamer”, was quiet, polished, scholarly, and a prolific writer.  He was born in Madisonville, Christian County, Kentucky, on December 23, 1883, and was the eldest son of Henry and Cornelia Diggs, he had one brother, and one sister.  

 

He received a one-room school education in Louisville, Kentucky, where he helped teach the younger children.  Following graduation from Indiana State Normal School in the spring of 1908, Diggs enrolled at Howard University in 1909.  While a student there, he developed a friendship with fellow Hoosier, Byron K. Armstrong.

 

During the summer of that year, Byron Armstrong visited his cousin, Irven Armstrong at Indiana University.  Bryon was so impressed that he persuaded Diggs to enroll with him in the fall.  Diggs enrolled at Indiana University in the fall of 1910 and was the first African-American to graduate with an A.B. degree from Indiana University’s School of Education.  He subsequently earned his Master’s degree of Education from Howard University. Founder Diggs was an educator who held positions at public schools throughout Indiana.  Following his death, School #42 was named in his honor where he served as principal for 26 years. 

 

When the U.S. made it’s declaration in World War I against Germany, Diggs resigned as principal and entered the nation's first officer's training camp at Fort Des Moines, Iowa and was commissioned a lieutenant.  After serving in Europe with the 368th Infantry, he became a captain in the Reserve Officers Training Corps.  Diggs also was a past commander of the American Legion.  Subsequent to the war, Diggs was instrumental in having the Indiana constitution amended to permit Negro enlistment in the Indiana National Guard.