William Joseph Simmons

William Joseph Simmons, born on May sixth, eighteen eighty, was a notable American preacher and fraternal organizer. He is best remembered for founding and leading the second iteration of the Ku Klux Klan, a position he held from Thanksgiving evening nineteen fifteen until his ousting in nineteen twenty-two.

Under Simmons' leadership, the organization experienced a significant resurgence, capitalizing on the social and political climate of the time. His tenure was marked by a blend of religious fervor and a commitment to fraternal ideals, which attracted a diverse membership base.

However, Simmons' leadership came to an end when he was ousted by Hiram Wesley Evans, signaling a shift in the organization's direction. This transition marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Klan, as it moved away from Simmons' vision.