Notable Members of Alpha Delta Sigma Chapter

John Thomas Thornton was a Brother of many traits:
A Sigma Man! A realtor. A building contractor. A churchman. An educator. A director of 3 financial institutions and a deep interest in the community’s social agencies, serving on several boards of directors.
Bro. Thornton’s advice was sought by many in real estate matters. He was an expert on buildings and on construction. His tenants looked upon him as a man of sympathy and understanding of their problems. As one tenant put it, “Mr. Thornton was the best landlord I ever had. If you were out of work or couldn’t pay your rent, he would never put you out or tell you to move. He would say, “Well, just do the best you can.”
He was regarded as one of the most widely known and highly respected people in Our Community.
Brother Thornton holds the distinction of being Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Southwestern Region’s 1st Life Member (#17 overall).
Sadly, Brother Thornton was shot and killed on Sunday, Jan. 11, 1959, by a tenant while collecting rent in an apartment building he owned.
The Southwestern Region’s (AR, KS, MO, NE, OK, West TN) Bigger & Better Business Annual Award is named after Brother Thornton.

Brother Hamlett was born in Henderson, TN in 1882. He was a graduate of Lane College in Jackson, TN, and attended Washburn College (now University) in Topeka, KS and the Garrett Institute in Evanston, IL.
In 1926, he received a Master of Arts Degree from
Northwestern University.
He was elevated to bishopric front the position of editor of the Christian Index, national publication of the C.M.E. church, from 1914 to 1929.
He was a Bishop of the C.M.E. church for 39 years, and was the Senior Bishop in hisdenomination from 1954 until his retirement in 1958. He was elected a bishop in 1922. In 1948, Bishop Hamlett was a delegate to the first assembly of World Council of Churches in Amsterdam, Holland.
In 1954, Brother Bishop Hamlett and his wife, Lena Hamlett, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Brother Hamlett was also the father-in-law to another chapter member, Brother Samuel Luby Payne, who was the manager of the Parkview Hotel (in the 18th & Vine Jazz District).
Brother Bishop Hamlett, passed away, Saturday, February 17, 1962. He was 79 years old.

12th SW Regional Director 1985 - 1988
Increased membership in the Region by 42%
Activated more chapters over a three-year period than anytime in the Region's history
Established the first SW Region Legal Counsel
Established the first SW Past Regional Directors Council
Secured more members on the General Board of the Fraternity than any time in the region's history
Established the first International Regional Directors Council
Introduced the concept of voting as a Regional Block to maximize our political might
Served as Special Assistant to the 25th International President
Served as the International Real Estate Chairman
Hosted National Conclave 1987 as Regional Director
Member of the SWRDSC. Served as its President for 12 years
International Distinguished Service Chapter
Initiated Beta Theta, UAPB

11th SW Regional Director 1982 - 1985
Noted for encouraging brothers and chapters to put their accomplishments in writing so that there would be a historical record
Served as 2nd National Vice President. This is the highest elected office that can be held by an undergraduate.
Authored The Perfection Scoop Handbook and the SW Regional Award Booklet
First Black Certified Property Manager in KC
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Life Member
Initiated into Beta Chi Chapter, Lincoln Univ. - (MO)

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