david curtiss "steve" stephenson (august 21, 1891 – june 28, 1966) was a convicted murderer and rapist, who in 1923 was appointed grand dragon of the branch of the ku klux klan in indiana and head of klan recruiting for seven other states. later that year, he led those groups to independence from the national kkk organization. amassing wealth and political power in indiana politics, he was one of the most prominent national klan leaders. "he was viewed as responsible for reviving the klan and widening its base, and considered the most powerful man in indiana". he had close relationships with numerous indiana politicians, especially governor edward l. jackson.