profile of a southern soldier: fighting with stonewall · saturday, november 5 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m....

VOL. 17, NO. 9 OCTOBER 2016

The Telegraph Key- . . . . . / - . . - . . . -- . . - . . - . -- . . . . . / - .- . - . --

THE OFFICIAL DISPATCH FOR THE MAJOR THOMAS J. KEY CAMP #1920KANSAS DIVISION, SCV • JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS

Major Thomas J. KeyCamp Officers

CommanderJames D. Thornton

1st Lt. CommanderJohn Weir

2nd Lt. CommanderJames L. Speicher

AdjutantSteven Crawford

Communications OfficerSteven Crawford

Historian and ScrapbookDan Peterson

Web MasterJohn Weir

Newsletter EditorJohn Kirchmeyer, Jr.

Camp ChaplainCarl Linck

Cadet Member CoordinatorLee Crutchfield

The Commander’s CornerThomas J. Key Camp Commander, Jim Thornton

www.MajorKey1920KSSCV.org

As we approach Veterans Day, I would like to address an act that has become as habitual, routine, and customary as to have lost its true meaning. The action I speak of is the greeting given to our military personnel and veterans, “Thank you for your service.” Do we stop and think about what we are saying? Do we realize what these words mean to the service man or woman standing before us? Or are we just going through the motions? You may answer, “Who doesn’t want to be thanked for their military service?”

According to a recent article in The New York Times, many people, as it turns out. Mike Freedman, a Green Beret, calls it the “thank you for your service phenomenon.” To some recent vets — by no stretch all of them — the thanks comes across as shallow, disconnected, a reflexive offering from people who, while meaning well, have no clue what soldiers did over there

or what motivated them to go. Hunter Garth, a Marine who served in Afghanistan, said that when he gets thanked it can feel self-serving for the thankers, suggesting that they somehow understand the sacrifice, night terrors, feelings of loss and bewilderment. Or don’t think about it at all.

To me, thanking someone for their service means you are willing to learn about their military service and personal sacrifice. I feel a better phrase or greeting to use would be, “Thank you for the sacrifices you made in the service to our country.” After all, these men and women most likely made extraordinary sacrifices while serving in the military. Some suffered horrific physical injuries, many give up the ties to their families, and probably the most chilling of all are the emotional and psychological injuries endured. Sometimes I feel a shiver and say a private prayer for the veteran who I am filling a prescription for in my job as a VA pharmacist when I see the medications and the diagnosis they are prescribed for. This is why I believe we should not just say,

Continued on Page 2

Profile of a Southern Soldier: Fighting with Stonewall 2nd Lt. Newton Millard Pownall, Company A, 33rd Virginia (Stonewall Brigade)

Newton Millard Pownall was born in 1833 in Hampshire County Virginia, one of four brothers who answered Virginia’s call to arms in June 1861. He and his brother, Albert, enlisted as Privates in the (Potomac Guards). After being mustered into regular Confederate service and designated Company A, 33rd Virginia, they, along with Companies B and C, became the original three companies in what would later become the famous “Stonewall Brigade.” During the battle of First Manassas, the 1st Virginia Brigade, under General Jackson, was ordered to move to the left of the Confederate line on Henry House Hill with the 33rd anchoring the left flank. Shortly after deploying, Union forces were able to break the three Confederate brigades holding Matthews Hill. General Bee tried to rally these brigades near Jackson’s 1st Brigade while Federal troops steadily pushed forward toward Henry House Hill. Eleven Federal guns were able to gain position on the hill and began to fire obliquely into the left flank of Jackson’s troops. The withering fire from the batteries began to have an effect of Jackson’s Infantry, most of whom were green and had never experienced a major engagement. Laying in wait under a murderous fire from the Federal guns, the men’s nerves were stretched to the breaking point.

With the Federal troops getting closer and having endured enough of the bombardment, the men of the 33rd broke from their position and, rushing over the crest of Henry House Hill, attacked the Federal batteries. They reached the guns that

were doing so much damage and managed to render them ineffective. Having attacked without orders, the men of the 33rd were without support and were forced to fall back to the crest of the hill by Federal infantry arriving to support the guns. As the Federal troops continued to press toward the crest of the hill, the entire 1st Brigade mounted a furious charge and, with the assistance of more Confederate troops arriving to support Jackson’s left, they managed to repulse the Federal advance and turn the tide of the battle.

Newton and Albert fought side-by-side in many of the Stonewall Brigade’s early engagements. According to a short biography on Albert, he and Newton had ample opportunity to observe General Jackson as their tent was always pitched next to Stonewall’s. Albert says in his biography that, “Jackson’s loyal colored servant would often come to the boys with words something like this: ‘Going to be a big battle tomorrow cause Massa Jackson been prayin’.’”

Newton was promoted to 4th Sgt. in April 1862. Sadly, he would only have the company of his brother for six more months. In October 1862,

Albert and (another Pownall brother) Francis, were captured by Federal troops in the “Bean Settlement” while returning from furlough. Both were sent to Camp Chase, Ohio. Albert would spend the rest of the war in Camp Chase while records indicate that Francis was exchanged. Francis and a fourth Pownall brother served in Imboden’s Partisan Cavalry.

Newton continued to serve with the Stonewall Brigade throughout all their campaigns being promoted to 1st Sgt. in October 1862 and to 2nd Lt. by April 1863. During the battle of Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863, Newton was mortally wounded and died a few days later on May 10. His place of burial is unknown.

Newton Millard Pownall was a cousin of Key Camp compatriot Bennie Hamilton.

The Commander’s CornerContinued from page 1

Next Camp Meeting:November 3, 2016

Upcoming EventsSaturday, November 5 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Ottawa, KS

» Ottawa Veterans Day Parade People’s Bank Parking Lot 5th St. and Walnut Ottawa, KS 66067

The Ottawa Veterans Day parade will begin at 10:45 a.m. and end at noon on Main Street in downtown Ottawa.

Saturday, January 28, 2017 • Shawnee Mission, KS

» Lee-Jackson Banquet

Abdallah Shrine Temple 5300 Metcalf Shawnee Mission, KS 66202

The 2017 Lee-Jackson Banquet will once again be held at the Abdallah Shrine Temple. Please plan on attending – and keep a lookout for items or artifacts we may be able to use for the auction.

SAVE THE DATE: February 2017 • Knoxville, TN

» Stephen Dill Lee Institute– Reconstruction

The Stephen Dill Lee Institute will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee in February 2017. More information will be available at a later date by visiting www.stephendleeinstitute.com/events.html.

SAVE THE DATE:June 2017 • Emporia, KS

» Annual Kansas Division Reunion

SAVE THE DATE:

July 18-13, 2016 • Memphis, TN

» Annual National SCV Reunion Memphis Cook Convention Center 255 N. Main St. Memphis, TN 38103

For more information, including registration details, lodging, and event schedule, visit http://scvmemphis2017.org.

The Telegraph Key

The Telegraph Key is a newsletter published for the Major Thomas Key Camp #1920 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). The SCV is a non-profit organization with a patriotic, historical, and genealogical orientation and is not affiliated with any other organization. Opinions in this newsletter reflect the views of the writers and are not necessarily a statement of the views of the SCV, the Kansas Division, the Kansas Brigades, nor any other camp. Comments and articles are solicited.

Email comments, article ideas, and suggestions to John Kirchmeyer at [email protected].

Key Camp Website Resources

Key Camp: www.MajorKey1920ksscv.orgSCV National: www.SCV.org

“Thank you for your service,” but instead say, “Thank you for your sacrifice.”

In a poll by the veteran’s website Task & Purpose, when asked how someone should thank veterans for their service, veterans responded simply: “Learn the Constitution, get informed, and vote accordingly. Don’t allow the rights that veterans fought, died, and bled for, to be voted away or limited due to ignorance, laziness, or a sheep mentality. If you want to do something more substantial you can always support soldiers in need, donate to charities that support veterans, or find a local Guard or Reserve unit for your organization to adopt.”

My friends, this Veterans Day, don’t just say “Thank you for your service” because everyone else is doing it and it’s customary; say “Thank you for the sacrifices you made in the service to our country,” and mean it. Then take the time to listen and learn if our service men and women are willing to talk. Many would appreciate a friendly ear to listen.

Finally, go out into the community and show your gratitude by volunteering with the Veterans Administration or another organization. Donate to veteran’s charities. And better yet, if you have the authority or ability, give a vet a job. They are the reason you have the freedom to have your job.

2 www.MajorKey1920KSSCV.org

OCTOBER 2016 DEO VINDICE OCTOBER 2016 DEO VINDICE

7www.MajorKey1920KSSCV.org

The Key Camp will meet on Thursday, November 3, at Zarda Bar B-Q on the southwest corner of 87th and Quivira in Lenexa, Kansas at 6 p.m. for dinner and conversation with the official meeting at 7 p.m.

Join us for camaraderie, dinner, and education. As always, your wife or significant other is welcome.

Don’t forget to bring a prospective recruit!

OCTOBER 2016 DEO VINDICE


Key Camp Adds MembersCompatriots Hamilton, Schley Introduced

At the October 2016 monthly meeting of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920, two new compatriots were added to the camp roster. Commander Jim Thornton introduced and Camp Chaplain Carl Linck administered the Oath of Membership to Compatriots Bennie Hamilton and Walter Schley.

Compatriot Hamilton joins the SCV based upon the service record of

his ancestor 2nd Lt. Newton Millard Pownall, Co. A, 33rd Virginia Infantry.

Compatriot Schley joins the SCV based upon the service record of his ancestor Private Elihu Baker, Company A, 63rd Tennessee Infantry (Fain’s Regiment).

Welcome to The Sons of Confederate Veterans gentlemen!



Wanted:Male Descendants of Confederate Soldiers

The Key Camp is currently recruiting new members to honor and affectionately memorialize our Southern ancestors and their brave deeds. If you know of someone who may be interested in defending his ancestor’s good name and heritage, talk to him about the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

A Truthful History Lesson at the Lone Jack Battlefield Compatriots Represent Key Camp at Annual Civil War Day

On October 4, six members of the Major Thomas J. Key Camp took up their assigned station at Lone Jack Battlefield as part of the annual Civil War Day put on by the Lone Jack Battlefield Association for the 8th grade students of the Warrensburg, Missouri middle schools.

Second Lt. Commander Jim Speicher, Adjutant Steve Crawford, and Compatriots John Coney, Walt McKenzie, Jack Poynter, and Mike

Smith represented the Key Camp and manned the “Weapons of the War” station.

The Key Camp wishes to thank Adjutant Crawford for coordinating the event with Alinda Miller of the Lone Jack Historical Society each year, in both the spring and fall. Adjutant Crawford has a personal interest in this Key Camp activity as his ancestors were participants in the events of the Battle of Lone Jack.

According to the day’s attendance records, the Key Camp provided a truthful history lesson of the early days of the war and the events taking place in Missouri at that time to approximately 300 eighth graders.

Hopefully the students were paying attention and went back to their classrooms with a bit more truthful knowledge than what they will acquire from their text books.

Above Left: Compatriots representing Key Camp at the Annual Civil War Day in Lone Jack (pictured left to right) are Jack Poynter, John Coney, Jim Speicher, Mike Smith, Walt McKenzie, and Steve Crawford.

Above Right: Jackson County, Missouri historical marker and Lone Jack Civil War Trail signs.

Above: (left to right) Chaplain Carl Linck, Compatriots Bennie Hamilton and Walter Schley, Commander Jim ThorntonLeft: Compatriot Bennie HamiltonRight: Compatriot Walter Schley





On Saturday, October 22, nine men from the Major Thomas J. Key Camp tackled two maintenance projects at the Mine Creek Battlefield Visitor Center. Commander Jim Thornton, 1st Lt. Commander John Weir, and Compatriots Scott Lalumondier, Merle Leech, Carl Linck, Walt McKenzie, Dan Peterson, Walter Schley, and Matt Sewell travelled to the Mine Creek Battlefield Visitor Center for the annual Key Camp Fall Work Day to assist site director Tami Neal with a project of her choosing.

This fall, Tami had asked if we could apply a weather sealant and water repellant to the ten benches sitting outside the visitor center under the awning that are used during programs and presentations. She also asked if we could install some racks and

brackets in the storage garage for hanging the shovels, rakes, brooms, etc., and also repair the ceiling light fixture in the garage.

All the men participated in the repair and sealing of the benches. Scott, Dan, and Matt handled the assignment in the garage storage area.

Before sealing, each of the benches were inspected for structural integrity. Bolts were tightened and screws were replaced or added as necessary. Jim and Matt both brought drills and wood screws to make any necessary repairs. Then came the dirty work. Each of the benches had to be cleaned and scraped of certain residue deposited by birds.

Applying the weather sealant was made easier by the use of two compressed air sprayers provided by Commander Thornton. Through great teamwork by all the men, the projects were completed in short order, including a walk down the trail to apply sealant to the benches along the way.

As always, a visit was paid to the Confederate Memorial Site for a cleanup and pruning of the surrounding shrubbery– and to also pay respects to our fallen ancestors and Confederate forbearers.

After four hours of work, several of the men drove in to Mound City for lunch at Everybody’s Restaurant before heading home.

Key Camp Fall 2016 Maintenance ProjectMine Creek Battlefield Visitor Center

When Lincoln Came to Kansas and Missouri Compatriots Encouraged to Step Forward and Volunteer

This month marks 157 years since Abraham Lincoln’s one and only visit to Kansas and Missouri, and our area. When Lincoln made his Kansas sojourn in 1859, however, he seemed like just another politician, aspiring to attain the nation’s highest office. His senatorial debates with Stephen A. Douglas the previous year had gained Lincoln a national reputation and a modest following, thus, Lincoln’s trip to Kansas Territory received only slight press coverage and was relatively brief. His message, nevertheless, was one of significance for the territory and nation at a pivotal moment in our country’s history.

Abraham Lincoln crossed the Missouri River at St. Joseph by ferry and arrived in Elwood, Kansas, on November 30. That evening, he delivered his first Kansas speech at the Great Western Hotel. Lincoln blamed the violence in Kansas Territory on the new policy of “popular sovereignty” as applied to the territories by the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.

The news of John Brown’s execution reached the territory during Lincoln’s visit. Lincoln thought Brown had “shown great courage, rare unselfishness.”

But, with most Americans of the day, Lincoln believed Brown had gone too far. “Old John Brown has just been executed for treason against the state. We cannot object,” Lincoln reasoned, “even though he agreed

with us in thinking slavery wrong. That cannot excuse violence, bloodshed, and treason. It could avail him nothing that he might think himself right.”

It is worth noting here, that Lincoln stated an objection to violence and bloodshed in the attempt to combat slavery. Yet, what would he, himself, order and do as president a mere two years later?

Following stops at Troy, Doniphan, and Atchison, Lincoln traveled to Leavenworth where he spent three days.

Speaking in Leavenworth, Lincoln reiterated his position that the “new policy” for dealing with the territories as set forth in the Kansas-Nebraska Act was a failed policy. He insisted, contrary to its promise, that it had not brought a speedy end to slavery agitation or given the people of the territories more control over their own affairs. “All those who believe slavery is wrong,” proclaimed Lincoln, “should unite on a policy, dealing with it as a wrong. Their policy should contain no ambiguity or deceitful contrivances.”

Continuing, Lincoln insisted, “We are not trying to destroy it [slavery]. The peace of society, and the structure of our government both require that we should let it alone in those states where it already exists.” It was not, however, to be allowed to spread further; this, Lincoln insisted, was simply and “exactly the policy of the

men who made the Union. Nothing more and nothing less.” He urged his listeners not to use violence.Again, within five years, Lincoln would be contradicting himself with his actions as president and the military invasion of the South.

Despite a successful Kansas trip, Lincoln did not improve his standing that much in the territory and had to capture the Republican convention of 1860 without the support of the Kansas delegation.

Today it is forgotten that Lincoln was not universally loved by his own generation. Southerners despised him, many Northerners questioned his ability and judgment, and his position on racial issues certainly cannot be judged enlightened by today’s standards.

Indeed, his thinking in this area was conservative and he did not openly campaign for complete abolishment of slavery until it could be used to his advantage and as a weapon of war with the “Emancipation Proclamation.”

Left: Back row (left to right) Dan Peterson, Matt Sewell, Scott Lalumondier; Seated (left to right) Merle Leech, Jim Thornton, Walter Schley, Carl Linck, John Weir. Not Pictured: Walt McKenzie. Right: Compatriots clean benches before sealant is applied.





On Saturday, October 22, nine men from the Major Thomas J. Key Camp tackled two maintenance projects at the Mine Creek Battlefield Visitor Center. Commander Jim Thornton, 1st Lt. Commander John Weir, and Compatriots Scott Lalumondier, Merle Leech, Carl Linck, Walt McKenzie, Dan Peterson, Walter Schley, and Matt Sewell travelled to the Mine Creek Battlefield Visitor Center for the annual Key Camp Fall Work Day to assist site director Tami Neal with a project of her choosing.

This fall, Tami had asked if we could apply a weather sealant and water repellant to the ten benches sitting outside the visitor center under the awning that are used during programs and presentations. She also asked if we could install some racks and

brackets in the storage garage for hanging the shovels, rakes, brooms, etc., and also repair the ceiling light fixture in the garage.

All the men participated in the repair and sealing of the benches. Scott, Dan, and Matt handled the assignment in the garage storage area.

Before sealing, each of the benches were inspected for structural integrity. Bolts were tightened and screws were replaced or added as necessary. Jim and Matt both brought drills and wood screws to make any necessary repairs. Then came the dirty work. Each of the benches had to be cleaned and scraped of certain residue deposited by birds.

Applying the weather sealant was made easier by the use of two compressed air sprayers provided by Commander Thornton. Through great teamwork by all the men, the projects were completed in short order, including a walk down the trail to apply sealant to the benches along the way.

As always, a visit was paid to the Confederate Memorial Site for a cleanup and pruning of the surrounding shrubbery– and to also pay respects to our fallen ancestors and Confederate forbearers.

After four hours of work, several of the men drove in to Mound City for lunch at Everybody’s Restaurant before heading home.

Key Camp Fall 2016 Maintenance ProjectMine Creek Battlefield Visitor Center

When Lincoln Came to Kansas and Missouri One and Only Visit to Area Occurred 157 Years Ago

This month marks 157 years since Abraham Lincoln’s one and only visit to Kansas and Missouri, and our area. When Lincoln made his Kansas sojourn in 1859, however, he seemed like just another politician, aspiring to attain the nation’s highest office. His senatorial debates with Stephen A. Douglas the previous year had gained Lincoln a national reputation and a modest following, thus, Lincoln’s trip to Kansas Territory received only slight press coverage and was relatively brief. His message, nevertheless, was one of significance for the territory and nation at a pivotal moment in our country’s history.

Abraham Lincoln crossed the Missouri River at St. Joseph by ferry and arrived in Elwood, Kansas, on November 30. That evening, he delivered his first Kansas speech at the Great Western Hotel. Lincoln blamed the violence in Kansas Territory on the new policy of “popular sovereignty” as applied to the territories by the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.

The news of John Brown’s execution reached the territory during Lincoln’s visit. Lincoln thought Brown had “shown great courage, rare unselfishness.”

But, with most Americans of the day, Lincoln believed Brown had gone too far. “Old John Brown has just been executed for treason against the state. We cannot object,” Lincoln reasoned, “even though he agreed

with us in thinking slavery wrong. That cannot excuse violence, bloodshed, and treason. It could avail him nothing that he might think himself right.”

It is worth noting here, that Lincoln stated an objection to violence and bloodshed in the attempt to combat slavery. Yet, what would he, himself, order and do as president a mere two years later?

Following stops at Troy, Doniphan, and Atchison, Lincoln traveled to Leavenworth where he spent three days.

Speaking in Leavenworth, Lincoln reiterated his position that the “new policy” for dealing with the territories as set forth in the Kansas-Nebraska Act was a failed policy. He insisted, contrary to its promise, that it had not brought a speedy end to slavery agitation or given the people of the territories more control over their own affairs. “All those who believe slavery is wrong,” proclaimed Lincoln, “should unite on a policy, dealing with it as a wrong. Their policy should contain no ambiguity or deceitful contrivances.”

Continuing, Lincoln insisted, “We are not trying to destroy it [slavery]. The peace of society, and the structure of our government both require that we should let it alone in those states where it already exists.” It was not, however, to be allowed to spread further; this, Lincoln insisted, was simply and “exactly the policy of the

men who made the Union. Nothing more and nothing less.” He urged his listeners not to use violence.Again, within five years, Lincoln would be contradicting himself with his actions as president and the military invasion of the South.

Despite a successful Kansas trip, Lincoln did not improve his standing that much in the territory and had to capture the Republican convention of 1860 without the support of the Kansas delegation.

Today it is forgotten that Lincoln was not universally loved by his own generation. Southerners despised him, many Northerners questioned his ability and judgment, and his position on racial issues certainly cannot be judged enlightened by today’s standards.

Indeed, his thinking in this area was conservative and he did not openly campaign for complete abolishment of slavery until it could be used to his advantage and as a weapon of war with the “Emancipation Proclamation.”

Left: Back row (left to right) Dan Peterson, Matt Sewell, Scott Lalumondier; Seated (left to right) Merle Leech, Jim Thornton, Walter Schley, Carl Linck, John Weir. Not Pictured: Walt McKenzie. Right: Compatriots clean benches before sealant is applied.



Key Camp Adds MembersCompatriots Hamilton, Schley Introduced

At the October 2016 monthly meeting of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920, two new compatriots were added to the camp roster. Commander Jim Thornton introduced and Camp Chaplain Carl Linck administered the Oath of Membership to Compatriots Bennie Hamilton and Walter Schley.

Compatriot Hamilton joins the SCV based upon the service record of

his ancestor 2nd Lt. Newton Millard Pownall, Co. A, 33rd Virginia Infantry.

Compatriot Schley joins the SCV based upon the service record of his ancestor Private Elihu Baker, Company A, 63rd Tennessee Infantry (Fain’s Regiment).

Welcome to The Sons of Confederate Veterans gentlemen!



Wanted:Male Descendants of Confederate Soldiers

The Key Camp is currently recruiting new members to honor and affectionately memorialize our Southern ancestors and their brave deeds. If you know of someone who may be interested in defending his ancestor’s good name and heritage, talk to him about the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

A Truthful History Lesson at the Lone Jack Battlefield Compatriots Represent Key Camp at Annual Civil War Day

On October 4, six members of the Major Thomas J. Key Camp took up their assigned station at Lone Jack Battlefield as part of the annual Civil War Day put on by the Lone Jack Battlefield Association for the 8th grade students of the Warrensburg, Missouri middle schools.

Second Lt. Commander Jim Speicher, Adjutant Steve Crawford, and Compatriots John Coney, Walt McKenzie, Jack Poynter, and Mike

Smith represented the Key Camp and manned the “Weapons of the War” station.

The Key Camp wishes to thank Adjutant Crawford for coordinating the event with Alinda Miller of the Lone Jack Historical Society each year, in both the spring and fall. Adjutant Crawford has a personal interest in this Key Camp activity as his ancestors were participants in the events of the Battle of Lone Jack.

According to the day’s attendance records, the Key Camp provided a truthful history lesson of the early days of the war and the events taking place in Missouri at that time to approximately 300 eighth graders.

Hopefully the students were paying attention and went back to their classrooms with a bit more truthful knowledge than what they will acquire from their text books.

Above Left: Compatriots representing Key Camp at the Annual Civil War Day in Lone Jack (pictured left to right) are Jack Poynter, John Coney, Jim Speicher, Mike Smith, Walt McKenzie, and Steve Crawford.

Above Right: Jackson County, Missouri historical marker and Lone Jack Civil War Trail signs.

Above: (left to right) Chaplain Carl Linck, Compatriots Bennie Hamilton and Walter Schley, Commander Jim ThorntonLeft: Compatriot Bennie HamiltonRight: Compatriot Walter Schley

The Commander’s CornerContinued from page 1

Next Camp Meeting:November 3, 2016

Upcoming EventsSaturday, November 5 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Ottawa, KS

» Ottawa Veterans Day Parade People’s Bank Parking Lot 5th St. and Walnut Ottawa, KS 66067

The Ottawa Veterans Day parade will begin at 10:45 a.m. and end at noon on Main Street in downtown Ottawa.

Saturday, January 28, 2017 • Shawnee Mission, KS

» Lee-Jackson Banquet

Abdallah Shrine Temple 5300 Metcalf Shawnee Mission, KS 66202

The 2017 Lee-Jackson Banquet will once again be held at the Abdallah Shrine Temple. Please plan on attending – and keep a lookout for items or artifacts we may be able to use for the auction.

SAVE THE DATE: February 2017 • Knoxville, TN

» Stephen Dill Lee Institute– Reconstruction

The Stephen Dill Lee Institute will be held in Knoxville, Tennessee in February 2017. More information will be available at a later date by visiting www.stephendleeinstitute.com/events.html.

SAVE THE DATE:June 2017 • Emporia, KS

» Annual Kansas Division Reunion

SAVE THE DATE:

July 18-13, 2016 • Memphis, TN

» Annual National SCV Reunion Memphis Cook Convention Center 255 N. Main St. Memphis, TN 38103

For more information, including registration details, lodging, and event schedule, visit http://scvmemphis2017.org.

The Telegraph Key

The Telegraph Key is a newsletter published for the Major Thomas Key Camp #1920 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). The SCV is a non-profit organization with a patriotic, historical, and genealogical orientation and is not affiliated with any other organization. Opinions in this newsletter reflect the views of the writers and are not necessarily a statement of the views of the SCV, the Kansas Division, the Kansas Brigades, nor any other camp. Comments and articles are solicited.

Email comments, article ideas, and suggestions to John Kirchmeyer at [email protected].

Key Camp Website Resources

Key Camp: www.MajorKey1920ksscv.orgSCV National: www.SCV.org

“Thank you for your service,” but instead say, “Thank you for your sacrifice.”

In a poll by the veteran’s website Task & Purpose, when asked how someone should thank veterans for their service, veterans responded simply: “Learn the Constitution, get informed, and vote accordingly. Don’t allow the rights that veterans fought, died, and bled for, to be voted away or limited due to ignorance, laziness, or a sheep mentality. If you want to do something more substantial you can always support soldiers in need, donate to charities that support veterans, or find a local Guard or Reserve unit for your organization to adopt.”

My friends, this Veterans Day, don’t just say “Thank you for your service” because everyone else is doing it and it’s customary; say “Thank you for the sacrifices you made in the service to our country,” and mean it. Then take the time to listen and learn if our service men and women are willing to talk. Many would appreciate a friendly ear to listen.

Finally, go out into the community and show your gratitude by volunteering with the Veterans Administration or another organization. Donate to veteran’s charities. And better yet, if you have the authority or ability, give a vet a job. They are the reason you have the freedom to have your job.


OCTOBER 2016 DEO VINDICE OCTOBER 2016 DEO VINDICE


The Key Camp will meet on Thursday, November 3, at Zarda Bar B-Q on the southwest corner of 87th and Quivira in Lenexa, Kansas at 6 p.m. for dinner and conversation with the official meeting at 7 p.m.

Join us for camaraderie, dinner, and education. As always, your wife or significant other is welcome.

Don’t forget to bring a prospective recruit!

VOL. 17, NO. 9 OCTOBER 2016

The Telegraph Key- . . . . . / - . . - . . . -- . . - . . - . -- . . . . . / - .- . - . --

THE OFFICIAL DISPATCH FOR THE MAJOR THOMAS J. KEY CAMP #1920KANSAS DIVISION, SCV • JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS

Major Thomas J. KeyCamp Officers

CommanderJames D. Thornton

1st Lt. CommanderJohn Weir

2nd Lt. CommanderJames L. Speicher

AdjutantSteven Crawford

Communications OfficerSteven Crawford

Historian and ScrapbookDan Peterson

Web MasterJohn Weir

Newsletter EditorJohn Kirchmeyer, Jr.

Camp ChaplainCarl Linck

Cadet Member CoordinatorLee Crutchfield

The Commander’s CornerThomas J. Key Camp Commander, Jim Thornton

www.MajorKey1920KSSCV.org

As we approach Veterans Day, I would like to address an act that has become as habitual, routine, and customary as to have lost its true meaning. The action I speak of is the greeting given to our military personnel and veterans, “Thank you for your service.” Do we stop and think about what we are saying? Do we realize what these words mean to the service man or woman standing before us? Or are we just going through the motions? You may answer, “Who doesn’t want to be thanked for their military service?”

According to a recent article in The New York Times, many people, as it turns out. Mike Freedman, a Green Beret, calls it the “thank you for your service phenomenon.” To some recent vets — by no stretch all of them — the thanks comes across as shallow, disconnected, a reflexive offering from people who, while meaning well, have no clue what soldiers did over there

or what motivated them to go. Hunter Garth, a Marine who served in Afghanistan, said that when he gets thanked it can feel self-serving for the thankers, suggesting that they somehow understand the sacrifice, night terrors, feelings of loss and bewilderment. Or don’t think about it at all.

To me, thanking someone for their service means you are willing to learn about their military service and personal sacrifice. I feel a better phrase or greeting to use would be, “Thank you for the sacrifices you made in the service to our country.” After all, these men and women most likely made extraordinary sacrifices while serving in the military. Some suffered horrific physical injuries, many give up the ties to their families, and probably the most chilling of all are the emotional and psychological injuries endured. Sometimes I feel a shiver and say a private prayer for the veteran who I am filling a prescription for in my job as a VA pharmacist when I see the medications and the diagnosis they are prescribed for. This is why I believe we should not just say,

Continued on Page 2

Profile of a Southern Soldier: Fighting with Stonewall 2nd Lt. Newton Millard Pownall, Company A, 33rd Virginia (Stonewall Brigade)

Newton Millard Pownall was born in 1833 in Hampshire County Virginia, one of four brothers who answered Virginia’s call to arms in June 1861. He and his brother, Albert, enlisted as Privates in the (Potomac Guards). After being mustered into regular Confederate service and designated Company A, 33rd Virginia, they, along with Companies B and C, became the original three companies in what would later become the famous “Stonewall Brigade.” During the battle of First Manassas, the 1st Virginia Brigade, under General Jackson, was ordered to move to the left of the Confederate line on Henry House Hill with the 33rd anchoring the left flank. Shortly after deploying, Union forces were able to break the three Confederate brigades holding Matthews Hill. General Bee tried to rally these brigades near Jackson’s 1st Brigade while Federal troops steadily pushed forward toward Henry House Hill. Eleven Federal guns were able to gain position on the hill and began to fire obliquely into the left flank of Jackson’s troops. The withering fire from the batteries began to have an effect of Jackson’s Infantry, most of whom were green and had never experienced a major engagement. Laying in wait under a murderous fire from the Federal guns, the men’s nerves were stretched to the breaking point.

With the Federal troops getting closer and having endured enough of the bombardment, the men of the 33rd broke from their position and, rushing over the crest of Henry House Hill, attacked the Federal batteries. They reached the guns that

were doing so much damage and managed to render them ineffective. Having attacked without orders, the men of the 33rd were without support and were forced to fall back to the crest of the hill by Federal infantry arriving to support the guns. As the Federal troops continued to press toward the crest of the hill, the entire 1st Brigade mounted a furious charge and, with the assistance of more Confederate troops arriving to support Jackson’s left, they managed to repulse the Federal advance and turn the tide of the battle.

Newton and Albert fought side-by-side in many of the Stonewall Brigade’s early engagements. According to a short biography on Albert, he and Newton had ample opportunity to observe General Jackson as their tent was always pitched next to Stonewall’s. Albert says in his biography that, “Jackson’s loyal colored servant would often come to the boys with words something like this: ‘Going to be a big battle tomorrow cause Massa Jackson been prayin’.’”

Newton was promoted to 4th Sgt. in April 1862. Sadly, he would only have the company of his brother for six more months. In October 1862,

Albert and (another Pownall brother) Francis, were captured by Federal troops in the “Bean Settlement” while returning from furlough. Both were sent to Camp Chase, Ohio. Albert would spend the rest of the war in Camp Chase while records indicate that Francis was exchanged. Francis and a fourth Pownall brother served in Imboden’s Partisan Cavalry.

Newton continued to serve with the Stonewall Brigade throughout all their campaigns being promoted to 1st Sgt. in October 1862 and to 2nd Lt. by April 1863. During the battle of Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863, Newton was mortally wounded and died a few days later on May 10. His place of burial is unknown.

Newton Millard Pownall was a cousin of Key Camp compatriot Bennie Hamilton.

profile of a southern soldier: fighting with stonewall · saturday, november 5 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m....

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