The Telegraph Key · 2019. 2. 12. · The second new member, Lawson Rener, joins the camp as a transfer from the Major General William D. McCain Headquarters Camp #584. He is an ancestor

VOL. 18, NO. 4 APRIL 2017

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. CommanderScott Lalumondier

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

I have recently come to the realization that we, as an organization, are at what is known as a “PARADOX.” At the most basic level, a paradox is a statement, situation, or thing that is self-contradictory because it often contains two statements or facts that are both true, but in general, cannot both be true at the same time. Let me explain.

We have been chastised very strongly by the politically correct public over the last few years for our flags, logos, and symbols. These people consider them racist, derogatory, discriminatory, etc. We have been banned from participating in community events, parades, and even from performing charity work or making charitable donations. In 2014, the Maryland Division made a $500 donation to Hero Dogs, Inc., which obtains, trains, and provides service dogs for disabled American veterans. The Hero

Dogs organization returned the check and “respectfully declined being associated with or one of the beneficiaries of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.”

On a local level, our camp is familiar with what we have experienced over the last two years at gatherings and parades. We are told we can participate “if we cover our logos and symbols and do not display our flags as they are offensive.” We are labeled racists and told that we discriminate against others.

Here is where the paradox comes in. If we are to comply with these requests in order to participate in the community or perform charitable acts, we must discriminate against ourselves. If we cover or hide our symbols and flags, we deny who we are and discriminate against all that we stand for.

Display our symbols and flags – be accused of racial discrimination. Hide our symbols and flags – discriminate against ourselves.

Continued on Page 2

On the rolling fields of Manassas the battle unfolds before them. From the crest of Stuart’s Hill, Generals Robert E. Lee, James Longsteet and Stonewall Jackson watch as Lee’s Confederates engaged General John Pope’s Federal troops in a distant swirl of dust and smoke. Jackson had opened the battle the day before, stunning Pope’s troops with a mighty blow at nearby Grovetown. Now Pope has launched the first in a series of uncoordinated Federal assaults that yielded his army nothing but bloody losses.

On August 29, Lee and Longstreet joined forces with Jackson at Manassas, watching as battle again engulfed the countryside below, where the war’s first major land battle had occurred one summer earlier. Now, on the old battleground, Lee’s magnificent maneuvering lured General Pope’s Federal forces into a tactical contest that Lee would win decisively.

The Battle of Second Manassas would prove to be one of Lee’s most masterful victories, stalling the Northern advance on Richmond and clearing the way for Lee’s 1862 Northern Invasion. Southern triumph and Northern failure would again cloak the northern Virginia countryside – and Lee, Jackson and Longstreet would be remembered as the Commanders of Manassas.

The Commanders of Manassas: Longstreet, Lee and JacksonBy Mort Künstler

The Commander’s CornerContinued from page 1

Next Camp Meeting:May 4, 2017

Upcoming EventsTBD • Pleasanton, KS

» Mine Creek Battlefield – Key Camp Spring WorkdayMine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site20485 K 52Pleasanton, KS 66048

Details on page 3. A new date will be determined with signup available at a future Key Camp meeting.

Friday, May 5 (8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.) • Lone Jack, MOThursday, May 11 (8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.)Friday, May 12 (8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

» Lone Jack Battlefield – Missouri History DaysLone Jack Battlefield Museum and Soldier’s Cemetery301 S. Bynum Rd.Lone Jack, MO 64070

Details on page 3. Volunteers should arrive at the battlefield site at 8:30 a.m. to set up our station. For more information, contact Jim Thornton at [email protected].

Saturday, June 3 (9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.) • Higginsville, MO

» Confederate Memorial DayMissouri Confederate Memorial State Historic Site211 W. 1st St.Higginsville, MO 64037

Activities include historical presentations, living history, tours of the Confederate Home chapel and cemetery, parade and a memorial service at the Confederate Home Cemetery.

June 16-17, 2017 • Emporia, KS

» Annual Kansas Division ReunionBest Western3021 W. Highway 50Emporia, KS 66801

For more information and registration, visit www.ksscv.org.

July 18-23, 2017 • Memphis, TN

» Annual National SCV ReunionMemphis Cook Convention Center255 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

It is a paradox, my friends. Damned if we do, damned if we don’t.

So, what are we to do? By being a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, we are making a statement that we believe in and stand up for the Southern Cause and our Confederate heritage. We, as compatriots, wear or display our symbols and flags and discuss the truth of what transpired more than 150 years ago. We take part in the camp activities. We wear our camp shirts with pride to our meetings and events. We get out there and help spread the truth at the Missouri History Day for area schools hosted by the Lone Jack Battlefield.

If we don’t – if we do not display the flag or our symbols due to fear of the opinion of others or do not take part in supporting camp activities and educational programs – then we become part of the paradox. We may be discriminating against ourselves, our ancestors, our heritage, and the organization.

What’s it gonna be? Stand together and display our flags and logos, and then face wrongful accusations of discrimination? Or cover our flags and symbols, thereby discriminating against ourselves?

2 www.MajorKey1920KSSCV.org

APRIL 2017 DEO VINDICE APRIL 2017 DEO VINDICE

7www.MajorKey1920KSSCV.org

The Key Camp will meet on Thursday, May 4, at Zarda Bar B-Q on the southwest cornerof 87th and Quivira in Lenexa,Kansas at 6 p.m. for dinner andconversation with the officialmeeting at 7 p.m.

Our featured speaker for the evening will be Mr. Jim Beckner, who will be presenting on Charles Lee Younger and his children.

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

Don’t forget to bring a prospective recruit!

Key Camp Adds Two New CompatriotsDick Croft and Lawson Rener Join Ranks

The Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has recently grown by two members. The camp has added a Fellowship and a Full Member.

Joining the camp at the April meeting was Mr. Dick Croft. He has been a frequent guest of Key Camp Chaplain Carl Linck at the monthly meetings. He has enjoyed our meetings, speakers, and programs during his time with us and decided to make his attendance official by joining us as a Fellowship Member.

The second new member, Lawson Rener, joins the camp as a transfer from the Major General William D.

McCain Headquarters Camp #584. He is an ancestor of Lt. General John Bell Hood. Lawson completed his SCV application process through headquarters and was assigned to the HQ Camp following approval of his application February 13. He found our camp during an internet search of local SCV camps and contacted us through our website. (Thank You to Compatriot John Weir, our webmaster.) A Transfer of Membership Request was filed and completed with HQ on April 13.

Please join us in welcoming our new compatriots by offering them your thanks for joining our ranks!

APRIL 2017 DEO VINDICE




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. We are making progress, but we must always be thinking of recruiting.

Our camp actively recruits at events in which we participate. 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.

Quilt of Valor CommissionedSpecial Key’s Battery Award Presented for Service

Mine Creek and Lone Jack Events Offer Good Exposure for Camp Opportunities for Camrarderie, Service and Historical Preservation

At the April 6 meeting of the Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920, 2nd Lt. Commander Scott Lalumondier unveiled a gift he had commissioned for former camp commander James Speicher. A Quilt of Valor was unfolded and displayed for the camp to view.

Scott had come up with the quilt idea as a way to thank Spike for his service to our nation in the United States Army and then his post-Army career in Law Enforcement. It also

serves as a personal “Thank You” from Scott for all Spike has done over the last few years. He took time to explain the process and also provide detail behind some of the panels on the quilt, which was assembled and put together by James Country Mercantile in Liberty, Missouri.

Following the meeting, the quilt was unfolded once more for a group photo of the Key Camp compatriots behind the beautiful quilt.

The upcoming weeks offer several opportunities for compatriots to get involved in the Key Cap community service activities. We will be taking on service projects at the Mine Creek and the Lone Jack battlefield sites and are looking for volunteers for both events.

Mine Creek Battlefield Site: Spring Work Day

The date for our scheduled spring work day at the Mine Creek Battlefield Site has yet to be decided. Our original date was cancelled, due to rain and possible thunderstorms.

We may not know the exact date yet, but we do know we’ll be tasked with helping Tami Neal, the site director, with a couple of projects.

The first order of business will be to check on, clean, and re-mulch the Confederate Memorial and trim back the trees and shrubbery; so bring your gardening and landscaping tools.

Once the memorial area has been completed, we’ll tackle the second project – washing the inside and outside of the visitors center’s large windows that look out over the battlefield. Commander Thornton will bring a power washer and special window cleaning solution for the outside of the windows. We could use the power washer to also clean the underside of the patio awning while we are at it. Tami will provide Windex and paper towels for the inside portion of the windows. Just

a heads up: this project will involve climbing and balancing on ladders. By the way, if someone could bring a ladder, it would help immensely because we could then have multiple men cleaning on the inside.

The day will start with everyone meeting at the visitors center at 9:30 am. To be most efficient, we could split into two teams with those uncomfortable climbing ladders taking on the Confederate Memorial clean up and the second team tackling the windows. When we’re all done, we can head to Mound City for some lunch.

Our camp has become an integral part of Mine Creek and Tami is so appreciative of everything we do for her. By taking part in these clean up days in the spring and fall, we keep the Sons of Confederate Veterans visible in the state and at the forefront of historical preservation for our area.

Stay tuned while we look for the best date to reschedule this event.

Lone Jack Battlefield Site: Missouri History Days

Next up, is a very rare chance for us to impart the truth about the War of Northern Aggression and educate the youth of the area. On three days, Friday, May 5, Thursday, May 11, and Friday, May 12, the Lone Jack Historical Society will be hosting their annual Missouri History Days for Kansas City Metro area 4th and 8th graders. Each year, Adjutant Steve

Crawford has coordinated with the Lone Jack Staff for our camp to give the presentation on the war and its impact on the State of Missouri and the local area.

During our presentations, we will give a short talk on the secession of Missouri and how the officially elected state government was forced into exile by Lincoln and General Nathaniel Lyons. We also have a display of weapons used during the war, courtesy of Compatriot Merle Leech. From the feedback we have received from the Lone Jack staff, our presentation is consistently one of the students’ favorites during their visit.

Please consider joining us on one (or all) of the three days. If you don’t want to take part in giving a presentation, we can always use extra sets of eyes to watch over the artifacts display as the students pass through.

On each of the days, please plan on being at the battlefield by 8:30 am. We are to be set up by 9 am, with the tours and programs beginning at 9:30 am. The Lone Jack Historical Society provides lunch for each of the volunteers.

So, what do you say? Come on! Get involved and make a difference! Join us for camaraderie, friendship, truthful education of our youth, and historical preservation for our community!

Spring 2017 Apparel Order FormShow Your SCV and Key Camp Pride

Included with this issue of the Telegraph Key is the Spring 2017 apparel order form.

Please note, all shirts and apparel will have “Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920” imprinted on them as well as the SCV Logo. For the T-Shirts, the SCV Logo and “Major Thomas J. Key

Camp #1920” will be on the left chest above the pocket on all three options (6, 7, and 8). Option 6 is blank on the back side. Option 7 has the Key Camp Flag on the back side. Option 8 has Key’s Battery Flag on the back side.

For more information, contact Jim Thornton at [email protected].





Franklin, KansasContinued from Page 4

Have You Ever Heard of Franklin, Kansas?Town was Once a Southern Stronghold Just East of Lawrence

Franklin was a small town established in 1854 in Douglas County, Kansas Territory. It was established by settlers, all from the nation’s south, in response to the founding of Lawrence by northerners sponsored by the New England Emigrant Aid Society.

Franklin was located only four miles southeast of Lawrence and situated between the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers. By late 1855 Franklin had about a dozen homes and businesses and a post office. It soon became a center devoted to the southern cause in Kansas.

Franklin grew as a center for the southern cause in Kansas. Situated so closely to Lawrence, the “unofficial” Free-State capital, the settlers were constantly in conflict. In the summer of 1855, a number of Missourians moved to Franklin, further strengthening its southern stance. It was inevitable that clashes would occur between pro-south Franklin and neighboring pro-north Lawrence.

In response to the sacking of Lawrence on May 21, 1856, John Brown led Free State forces to attack Franklin on June 4, 1856. This battle

was only two days after the Battle of Blackjack in southern Douglas County. The free staters entered Franklin after dark to search for “Old Sacramento,” a cannon taken during the southern raid on Lawrence. Some defenders of the town were aroused and what was termed the First Battle of Franklin erupted. During this battle the cannon was fired once and Franklin residents began firing at Brown and his men from houses in town, forcing their retreat. One Franklin man was fatally shot and a small number of persons were wounded. Some Franklin men may have been captured by the Lawrence men.

After this attack, Franklin’s defenses were strengthened. The fort/blockhouse in the center of town itself was made more defensible. On August 12, 1856 the Second Battle of Franklin took place. This time possibly two companies, at least 75 men, left Lawrence after dark to attack the town and fort. They were led by free-state leader James H. Lane. For several hours the opposing forces fired upon each other in the dark. Not much damage was done to either side at this point, but several free staters were wounded, as was one Franklin defender. The Lawrence attackers finally made progress when they set a wagon loaded with hay alight and moved it to the front door of the fort. The Franklin forces abandoned the fort. Lane and his men took possession of it and took 50 to 80

Continued on Page 5

muskets, ammunition, and the cannon (“Old Sacramento”). They also took much of the town’s food stored there and 14 prisoners, while suffering one man killed and several wounded.

The importance of Franklin to the southern cause diminished greatly after the second attack on it and the town declined in population. After Kansas was admitted to the nation

as a Free State in January 1861, the fortunes of Franklin declined even more rapidly. People moved away and the town all but disappeared.

On August 21, 1863, William Clarke Quantrill and his forces passed through Franklin on their way to raid Lawrence. This was almost the last information found concerning Franklin. The town continued to

decline and was abandoned about 1867.

Franklin no longer exists, but the site is a few miles east of Lawrence, in the general vicinity of Kansas State Highway 10, between the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers.

Above: The home of Dr. R. L. Williams in Franklin, Kansas. Williams operated a general store. After the Civil War, Franklin quickly and dramatically declined and the entire town site eventually was owned by Dr. R. L. Williams who farmed the area.

Strange and Interesting FactsHistory of War Between the States Offers Colorful Stories

• Of all the battles and skirmishes fought during the American Civil War, 11% were fought in the state of Missouri. During 1861, there were more battles and skirmishes in Missouri than in any other state, and throughout the entire war only Virginia and Tennessee saw more action than the state of Missouri.

• During a staff meeting on a particularly cold winter day, Dr. Hunter Holmes McGuire noticed that General Stonewall Jackson was shivering. In an effort to fend off a possible chest cold, the doctor produced a bottle of brandy and offered that Jackson and his staff should have some brandy to brace themselves against the winter chill. Jackson, who did not drink, declined the offer. The doctor insisted, saying it could help prevent a cold.

“Do you really think so?” asked Jackson. “Indeed I do,” replied the doctor. “Then I will!” With that exclamation Jackson filled a tumbler to the brim and knocked off the entire drink in one shot as his staff looked on in wide-eyed amazement. It is said that the General was soon feeling much warmer and was in a much happier frame of mind.

• In 1861 the American Banknote Company of New York City was printing the first issue of the new United States of America “greenbacks.” At the very same time, they were also printing the first issue of Confederate States of America currency. The US government soon prohibited American Banknote from continuing this practice. To overcome this, they just moved a portion of their operation to New

Orleans and continued producing Confederate currency under the name Southern Banknote Company.

• The famed, Welsh explorer, and journalist Henry M. Stanley – the guy who coined the phrase, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” – served in the American Civil War. In three different services. First, he served as a private in the Confederate Army, and was taken prisoner at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862. As a prisoner, he was recruited and joined the Union Army, but was discharged less than three weeks later due to illness. Finally, in 1864 he joined the Union Navy and served aboard the USS Minnesota, but he jumped ship in February 1865. Therefore, Stanley is possibly the only man to serve in both armies and one navy in the American Civil War.





Franklin, KansasContinued from Page 4

Have You Ever Heard of Franklin, Kansas?Town was Once a Southern Stronghold Just East of Lawrence

Franklin was a small town established in 1854 in Douglas County, Kansas Territory. It was established by settlers, all from the nation’s south, in response to the founding of Lawrence by northerners sponsored by the New England Emigrant Aid Society.

Franklin was located only four miles southeast of Lawrence and situated between the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers. By late 1855 Franklin had about a dozen homes and businesses and a post office. It soon became a center devoted to the southern cause in Kansas.

Franklin grew as a center for the southern cause in Kansas. Situated so closely to Lawrence, the “unofficial” Free-State capital, the settlers were constantly in conflict. In the summer of 1855, a number of Missourians moved to Franklin, further strengthening its southern stance. It was inevitable that clashes would occur between pro-south Franklin and neighboring pro-north Lawrence.

In response to the sacking of Lawrence on May 21, 1856, John Brown led Free State forces to attack Franklin on June 4, 1856. This battle

was only two days after the Battle of Blackjack in southern Douglas County. The free staters entered Franklin after dark to search for “Old Sacramento,” a cannon taken during the southern raid on Lawrence. Some defenders of the town were aroused and what was termed the First Battle of Franklin erupted. During this battle the cannon was fired once and Franklin residents began firing at Brown and his men from houses in town, forcing their retreat. One Franklin man was fatally shot and a small number of persons were wounded. Some Franklin men may have been captured by the Lawrence men.

After this attack, Franklin’s defenses were strengthened. The fort/blockhouse in the center of town itself was made more defensible. On August 12, 1856 the Second Battle of Franklin took place. This time possibly two companies, at least 75 men, left Lawrence after dark to attack the town and fort. They were led by free-state leader James H. Lane. For several hours the opposing forces fired upon each other in the dark. Not much damage was done to either side at this point, but several free staters were wounded, as was one Franklin defender. The Lawrence attackers finally made progress when they set a wagon loaded with hay alight and moved it to the front door of the fort. The Franklin forces abandoned the fort. Lane and his men took possession of it and took 50 to 80

Continued on Page 5

muskets, ammunition, and the cannon (“Old Sacramento”). They also took much of the town’s food stored there and 14 prisoners, while suffering one man killed and several wounded.

The importance of Franklin to the southern cause diminished greatly after the second attack on it and the town declined in population. After Kansas was admitted to the nation

as a Free State in January 1861, the fortunes of Franklin declined even more rapidly. People moved away and the town all but disappeared.

On August 21, 1863, William Clarke Quantrill and his forces passed through Franklin on their way to raid Lawrence. This was almost the last information found concerning Franklin. The town continued to

decline and was abandoned about 1867.

Franklin no longer exists, but the site is a few miles east of Lawrence, in the general vicinity of Kansas State Highway 10, between the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers.

Above: The home of Dr. R. L. Williams in Franklin, Kansas. Williams operated a general store. After the Civil War, Franklin quickly and dramatically declined and the entire town site eventually was owned by Dr. R. L. Williams who farmed the area.

Strange and Interesting FactsHistory of War Between the States Offers Colorful Stories

• Of all the battles and skirmishesfought during the American CivilWar, 11% were fought in the stateof Missouri. During 1861, therewere more battles and skirmishesin Missouri than in any otherstate, and throughout the entirewar only Virginia and Tennesseesaw more action than the state ofMissouri.

• During a staff meeting on aparticularly cold winter day, Dr.Hunter Holmes McGuire noticedthat General Stonewall Jacksonwas shivering. In an effort tofend off a possible chest cold,the doctor produced a bottle ofbrandy and offered that Jacksonand his staff should have somebrandy to brace themselvesagainst the winter chill. Jackson,who did not drink, declined theoffer. The doctor insisted, sayingit could help prevent a cold.

“Do you really think so?” asked Jackson. “Indeed I do,” replied the doctor. “Then I will!” With that exclamation Jackson filled a tumbler to the brim and knocked off the entire drink in one shot as his staff looked on in wide-eyed amazement. It is said that the General was soon feeling much warmer and was in a much happier frame of mind.

• In 1861 the American BanknoteCompany of New York City wasprinting the first issue of thenew United States of America“greenbacks.” At the very sametime, they were also printingthe first issue of ConfederateStates of America currency.The US government soonprohibited American Banknotefrom continuing this practice. Toovercome this, they just moved aportion of their operation to New

Orleans and continued producing Confederate currency under the name Southern Banknote Company.

• The famed, Welsh explorer, andjournalist Henry M. Stanley – theguy who coined the phrase, “Dr.Livingstone, I presume?” – servedin the American Civil War. In threedifferent services. First, he servedas a private in the ConfederateArmy, and was taken prisonerat the Battle of Shiloh in 1862.As a prisoner, he was recruitedand joined the Union Army, butwas discharged less than threeweeks later due to illness. Finally,in 1864 he joined the Union Navyand served aboard the USSMinnesota, but he jumped ship inFebruary 1865. Therefore, Stanleyis possibly the only man to servein both armies and one navy in theAmerican Civil War.





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. We are making progress, but we must always be thinking of recruiting.

Our camp actively recruits at events in which we participate. 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.

Quilt of Valor CommissionedSpecial Key’s Battery Award Presented for Service

Mine Creek and Lone Jack Events Offer Good Exposure for Camp Opportunities for Camrarderie, Service and Historical Preservation

At the April 6 meeting of the Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920, 2nd Lt. Commander Scott Lalumondier unveiled a gift he had commissioned for former camp commander James Speicher. A Quilt of Valor was unfolded and displayed for the camp to view.

Scott had come up with the quilt idea as a way to thank Spike for his service to our nation in the United States Army and then his post-Army career in Law Enforcement. It also

serves as a personal “Thank You” from Scott for all Spike has done over the last few years. He took time to explain the process and also provide detail behind some of the panels on the quilt, which was assembled and put together by James Country Mercantile in Liberty, Missouri.

Following the meeting, the quilt was unfolded once more for a group photo of the Key Camp compatriots behind the beautiful quilt.

The upcoming weeks offer several opportunities for compatriots to get involved in the Key Cap community service activities. We will be taking on service projects at the Mine Creek and the Lone Jack battlefield sites and are looking for volunteers for both events.

Mine Creek Battlefield Site:Spring Work Day

The date four our scheduled spring work day at the Mine Creek Battlefield Site has yet to be decided. Our original date was cancelled, due to rain and possible thunderstorms.

We may not know the exact date yet, but we do know we’ll be tasked with helping Tami Neal, the site director, with a couple of projects.

The first order of business will be to check on, clean, and re-mulch the Confederate Memorial and trim back the trees and shrubbery; so bring your gardening and landscaping tools.

Once the memoorial area has been completed, we’ll tackle the second project – washing the inside and outside of the visitors center’s large windows that look out over the battlefield. Commander Thornton will bring a power washer and special window cleaning solution for the outside of the windows. We could use the power washer to also clean the underside of the patio awning while we are at it. Tami will provide Windex and paper towels for the inside portion of the windows. Just

a heads up: this project will involve climbing and balancing on ladders. By the way, if someone could bring a ladder, it would help immensely because we could then have multiple men cleaning on the inside.

The day will start with everyone meeting at the visitors center at 9:30 am. To be most efficient, we could split into two teams with those uncomfortable climbing ladders taking on the Confederate Memorial clean up and the second team tackling the windows. When we’re all done, we can head to Mound City for some lunch.

Our camp has become an integral part of Mine Creek and Tami is so appreciative of everything we do for her. By taking part in these clean up days in the spring and fall, we keep the Sons of Confederate Veterans visible in the state and at the forefront of historical preservation for our area.

Stay tuned while we look for the best date to reschedule this event.

Lone Jack Battlefield Site:Missouri History Days

Next up, is a very rare chance for us to impart the truth about the War of Northern Aggression and educate the youth of the area. On three days, Friday, May 5, Thursday, May 11, and Friday, May 12, the Lone Jack Historical Society will be hosting their annual Missouri History Days for Kansas City Metro area 4th and 8th graders. Each year, Adjutant Steve

Crawford has coordinated with the Lone Jack Staff for our camp to give the presentation on the war and its impact on the State of Missouri and the local area.

During our presentations, we will give a short talk on the secession of Missouri and how the officially elected state government was forced into exile by Lincoln and General Nathaniel Lyons. We also have a display of weapons used during the war, courtesy of Compatriot Merle Leech. From the feedback we have received from the Lone Jack staff, our presentation is consistently one of the students’ favorites during their visit.

Please consider joining us on one (or all) of the three days. If you don’t want to take part in giving a presentation, we can always use extra sets of eyes to watch over the artifacts display as the students pass through.

On each of the days, please plan on being at the battlefield by 8:30 am. We are to be set up by 9 am, with the tours and programs beginning at 9:30 am. The Lone Jack Historical Society provides lunch for each of the volunteers.

So, what do you say? Come on! Get involved and make a difference! Join us for camaraderie, friendship, truthful education of our youth, and historical preservation for our community!

Spring 2017 Apparel Order FormShow Your SCV and Key Camp Pride

Included with this issue of the Telegraph Key is the Spring 2017 apparel order form.

Please note, all shirts and apparel will have “Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920” imprinted on them as well as the SCV Logo. For the T-Shirts, the SCV Logo and “Major Thomas J. Key

Camp #1920” will be on the left chest above the pocket on all three options (6, 7, and 8). Option 6 is blank on the back side. Option 7 has the Key Camp Flag on the back side. Option 8 has Key’s Battery Flag on the back side.

For more information, contact Jim Thornton at [email protected].

The Commander’s CornerContinued from page 1

Next Camp Meeting:May 4, 2017

Upcoming EventsTBD • Pleasanton, KS

» Mine Creek Battlefield – Key Camp Spring WorkdayMine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site20485 K 52Pleasanton, KS 66048

Details on page 3. A new date will be determined with signup available at a future Key Camp meeting.

Friday, May 5 (8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.) • Lone Jack, MOThursday, May 11 (8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.)Friday, May 12 (8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

» Lone Jack Battlefield – Missouri History DaysLone Jack Battlefield Museum and Soldier’s Cemetery301 S. Bynum Rd.Lone Jack, MO 64070

Details on page 3. Volunteers should arrive at the battlefield site at 8:30 a.m. to set up our station. For more information, contact Jim Thorntonat [email protected].

Saturday, June 3 (9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.) • Higginsville, MO

» Confederate Memorial DayMissouri Confederate Memorial State Historic Site211 W. 1st St.Higginsville, MO 64037

Activities include historical presentations, living history, tours of the Confederate Home chapel and cemetery, parade and a memorial service at the Confederate Home Cemetery.

June 16-17, 2017 • Emporia, KS

» Annual Kansas Division ReunionBest Western3021 W. Highway 50Emporia, KS 66801

For more information and registration, visit www.ksscv.org.

July 18-23, 2017 • Memphis, TN

» Annual National SCV ReunionMemphis Cook Convention Center255 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

It is a paradox, my friends. Damned if we do, damned if we don’t.

So, what are we to do? By being a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, we are making a statement that we believe in and stand up for the Southern Cause and our Confederate heritage. We, as compatriots, wear or display our symbols and flags and discuss the truth of what transpired more than 150 years ago. We take part in the camp activities. We wear our camp shirts with pride to our meetings and events. We get out there and help spread the truth at the Missouri History Day for area schools hosted by the Lone Jack Battlefield.

If we don’t – if we do not display the flag or our symbols due to fear of the opinion of others or do not take part in supporting camp activities and educational programs – then we become part of the paradox. We may be discriminating against ourselves, our ancestors, our heritage, and the organization.

What’s it gonna be? Stand together and display our flags and logos, and then face wrongful accusations of discrimination? Or cover our flags and symbols, thereby discriminating against ourselves?


APRIL 2017 DEO VINDICE APRIL 2017 DEO VINDICE


The Key Camp will meet on Thursday, May 4, 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.

Our featured speaker for the evening will be Mr. Jim Beckner, who will be presenting on Charles Lee Younger and his children.

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

Don’t forget to bring a prospective recruit!

Key Camp Adds Two New CompatriotsDick Croft and Lawson Rener Join Ranks

The Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans has recently grown by two members. The camp has added a Fellowship and a Full Member.

Joining the camp at the April meeting was Mr. Dick Croft. He has been a frequent guest of Key Camp Chaplain Carl Linck at the monthly meetings. He has enjoyed our meetings, speakers, and programs during his time with us and decided to make his attendance official by joining us as a Fellowship Member.

The second new member, Lawson Rener, joins the camp as a transfer from the Major General William D.

McCain Headquarters Camp #584. He is an ancestor of Lt. General John Bell Hood. Lawson completed his SCV application process through headquarters and was assigned to the HQ Camp following approval of his application February 13. He found our camp during an internet search of local SCV camps and contacted us through our website. (Thank You to Compatriot John Weir, our webmaster.) A Transfer of Membership Request was filed and completed with HQ on April 13.

Please join us in welcoming our new compatriots by offering them your thanks for joining our ranks!

VOL. 18, NO. 2 APRIL 2017

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. CommanderScott Lalumondier

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

I have recently come to the realization that we, as an organization, are at what is known as a “PARADOX.” At the most basic level, a paradox is a statement, situation, or thing that is self-contradictory because it often contains two statements or facts that are both true, but in general, cannot both be true at the same time. Let me explain.

We have been chastised very strongly by the politically correct public over the last few years for our flags, logos, and symbols. These people consider them racist, derogatory, discriminatory, etc. We have been banned from participating in community events, parades, and even from performing charity work or making charitable donations. In 2014, the Maryland Division made a $500 donation to Hero Dogs, Inc., which obtains, trains, and provides service dogs for disabled American veterans. The Hero

Dogs organization returned the check and “respectfully declined being associated with or one of the beneficiaries of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.”

On a local level, our camp is familiar with what we have experienced over the last two years at gatherings and parades. We are told we can participate “if we cover our logos and symbols and do not display our flags as they are offensive.” We are labeled racists and told that we discriminate against others.

Here is where the paradox comes in. If we are to comply with these requests in order to participate in the community or perform charitable acts, we must discriminate against ourselves. If we cover or hide our symbols and flags, we deny who we are and discriminate against all that we stand for.

Display our symbols and flags – be accused of racial discrimination. Hide our symbols and flags – discriminate against ourselves.

Continued on Page 2

During the past two years, compatriots have asked several times at our monthly meetings why the Major Thomas J. Key Camp #1920 does not send out the annual dues statement electronically via email. The response was due to the fact that we have several members who do not have access to electronic media or email.

This has been reconsidered. An analysis of our membership roster and the financial cost in relation to sending out the dues notices via the U.S. Post Office has been completed.

Of the 70 members currently on the Key Camp roster, only eight do not have an email address on file.

As for postage and materials cost, last year’s mailing of the dues renewal notices and follow-up “Delinquent Dues Letter” totaled over $75.00. The camp was only charged the postage cost as Commander Thornton covered the paper, envelopes, and other materials for the mailing to 73 individuals.

It has also been factored in how many duplicate notices had to be mailed

or sent due to the misdirection or loss by the post office. According to Commander Thornton’s records, seven renewal notices had to be resent as the member never received the original notice sent by the post office. This also adds cost. Additionally, the camp had multiple dues notices returned as undeliverable because the member had moved with HQ and the camp having never been notified. These instances were resolved by email or phone call to the member to obtain the correct address.

Therefore, the decision has been made to attempt electronic delivery of the Dues Notice this year. This will be accomplished in two ways. First, a general 2017 Dues Notice with a dues amount breakdown will be published in the May, June, and July newsletter. This may be printed and filled in by the member and sent with his payment to the camp adjutant. Second, a personalized Dues Notice Statement will be sent individually in mid to late June by email to each and every member for whom we have an email address on file. The personalized statement should be printed, completed, and mailed with

payment by the member to the camp adjutant.

It is vital that we have your correct email address on file. If an emailed notice is bounced back as undelivered, the member will be called to obtain a correct email address. Otherwise, just like sending through the post office, a successful delivery of the dues notice will be assumed.

For those members who do not have an email address on file, we ask that one be provided to Commander Thornton and Adjutant Crawford before the end of May, if possible. If a member does not have an email address on file, a Dues Notice Statement will be mailed via U.S. Post Office.

Thank you to the compatriots who continued to ask about utilizing electronic delivery and for pointing out the savings to the camp. The analysis performed of last year’s procedure has proven you are correct.

Electronic Dues Renewal NoticesNew or Updated Email Addresses are Requested Prior to May 31

Documents

The Telegraph Key · 2019. 2. 12. · The second new member, Lawson Rener, joins the camp as a transfer from the Major General William D. McCain Headquarters Camp #584. He is an ancestor