Celebrating Confederate Ancestors

Not actually sure if this is
John Hansford Callway.

Do you celebrate your ancestor who was a Confederate Soldier? This is a question I'm wrestling with. To celebrate is to take pride in them, their beliefs and their accomplishments. It is to speak openly about them with a sense of dignity and reverence. When I'm discussing my ancestors among groups of friends and strangers, a confederate veteran isn't top of my list. From a 21st century perspective, I know my ancestor's beliefs are 'wrong.' I am not proud that he owned slaves, that he fought to keep slavery, that he fought to divide the country. Yet, I respect that he fought for his beliefs. It's a contrary place to be.

My ancestor, John Hansford Callaway was proud to have served in the Confederate Army. He mustered in on May 10, 1862 in Hamburg, Arkansas becoming part of Captain Bragg's Company, Arkansas Infantry. He served until May 15, 1866. His soldier's life was recorded in muster rolls and widow's pension records providing me with an unique insight.

• May 10, 1862 - Enlisted at Hamburg Arkansas by A.J. Greenwood
• May to June 30, 1862 - Present for Roll Call: "Pay and Bounty due from enlistment."
• Sept 1862 - "On detailed service"with 1st Regiment Trans-Mississippi Infantry
• June to Oct. 31, 1862 - Absent for Roll Call: "Detailed with Sappers & Miners, July 18, 1862"

• Oct. 31, 1862 to Feby 28, 1863 - Absent for Roll Call: "Absent without leave."

•  Feb. to April 30, 1863 - Absent from Roll Call: "Absent without leave. Said to have joined Parson's Texas Calvary"

•  April 30 to Aug 31, 1863 - Absent from Roll Call: "Sick in Hospital. July 18, 1863. Bounty due. He has only received $30.00 to service enlistment."

• Dec 31, 1863 to Feb 29, 1864 - Present for Roll Call.
• Feb 12, 1865 - Prisoner of War "belonging to the Rebel Army, in custody of Provost Marshal, Memphis, Tennessee... sent from Gaine's Landing"
• Mar 9 - Released from prison by Captain Wilson

Other than him serving in the Confederate Infantry, how do I know that John Hansford was proud of his service? With the help of HeritageQuest I've been able to scour old books, on of which was History of Ashley County, Arkansas (1959). From the appendix (p. xxvi-xxvii) is the following excerpt:

"The great day of 1889 was September 26th when 3500 to 4000 attended a barbecue and "dinner-on-the-ground-celebration" in honor of the veterans of the late war. It was held across the street from the Gus Norman residence which was located on north main street in Hamburg where George Etheridge now lives, the property formerly being known as the Dr. J.W. Simpson place. Great preparations was made for the event. At a mass meeting at the courthouse the following committees were appointed to solicit funds: ... Egypt: B.A. Tubbs, J.H. Calloway and R. M. Barnett...Committee on speakers: M.L. Hawkins, J.H. Calloway, W.A. Roby and T.J. Wells. Everyone performed his duty well. On the great day everything was in proper order. The speaker's committee had selected Colonel Slemons of Monticello to make the principal address. Prior to the dinner, a parade with Col. Slemons, riding a fine bay horse and escorted by 300 veterans marched from the courthouse square to the picnic grounds preceded by a marching band. The exercises at the grounds opened by the band playing the Bonnie Blue Flag. ... The latter received uproarious applause as he spoke of his presence at the surrender and heard General Lee make his farewell address to his army. After the speaking the band played Dixie and the crowd went wild. After the barbacue the three hundred old soldiers met at the courthouse and organized Camp Jim (James) Norris, united Confederate Veterans..."

John Hansford not only served, he celebrated his service. I've decided that it's important to remember that without our ancestors, without him, I would not be here. So, Yes. I want to celebrate my ancestor, recognizing that I don't celebrate his actions. Now I'll remember and respect him, John Hansford Callaway, my great-great-great grandfather.