American journalist and fraternity founder
Samuel Zenas Ammen (1843–1929) was an American Confederate veteran and journalist. He is known as the 'Practical Founder' of the Kappa Alpha Order.[1] He was the literary editor of The Baltimore Sun and author of three books.
Early life
Samuel Zenas Ammen was born on October 23, 1843, in Fincastle, Virginia.[1][2] Benjamin Ammen was his father and Naomi (Cross) Ammen was his mother.[1][2]
During the American Civil War of 1861–1865, Ammen served in the Confederate States Army.[3] He enlisted in Company D ("Finchester Rifles") of the 11th Virginia Infantry on August 31, 1861, for one year of service and was discharged May 15, 1863, or May 18, 1862.[4] He then served with Captain William Andrew McCue's Fincastle Cavalry Company, Burks' Regiment Virginia Local Defense to do cavalry service with the Confederate Home Guard in Botetourt County.[5]
Following the war, Ammen attended Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, where Confederate General Robert E. Lee was President.[6] While there, he founded the Kappa Alpha Order.[2][6] He designed its ritual, accolade and prayer.[2] He served as its second Knight Commander after John Francis Rogers for six terms.[1] During his tenure, he helped establish twenty-two active chapters and four alumni chapters.[1]
Career
Ammen became the literary editor of The Baltimore Sun from 1881 to 1911.[1][2][3] He was also the author of three books.[1]
Death
Ammen died on January 5, 1929, in Daytona Beach, Florida.[1] He was buried at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Lexington, Virginia.[1]
