Haines, Joseph

Joseph Haines

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Significance:

Company I, 36th Indiana Infantry Regiment

Place of Death:

Murfreesboro, TN

Date of Death:

December 31st, 1862

Place of Burial:

Murfreesboro, TN

Cemetery Name:

Stones River National Cemetery

Joseph Haines was from Indiana and was married to Sarah E. Haines. The couple never had children. On October 31, 1861, Haines enlisted as a private in Company I of the 36th Indiana Infantry Regiment. He may also be found in records under the surname “Haynes.” The regiment was organized in September 1861 at Richmond, Indiana, for a three-year enlistment. The 36th Indiana participated in major engagements including the Siege of Corinth and the Battle of Shiloh. They also fought alongside General Ulysses S. Grant at Fort Donelson before moving on to Nashville, Tennessee. On December 26, 1862, they left Nashville for Murfreesboro to take part in the Battle of Stones River.

The regiment arrived near Murfreesboro on December 29, 1862, after a grueling march. As part of Grose’s brigade, the 36th Indiana was positioned near the intersection of Wilkinson Pike and Van Cleve Lane, awaiting further orders. On December 31, they shifted slightly west of Van Cleve Lane. Grose’s brigade initially served in reserve as heavy fighting erupted to their right that morning. By 9 a.m., the Union right flank had been largely overwhelmed, and retreating troops fell back toward the 36th Indiana’s position. By 11 a.m., the regiment had still not engaged Confederate forces. Although they had not yet seen combat, their position proved critical in stabilizing the Union line later in the battle. By noon, scattered Union brigades regrouped along the Nashville Pike, with Confederate forces pressing close behind.

Grose’s brigade was then ordered to the Round Forest to support Hazen’s brigade in the fierce fighting known as “Hell’s Half Acre.” There, they helped repel four successive Confederate assaults before nightfall. The 36th Indiana remained in position on the Union left flank through the night of December 31, 1862. On January 1, 1863, they were ordered to cross the West Fork of the Stones River and occupy ground on the opposite bank, a movement that set the stage for renewed fighting the following day.

On January 2 at approximately 4 p.m., Confederate forces launched an assault to retake the high ground near the river. In response, Union troops—including the 36th Indiana—advanced through the icy waters of the Stones River to repel the attack. It was during this phase of the Battle of Stones River that Private Haines was killed, along with many others.

Joseph Haines was laid to rest in Stones River National Cemetery, in Plot E-1830.