Henry J. Stainrook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry J. Stainrook
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| Born | Pennsylvania |
| Died | May 3, 1863 Spotsylvania County, Virginia |
| Buried |
Lawnview Cemetery, Rockledge, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861-1863 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Commands held | 109th Pennsylvania Infantry 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, XII Corps |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Cedar Mountain Battle of Antietam Battle of Fredericksburg Battle of Chancellorsville † |
Henry J. Stainrook was an important leader in the American Civil War. He was a colonel who led soldiers for the Union Army. He fought in major battles like Battle of Antietam and Battle of Chancellorsville. Sadly, he was killed in action during the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Contents
Joining the War Effort
Henry J. Stainrook lived in Chester County, Pennsylvania when the Civil War began. In April 1861, President Abraham Lincoln asked for volunteers to join the army. Stainrook answered the call and joined the Union Army.
He became a captain in Company C of the 22nd Pennsylvania Infantry. This was a regiment that served for three months. After his time was up, he left the army honorably.
Leading a Regiment
Later, Stainrook helped create the 109th Pennsylvania Infantry regiment. He was made its colonel in November 1861. His regiment first trained in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before moving to Virginia.
His unit became part of the Army of Virginia, led by Maj. Gen. John Pope. Stainrook was hurt during the Battle of Cedar Mountain in August 1862. A piece of a shell hit him in the stomach.
First Battles and Injuries
The 109th Pennsylvania was part of a larger group called a brigade. This brigade was led by Brig. Gen. Henry Prince. They fought at the Battle of Cedar Mountain on August 9, 1862.
Even though he was wounded by enemy artillery, Colonel Stainrook bravely stayed on the battlefield. His unit later helped protect the army's retreat after another battle. They destroyed supplies so the enemy couldn't use them.
Fighting at Antietam
After the Army of Virginia was reorganized, Stainrook's unit joined the Army of the Potomac. His old group, the II Corps, became the XII Corps. At the Battle of Antietam, Maj. Gen. Joseph K. Mansfield led the XII Corps.
Colonel Stainrook briefly took command of a brigade during this battle. His brigade advanced through the East Woods, pushing back Confederate soldiers. They moved towards the Dunker Church, a key location.
A Difficult Advance
Stainrook's soldiers reached the high ground near the Dunker Church. However, another Union division was forced to retreat, which made Stainrook's brigade pull back too. They regrouped behind a ridge.
Even though they had to retreat, General George S. Greene praised Colonel Stainrook for his courage and leadership during the battle.
After Antietam: Final Campaigns
The XII Corps did not fight in the campaign that led to the Battle of Fredericksburg. However, they did take part in the difficult Mud March. Stainrook was in command of a brigade again for a short time in late 1862 and early 1863.
The Chancellorsville Campaign
In the spring of 1863, Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker began the Chancellorsville Campaign. Stainrook's regiment was part of a brigade led by Brig. Gen. Thomas L. Kane. This brigade was in the 2nd Division of the XII Corps, led by Brig. Gen. John W. Geary.
Geary's Division was heavily involved in the fighting at Chancellorsville. On May 1, Stainrook commanded the skirmish line, facing the enemy. On May 2, the XII Corps had to move quickly because of a surprise attack by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson.
Killed in Action
On May 3 and 4, the XII Corps was positioned near the Chancellorsville House. They faced heavy fire from Confederate troops. On May 4, 1863, Colonel Henry J. Stainrook was killed. He died while bravely encouraging his men during the intense fighting.
