Joseph A. Haskin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Abel Haskin
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| Born | June 21, 1818 Troy, New York |
| Died | August 3, 1874 (aged 56) Oswego, New York |
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1839–1870 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War |
Joseph Abel Haskin was an important officer in the United States Army. He was born on June 21, 1818, and passed away on August 3, 1874. He fought in two major wars: the Mexican–American War and the American Civil War. He became a brigadier general, which is a high rank in the army.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joseph A. Haskin was born in Troy, New York on June 21, 1818. His parents were William Phelps Haskin and Sarah "Sally" Haskin. He grew up and went to school in Troy. His father held important jobs there, like being the sheriff of Rensselaer County.
In 1839, Joseph Haskin graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was one of the top students in his class. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant in the 1st U.S. Artillery.
Service in the Mexican-American War
When the Mexican–American War began, Haskin was a first lieutenant. He earned special promotions, called brevet promotions, for his bravery. He became a brevet captain for his actions at the Battle of Cerro Gordo. Later, he was promoted to brevet major for his courage at the Battle of Chapultepec.
During the Battle of Chapultepec, Haskin was badly wounded and lost his left arm. After the war ended, he was promoted to captain. He worked as a staff officer in the quartermaster's department, which handles supplies for the army. In 1851, he became a full captain in the 1st U.S. Artillery.
Role in the Civil War
When the American Civil War started, Haskin was in charge of the Baton Rouge Barracks. On January 10, 1861, he was forced to surrender the barracks to Confederate forces in Louisiana. Later, he was exchanged, meaning he was returned to the Union side.
Haskin was then assigned to the staff of General John E. Wool and became a lieutenant colonel. For most of the war, he commanded groups of soldiers in the Department of Washington. His main job was to help protect Washington, D.C. by manning the defenses around the city.
Defending Washington D.C.
In 1864, Haskin was in charge of the defenses north of the Potomac River. This was part of the XXII Corps. At this time, Confederate General Jubal A. Early and his army were approaching Washington D.C. Haskin had about 4,000 troops to defend the city's forts.
On July 8, General Martin D. Hardin took over command from Haskin. Haskin then went back to leading the 2nd brigade. During the Battle of Fort Stevens, Haskin's brigade held the line from Fort Slocum to Fort Totten. For the rest of the war, he was in charge of the XXII Corps' artillery.
Later Promotions and Retirement
Because of his important service in defending Washington, Haskin was promoted to brigadier general in the volunteer services. He also received brevet promotions to colonel and brigadier general in the U.S. Army in 1865. Joseph Haskin retired from the army on December 15, 1870. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Family Life
Joseph Haskin's son, William Lawrence Haskin, also served as a brigadier general in the U.S. Army. His daughter, Katherine, was married to General Marcus P. Miller.
