March Haynes

Deacon March Haynes

NYPL Digital Collection

Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum

The story of March Haynes is a reminder of the legacy of African Americans actively participating in the struggle for freedom and equality in 19th century America. Like other well known and unknown men and women during this period he exemplified the fortitude, determination and courage it took to change the world.

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March Haynes was born on March 4th, 1825, in Pocotaligo, South Carolina. Little is known of his early life, however records indicate he was elected a deacon in the Wilmington Baptist Church in 1849 by the Reverend Jack Watry. In 1858, still in bondage, Haynes was brought to Savannah where he became the property of John C. Rowland. Mr. Rowland hired Haynes out as a boat pilot and stevedore, loading and unloading goods off ships. The practice of "hiring out" enslaved people was common in Savannah and a popular way for slave owners to maximize their profits. Working as a boat pilot Haynes gained valuable knowledge of the marshes and waterways of the Savannah river watershed. In 1861, John C. Rowland, enlisted into Confederate service and was sent to Fort Pulaski. He was accompanied by March who, still enslaved, was conscripted as a carpenter.

Siege of Fort Pulaski

Following the fall of Fort Pulaski on April 12, 1862, Union Major General David Hunter issued General Orders No. 7 . It stated that "All persons of color lately held in involuntary service by enemies of the United States in Fort Pulaski and on Cockspur Island, Georgia are hereby confiscated and declared free, in conformity with the law, and shall hereafter receive the fruits of their labor." In an interesting twist of fate, John C. Rowland surrendered and became a prisoner of war, and March Haynes became a free man. Haynes decided to stay at Fort Pulaski, becoming an operative for Union forces under the command of General Quincy Adams Gillmore of the Tenth Army Corps. Using his extensive knowledge of local marshes and waterways, Haynes carried out perilous reconnaissance missions and shepherded hundreds of enslaved people to freedom.

 

March Haynes Painting Martin Pate

NPS Photo

Take Me to the River

March Haynes immediately took advantage of his newfound freedom to help others gain theirs. In the spirit of Harriet Tubman , he became the top conductor of the Underground Railroad in the Lowcountry.
Fort Pulaski Army Chaplain Fredrick Denison’s account of Haynes says it best. "Comprehending the spirit and scope of the war, he was ready, on the capture of Fort Pulaski, to aid the Union and assist his fellow slaves in securing their freedom. By means of a suitable boat, that he kept secreted in a creek among the marshes, below Savannah, he brought into our lines, at different times, a large number of fugitives. Finally fearing detection, he came in himself and brought his wife. Still he was intent on serving the Union cause. He often made reconnaissances in the night, up the creeks along the Savannah, gathering information and bringing away boat-loads of negroes. General Gilmore furnished him with whatever he needed in his perilous missions. He ordered a stanch, swift boat, painted a drab color, like the hue of the Savannah river."
Haynes activities soon aroused suspicion forcing him to move with his wife to Hilton Head, South Carolina. In 1864 while in South Carolina, Haynes officially joined the U.S Army as part of the The United States Colored Troops . Four days later during an attempt to move people out of Savannah to the safety of Union lines, he encountered six rebels who commanded him and his faithful few to halt. In the ensuing fire fight, Haynes shot and killed 3 rebels but also took a bullet in the thigh narrowly escaping capture. He was hospitalized in Hilton Head, and never returned to active duty. After the war he returned to Savannah, becoming Deacon at his beloved First African Baptist Church in 1877. March Haynes died on July 16, 1899. His obituary was printed in the Savannah Tribune July 22, 1899.

History of the First African Baptist Church, from its organization, January 20, 1788 to July 1, 1888. E.K. Love, The Morning News Print 1888