Hines Family Papers, 1942-1950

Held by The Filson Historical Society

Creator: The Hines Family

Title: Papers, 1942-1950

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Curator of Collections.

Size of Collection: 0.33 cubic feet

Location Number: Mss. A H662c

Scope and Content Note

Collection consists of approximately 50 letters, primarily written by three brothers who were raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and served in the U.S. Army and Navy during World War II. J. Jordan (‘Jordy’) Hines, 1922-1944, was drafted in September 1943 and served in the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, participating in the D-Day invasion and Normandy campaign. He was killed in action near Metz, France in September 1944. William (‘Bill’) Hines, 1918-1981, served in the Navy and was stationed in the Fiji Islands. Francis (‘Frank’ ) Hines, 1913-1970, served in the 775th Field Artillery Battalion in France and Germany. Their correspondence was primarily addressed to their parents and other family members. Folder 2 comprises correspondence and official notices concerning Jordy’s death.

Biographical Note

Dennis and Gertrude Hines were descendants of Irish immigrants who raised a large family in Louisville, Kentucky during the early 20th century. Among the ten surviving children were eight sons, six of whom served in the military during World War II.

John Jordan (‘Jordy’) Hines (1922-1944), who had been employed at Peerless Manufacturing Corp. and Frankfort Distilleries, was drafted into the Army in September 1943. After training in Florida, he was sent to England in April 1944. As a member of the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, he participated in the D-Day invasion and spent the next 3 months in France, before being killed near Metz, France on 8 September 1944.

Francis (‘Frank’) Hines (1913-1970), served in the 775th Field Artillery Battalion and saw action in France and Germany in 1944-1945. He had a strong musical background and frequently sought out Catholic churches in both countries to play organs.

Walter J. Hines (1910-1991), a recipient of some of Jordy’s letters, served on submarines in the South Pacific, primarily the USS Searaven.

William (‘Bill’) Hines (1918-1981), served as a warrant officer in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Fiji Islands.

Patrick Hines (b. 1919), was a member of the Xavierian Brothers, teaching at Cardinal Hays High School in Bronx, N.Y. during the war.

Folder List

Box 1
Folder 1: John Jordon (‘Jordy’) Hines correspondence, 1942-1944
Folder 2: Correspondence, articles, documents concerning John Jordan Hines’ death, 1944-1950
Folder 3: William (‘Bill’) P. Hines correspondence, 1944
Folder 4: Francis (‘Frank’) M. Hines correspondence, 1944-1945

Subject Headings

Chandler, Happy, 1898-1991 – Correspondence.
Condolence notes – United States.
Death notices – United States.
Obituaries – United States.
Survivors’ benefits – Louisville (Ky.)
Ration books – United States.
United States. Army. Division, 90th.
United States. Army. Field Artillery Battalion, 775th.
United States. Army. Infantry, 359th.
United States. Army – Military life.
World War, 1939-1945 – Campaigns – France – Normandy.
World War, 1939-1945 – Casualties – United States.
World War, 1939-1945 – Correspondence.