Between Heaven and Hell: The Story of Samuel Jackson Shasteen

On December 31st, 1862 on the banks of Stone’s River, one of the most hellish battles of the Civil War would take place. However, as bullets rained and cannons thundered, one man within the ranks of the Army of Tennessee, facing down some of the most intense fighting of the three-day battle, would come to terms with his faith. He would set himself on a new path in escaping the war and serving his Almighty God. This is his story...

The Story of Reverend Samuel Jackson Shasteen (1835-1897) is a gripping tale that provides not only an enthralling story but also deep historical insights into how religion played a key role in raising the tensions before the war, helping soldiers and citizens cope and understand the violence during the war, and in picking up the pieces of their lives following the war’s conclusion.

Follow Cason Orr, a 2024 intern and descendant of Reverend Samuel Shasteen, as he documents this story along with experts such as Dr. Luke Harlow and Dr. Michael Bradley. Along with this, learn the process of interning and researching a veteran with the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War with Dr. Chris Magra and Laura Romans of the Betsy B. Creekmore Special Collections of the University of Tennessee. Lastly, travel to the actual site of the most harrowing moment of Reverend Samuel’s life at the Stone’s River National Battlefield and Cemetery with Sam Hauff, Stone’s River’s Community Outreach Volunteer Manager.

The Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War Website: https://cstw.utk.edu/
Reverend Samuel Jackson Shasteen Project:
Betsy B. Creekmore Special Collections Website: https://libguides.utk.edu/specialcollections
Stone’s River National Battlefield and Cemetery Website: https://www.nps.gov/stri/index.htm

Read More About Samuel and the Shasteen Family in Joy Gallagher’s Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Ancestors-Descendants-Shasteen-1786-1841-Tennessee/dp/B0948GRQ34/ref=sr_1_1crid=3A9RM10M52AMX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NVewxIyNrPjPNC9UQEi8Kw.QIb2_YWFoxtlIEeIkRUfsyqgu1LryA_uguiyMQFopGY&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+ancestors+and+descendants+of+william+shasteen%2C+sr.&qid=1723566746&sprefix=the+ancestors+and+descendants+of+william+shasteen%2C+sr.%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1

“Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.”

Music Accreditation:
Craig Duncan. “Lincoln and Liberty.” Civil War: Songs of the North. 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=XF7bv87fIlE&list=PL0qIEYjmoTu9Gj5YW5iflvNHGgcpLM_sx. Accessed 12/2/24.
Craig Duncan. “The Battle Cry of Freedom.” Civil War: Songs of the North. 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=wHLj4Pjbldg&list=PL0qIEYjmoTu9Gj5YW5iflvNHGgcpLM_sx&index=3. Accessed 12/2/24.
Craig Duncan. “Hard Times in Dixie.” Civil War: Songs of the South. 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=ZMUXHvt5um4&list=PL0qIEYjmoTu9Gj5YW5iflvNHGgcpLM_sx&index=22. Accessed 12/2/24.

Craig Duncan. “Shiloh’s Hill” Civil War: Songs of the South. 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=p2WGouECHfU&list=PL0qIEYjmoTu9Gj5YW5iflvNHGgcpLM_sx&index=30. Accessed 12/2/24.
David Baroni. “Holy Holy Holy.” A Quiet Place: Instrumental Hymns. 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=tIy7UHYUBiU&list=PLUA_oOdlqKsGUScSrYzt4gZNMfL1ygzQK&index=4. Accessed 12/2/24.
David Baroni. “It Is Well With My Soul.” A Quiet Place: Instrumental Hymns. 2013.
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=ypMdzER6g2Y&list=PLUA_oOdlqKsGUScSrYzt4gZNMfL1ygzQK&index=11. Accessed 12/2/24.
Mitchell William Miller & The Gang. “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqQZD0aMVZU. Accessed 12/2/24.
The Mills Brothers. “In the Sweet By and By.” Decca Faith Series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpWDuITz2PI. Accessed 12/2/24.

Видео Between Heaven and Hell: The Story of Samuel Jackson Shasteen канала Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War