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COL. J. W. HENAGAN.
Col. J. W. Henagan was born November 22nd, 1822, in Marlboro County, S. C. Was the sou of E. L. Henagan and wife, Ann McInnis. His father was a Scotch-Irishman. His mother Scotch. Was educated at Academy in Bennettsville and Parnassus. Was elected Sheriff of Marlboro County in October, 1852, and went into office February, 1853. In 1860was elected to the Legislature. Was re-elected to the Legislature in 1863.
Prior to the
war was prominent in militia service, serving consecutively as Captain,
Colonel and Brigadier General. In March, 1861, volunteered, and in April
became Lieutenant Colonel of Eighth Regiment South Carolina Volunteers and
went with the Regiment to Virginia. Was in battle of Bull Run or First
Manassas. In 1862 he became by election Colonel of the Eighth South
Carolina Volunteers and served in that capacity until his capture near
Winchester in the fall of 1864 when he was sent a prisoner to Johnson's
Island, Ohio. Here he died a prisoner of war, April 22, 1865.No Regiment of the Confederacy saw harder service or was engaged in more battles than the Eighth South Carolina of Kershaw's Brigade and no officer of that Brigade bore himself with more conspicuous gallantry than Colonel Henagan. He was always at his post and ready to go forward when so ordered. There was little or no fear in him to move into battle, and he was always sure, during the thickest of the fight, cheering on his men to victory.
Colonel Henagan, as a citizen of the County, was as generous as brave. His purse was open to the needs of the poor.
Did not know how or could not refuse the appeals to charity.
He was the eldest son of a large family. When about twenty years old his father died and left on his shoulders the responsibility of maintaining and educating several younger brothers and siters. He never swerved from this duty, but like the man that he was, did his work nobly. He was a dutiful son, a kind brother, a friend to all. He knew no deception, had no respect for the sycophant. Loved his country. A friend to be relied on. Was a farmer by profession. A good politician. Was a very quiet man, but always expressed his views firmly and candidly when called upon.
