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Col. John Williford Henegan

Col. John Henegan was born near Blenheim, SC in Marlboro District on Nov. 22, 1822. He was the oldest of thirteen children of Ephraim L. and Ann McGinnis Henegan. He attended the Bennettsville Academy and the Parnassus School, and like his father, became a farmer. Of Methodist faith, Henegan became involved in the SC militia at a young age, eventually working his way up to captain. After the death of his father, Henegan took over the family's farm and saw to it that his brothers and sisters received proper educations. Always interested in politics, Henegan ran for his father's old job and was elected sheriff of Marlboro District in 1852.

He was described as a quiet, yet imposing man who was very generous to all and true to his word. He was a gentleman, easy to make friends, and attentive to his family. Henegan never married.

Henegan was elected colonel in the militia in 1858 and two years later, was elected to the State General Assembly. When talk of war began, Henegan immediately volunteered as a private for state service. He was elected captain of what would become Co. K, 8th SC Volunteers. In March of 1861, at the regiment's formation, Henegan was elected lieutenant colonel. He was held in high esteem by the men of the regiment. Often taking on extra responsibility to help out his troops.

Henegan got his first taste of regimental command during the 8th SC's withdraw from Flint Hill in mid-July, 1861. At First Manassas, he solidified his bond with the men by rushing along the lines, shouting encouragement. At the regiment's reorganization in March 1862, Henegan was elected colonel. He was wounded three times, once severely at Maryland Heights on Sept. 13th, 1862 (which kept him out of the battles of Sharpsburg and Fredericksburg). At Gettysburg, he held the regiment together despite the horrific fire they took during the charge on the Peach Orchard and led them through the Wheatfield to the foot of Little Round Top. By this time, Henegan had gained the trust and respect of both Generals Kershaw and McLaws.

At Chickamauga, Henegan demonstrated both his skill at maneuvering the regiment and his tactical awareness on the field. He received praise of his actions during the Knoxville Campaign. As senior colonel of the Brigade, Henegan was given command of Kershaw's troops after the latter was selected to lead McLaw's old Division. He was the Brigade commander at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and North Anna, but returned to the regiment upon the addition of Col. Lawrence Keitt's 20th SC in late May, 1864. After Keitt was mortally wounded on the first day of Cold Harbor, Henegan immediately took control of the shaky Brigade and established a line that became the center of the Confederate defenses. He always recalled that that battle was the worst he ever saw.

Henegan was re-elected to the State Assembly in 1863. Six of his brothers served the Confederacy: Ephraim (8th SCV), mortally wounded at Yorktown; Malcolm (8th SCV) severely wounded; Charles (major and adjutant), 36th Alabama Infantry; Dr. Darby (Surgeon), 36th Alabama; James, captain and quartermaster, 8th SCV; and Angus (resigned from West Point), 19th SC Battalion of Cavalry.

Capt. Dickert wrote of Henegan: "...no officer of that Brigade bore himself with more conspicuous gallantry than Col. Henegan. 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, as he was always sure, during the thickest of the fight, cheering on his men to victory..."

Col. Henegan was captured along with most of the regiment at Abraham Creek in September, 1864. He was imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Ohio, and died there of pneumonia on April 22, 1865. He is buried in the prison cemetery.

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