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From: <>
Subject: Re: Henry S. Farley
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 10:17:10 EDT


Hi Dal5780,

Henry Saxon Farley, b. Feb 11, 1840 in Laurensville, SC is a very colorful
member of our Farley Family Heritage. Henry and his older brother William
Downs Farley are notable for their service to the Confederate Army in the War
For Southern Independence. Henry and William's father William R. Farley was
originally from Charlotte Co., VA and was married to Phoebe M. Downs of
Laurensville on Apr 7, 1831. They are very likely connectable to the Thomas
Farley, arr. 1623 Jamestown, VA, but I have yet to see this link proven.
Henry attended West Point Military Academy and was notable as the first
member of the academy to resign his commission to return to his native SC in
Nov. 1860 in support of the Cause for Southern Independence. Henry is a
figure of historical controversy and renown for his Confederate service in
the 1st SC Artillery where he fired the first shot (likely the signal shot)
at Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC which is generally noted by historians as
the "first shot" of the war. Henry's brother William Downs Farley is also
well noted for his brave service to the Confederacy. He was a scout for JEB
Stuart with a reputation for bravery. He was killed at the Battle of Brandy
Station from a cannon ball shot which severed his leg as he sat atop his
horse and was personnally memorialized by JEB Stuart who was to soon
thereafter die in battle at Yellow Tavern. A fantastic source with a ton of
information on these two famous Farley's is Robert J. Trout's book, "They
Followed The Plume, (JEB Stuart and his staff)," published in 1993, ISBN
0-8117-1760-7. Best regards, Jackson Farley

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