In Honor of My Great-Grandfather....
Veteran of the War for Southern Independence

Pvt. William G. Farthing

The first Company Muster Roll that gives the enlistment date was for four months pay and reported he had enlisted in Pittsylvania County, Virginia the 28 of Aug 1861 for 1 yr. by Capt. Penick.

He had enisted into the 53rd. Regiment Virginia Infantry. This company was formerly Captain Penick's Company, Montague's Battalion, Virginia Infantry.

The 53rd Regiment Virginia Infantry was organized December 1, 1861, by the consolidation of Montague's and Tomlin's Battalions and Waddill's Company Virginia Infantry. It was reorganized in May 1862, and men of the 5th Battalion Virginia Infantry, who were of conscript age, were transferred to it by S.O. No. 200, A. & I. G.O., dated September 6 1862.

William was released from Point Lookout by Government Order No. 109, A. G. O. On his discharge papers he was described as being light complected with sandy coloured hair, blue eyes and standing 5 feet, 9 3/4 inches tall.