Book Description

If you were researching your family's lineage and discovered that your ancestors took part in one of the most famous American wars in history, it would be difficult to not dig deeper to learn more. Born and raised in South Carolina, James L. Harvey, Jr. became curious about his own family when he realized that, even as an adult, he knew nothing about his ancestors. Through extensive research, he was led to knowledge on his great-grandfathers as well as other relatives and how the Civil War impacted all of their lives in South Carolina, and shares all of their stories in The Civil War In My South Carolina Lowcountry. Harvey reaches out to those interested in both American history - specifically the Civil War - as well as genealogical research through the stories of his ancestors. From a historical perspective, readers will be educated on large-scale battles such as the Battle of Tulifinny, the Battle of Honey Hill, and the Battle of Bentonville, to name a few. Readers will also learn of the Confederate regiments Harvey's ancestors served with - the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, the 17th Infantry Regiment, the 11th Infantry Regiment, and Hampton's Legion, among others - as well as each regiment's officers and staff, assignments, battles, and rosters of companies. Information is also included on the first all-black volunteer regiment (USCT) organized in Port Royal, South Carolina. From a genealogical perspective, Harvey honors his great-grandfathers' services in the war and the lives they shared with their families through the good and the bad. He gratefully discovered that while some members of his family who served during the war worked on plantations, not one of them enslaved a soul. He shares his family's Christian beliefs and the impact the church had during this dark time in history. Coming from a line of poor dirt farmers who did what they believed was right in defending their state, Harvey ensures his family name will live on throughout history. Jim Harvey is a native of Coosawhatchie, South Carolina. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from North Greenville University and the University of South Carolina. After 30 years of service, Jim retired as a Regional Director with the South Carolina Department of Corrections. He enjoys reading and writing about American history. He and his wife, Charlotte, have been married for 54 years. They are members of Covenant Community Church (PCA), where Jim serves as an Elder Emeritus. They have two adult children, four grandchildren, and one miniature therapy poodle. The Harveys live in Lexington, South Carolina.