CSA Marker (Capt. Geo. R. Cuthbert's Company I Palmetto Guards from Charleston, 2nd SC Volunteer's, Kershaw's regiment, Bonham's Brig-Gen.) Enlisted as a private: 21 June 1861, Paroled: Greensboro, NC 2 May 1865.
The Times and Democrat (1927)
Confederate Veteran Ill
P.F. Harley in critical condition at Jamison home.
P.F. Harley (Uncle Kay) lies critically ill at his home at Jamison, seven miles above Orangeburg.
Descended from a line of ancesters whose name and reputation measured up to the highest standards, he early in life shouldered arms and bravely went forth to serve his country as a Confederate soldier. Wounded near on to death he was sent home from Chicamauga battle fields and lay bleeding and maimed for a long time before final recovery. His brother Frank lost his life in the same war.
Uncle Kay is now eighty-five. A book could be written covering the struggles and vicissitudes thru which he passed after his recovery from the terrible effects of war. Honorable, honest, brave, kind-hearted, and a "True Nobleman" this old war horse is quietly and uncomplainingly passing thru the sunset of his existence.
Two of his sons, James L. and Garv B. being old enough volunteered and served in the Spanish American War. A large family of sons and daughters and many grandchildren are living and call him blessed. One brother, Rev. Hampton Harley of Miami, Fla, is also living.
Old Soldier Seeks Comrade
P.F. Harley, Age 87, and Blind, Would Hear From Veteran. Jamison, SC October 17, 1929. Editor The Times and Democrat.
At the request of relatives and friends would like space in your paper to give a few facts concerning my age and life which have in the minds of some, become somewhat twisted.
I was born in Dorchester County (his father owned Harley's Tavern and Post Office) in the year 1843, thereby making my age 87 this coming January. I was quite a boy when I shouldered my rifle in June 1861 to fight for my country, being accompanied by my brother, Joe Harley, who fought gallantly through the four years. He was badly wounded and lay for many weeks in the Federal Prison, but lived through it all to finally lose his life by drowning, when he was on the homeward journey.
I first lined up with Capt. Geo. R. Cuthbert's Co. Palmetto Guards from Charleston (Co. I 2nd SC Volunteers) Kershaw's regiment, Bonham's Brig-Gen.
Would like very much to know through your paper, if any of the members of Capt. Cuthbert's company survive and if any would like to get in touch with them. I am totally blind, and am sitting or rather lying on the western porch of life, and a line from an old comrade would surely brighten my few remaining days.
I was actively engaged in most of the principal battles fought by Gen. Lee's Army in Northern Virginia, fought in the first battle of Manassas, Fredericksburg, Spottsyivania Court House, Cold Harbor, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Battle of the Wilderness, Bentonville, Chicamauga, and many other minor engagements during the war between the states.
I was severely wounded (20 September 1863) in the battle of Chicamauga, losing my right jaw bone, a part of my tongue, and half of my teeth. I still have in my possession the grim reminders in the shape of a bullet with a part of my jaw bone attached, and a blood stained diary in which I made my wishes known to my nurses. After three months in the hospital, I was given a furlough of six months, gaining strength to return to the front, and served until the end of the war. Being disbanded at Greensboro, NC 1865. Since then have always lived on the farm close to nature close to my Saviour, living by the Golden Rule, as near as I could.
P.F. Harley