Jimmy Manley Writes About The Civil War

Pendleton, South Carolina is filled with a lot of wonderful, interesting characters and my friend, Jimmy Manley, is one of them. He is very talented and creative and is a born story teller. I have known the Manley family most of my life and I knew that Jimmy had written songs, invented a couple of board games, and was a veteran but I never knew that he was such a wonderful story teller until I started reading his posts on Facebook. Jimmy Manley can really spin a yarn! His first book, "The Civil War Started For Me At Old Hunter's Store" and his second book, "Riding Hard for Richmond" are definitely proof of his talents. Now, he has published a third one, "Iron Wheels on Iron Tracks" and I am looking forward to reading it, too. Check with Jimmy on where and when his next book signing will be. He has had several and I will try to post them on this page, too. The books can be purchased at Mountain Made on the square in Pendleton as well as other locations. They are also available at the Pendleton Branch Library.Photo Credit: Photo provided by Author Jimmy Manley

Jimmy Manley's book can be purchased at the following locations:Mountain Made in PendletonMcClure's in ClemsonThe Book Exchange near AndersonFigs On North Main St in Anderson. One can also order them from Jimmy L. Manley, 602 Harper Road, Pendleton, SC 29670. Send check for soft cover $20 and hard cover $24 and I will mail it to your address and will sign it at your instructions.Jimmy is planning a book signing at the Pendleton Library real soon. The date will be posted on this page.

Watch for news about an upcoming book signing

Author Jimmy Manley has had one large book signing held at the American Legion Building in Pendleton and had a wonderful turn out. Folks were and are anxious to read this very interesting and entertaining book. One reason they want to read it is to see if they may have been one of the characters for you see, Jimmy used many local folks as fictitious characters. My husband, Doc Hellams, is one of those characters and in the book he is a doctor taking care of the soldiers and their families. Jimmy says that he will appear in the sequel, too, but not for long because the rebels got rid of him since he was helping the Yankee soldiers, too. Jimmy shared this excerpt about Doc from the Sequel: He tells me that I also make an appearance in his second book.

"DOC WAS CAPTURED BYTHE YANKEES ALONG WITH OTHER REBS. DOC WAS SET FREE BECAUSEHE WAS DOCTORING YANKS AND REBS ALIKE. THE YANKS KEPT THE OTHERREBS PRISONER.. THEY LET HIM TAKE A WAGON, HIS SUPPLIES AND HISHELP WITH HIM."

Friend John Sitton comes from a long line of Pendletonians so he appears in "The Civil War Started For Me At Old Hunter's Store" along with many familiar names. This book does include some factual information about the war which is mingled with these local folks. From time to time throughout the book, Jimmy will reflect on his time during the Vietnam War.Jimmy writes like he talks so reading his book is like listening to him tell one of his stories. This is such a creative way to tell about this horrible time in our nation's history. Jimmy actually goes back in time and takes the reader right along with him. While reading this novel, I felt like I was right there.

The Back Cover of Jimmy Manley's book is used here with his permission.

Books are available at several locations or you can check it out at the Pendleton Library.You may purchase the book directly from Jimmy by sending a check to include shipping to:Jimmy L. Manley602 Harper RdPendleton, SC 29670Books are $17 for Soft Cover and $21 for Hard Cover. Checks payable to Jimmy Manley. Please add $4 for shipping.Photo Credit: Front Cover of "The Civil War Started For Me At Old Hunter's Store" provided by Ben Morton and used with Jimmy Manley's permission.

Click photo to be directed to the Anderson County Library WebsiteSeated are Jimmy and Laura Holden, the head librarian in our South Carolina Room. Behind are Jacky Manley, Marlene Loehr, Dawn Beard, and Rod Terry

Reverend Maurice Woodburn is also a character in Jimmy's book so he was on hand to give autographs, as well.

Photo: Pendleton Librarian Dani Lubsen and Jimmy ManleyPhoto by Ben Morton and used here with permission.