Josiah Pethel enlisted January 4, 1863 at Camp Forest with Capt. Anderson. Pvt. Pethel was in Co. B, 24th Battalion, Georgia Cavalry until, through consolidation of units, he was transferred to Co. C, 7th Regiment, Georgia Cavalry.
Records show that Pvt. Pethel was present on all roll calls through October '64. His horse died July 16th.
Pvt. Josiah Pethel surrendered with the remaining men of the 7th and General Lee on April 9, 1865.