Pvt. Cephus Feelings
Cephus Feelings was born in Waynesboro, GA, on December 29, 1896. He was the son of Thomas Feelings, a farm laborer, and Maggie (Mary) Williams, who managed the household. Cephus had two brothers, Charlie and Abram. Feelings worked as a farm tenant on S.G. Stewart's farms until he turned 21. During this time, he did not attend school and lacked the ability to read or write, a common experience for many Black Americans in the United States.
On April 1, 1918, Cephus Feelings was ordered to report to the local board in Statesboro to be shipped to Camp Gordon for training during World War I. He was assigned to the 41st Company, I57th Depot Brigade. He departed for Europe from Newport News, VA on the Aeolus on July 10, 1918 with Company A of the 517th Engineers. After arriving in France, he served with the 517th Engineer Service Battalion, which was a forestry battalion. He survived active hostilities only to pass away in France on November 26, 1918, due to illness. He was laid to rest on November 27th in the American section of the French Military Cemetery at Gerardmer (Vosages). Cephus Feelings' remains were disinterred on January 19, 1921 and transported back to the United States aboard the Wheaton. His remains arrived in Hoboken, NJ in July 192. His father later identified him, preparing for his burial at home.
Due to prevalent racial segregation during that era, festivities honoring Black American soldiers were rare. However, on June 15, 1918, William James, a native of Statesboro and superintendent of the colored industrial school, organized a commemoration for Black soldiers, attended by family and friends. Cephus Feelings' life journey from humble beginnings in Statesboro, Georgia, to his service and passing during World War I highlights both the challenges faced by many Black Americans of his time and the resilience they demonstrated. Despite the racial segregation and lack of recognition for Black soldiers, moments like the commemoration organized by William James show glimpses of unity and acknowledgment within their communities.
Black soldiers at Camp Gordon, the facility where Feelings trained.
Works Cited
Dexter Allen American Auxiliary. Box 1, Folder 7. “War Saving Certificates and Stamps.” Zach S. Henderson Library Special Collections, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA.
Feelings, Cephus. “Death Record of Cephus Feelings.” National Archives, 1918.
Feelings, Cephus. “United States World War I Draft Registration for Cephus Feelings.” National
Archives and Administration, 1917.
Feelings, Cephus. “1900 United States Federal Census.” 1900. Statesboro, Georgia.
Feelings, Cephus. Card Register of Deceased American Soldiers, NARA, NAID: 109024331.
"Passenger List of Organizations and Casuals," Item No. E-458, 10 July 1918. https://www.ancestrylibrary.com